Critics in New York City cite that community groups and city officials are often swayed to approve projects by unrelated freebies provided by the developer.
Community Benefits Agreements have been hailed by social and environmental justice advocates as powerful tools to ensure responsible development. The agreements, often required with large redevelopment projects that attract public subsidies, usually provide for living wage jobs and affordable housing, along with other concessions.
"Advocates of C.B.A.'s, as they are known, see them as an outgrowth of the Smart Growth movement â€" the idea that development decisions should address a broad range of social and economic issues like transportation, jobs and housing."
But in New York City, it is becoming more commonplace for major projects to offer all sorts of concessions -- including free tickets to sports events and cash for local community groups. Critics worry that new developments are being evaluated on the generosity of the developer, and not the merits of the project.
FULL STORY: In Major Projects, Agreeing Not to Disagree
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.
San Francisco’s Muni Ridership Grew in 2024
The system saw its highest ridership since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but faces a severe budget shortage in the coming year.
Colorado Lawmakers Move to Protect BRT Funding
In the face of potential federal funding cuts, CDOT leaders reasserted their commitment to planned bus rapid transit projects.
Safe Streets Funding in Jeopardy
The Trump administration is specifically targeting bike infrastructure and other road safety projects in its funding cuts.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland