The greater Toledo area needs to think harder about creating regional development if it wants to compete in the globalizing economy, according to this editorial.
"I want to know why some areas are making sustained economic progress, adding good jobs, attracting companies and drawing outside investment. Likewise, I also want to understand the obstacles that some cities face that keep them from enjoying similar success. The picture is increasingly clear."
"In an effort to answer these questions I've turned to some of the leading authorities on economic development. I've had opportunities to talk directly with several of them and to ask questions about what distinguishes successful metropolitan areas from the unsuccessful. I've read their books and papers and studied their research. They all have a lot to say. Many of them have different views and approaches. Some focus on 'talent,' while others focus on 'infrastructure,' 'incentives,' or 'community amenities.' However, one thing on which all agree and the theme stands out among all others in this complex field of economic development: A regional approach is needed."
"The strength and value of a regional approach to economic development has long been recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA). The 2007 EDA Symposia highlighted the fact that we are in a 'global economy' and that to successfully compete in this new environment, certain elements are 'required.' Topping their list is 'a regional approach.' Literally scores of case studies, comparative growth statistics, and the experience of professionals in economic development provide strong support for EDA's position on the value and effectiveness of a regional approach."
FULL STORY: Another look at regional development
Expert Voices 2019: Why Cities?
As cities define our world in new ways every day, Penn Institute for Urban Research asked nearly dozen urban experts, “Why cities?”
Regional Planning for Growth on Display in the Pacific Northwest
The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) released a new "Regional Centers Framework."
The Most Ambitious Land-Use Planning Effort in the U.S.—Not Where You Might Think
A 20-year, voluntary, bottom-up, large-scale, long-term planning effort in Utah has managed to bridge the divide between Mormons and non-Mormons, environmentalists and mining interests, farmers and city-dwellers.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
USDOT Revokes Approval for NYC Congestion Pricing
Despite the administration’s stated concern for the “working class,” 85 percent of Manhattan commuters use public transit to enter the city.
Tiny House Villages for Addressing Homelessness: An Interview with Yetimoni Kpeebi
One researcher's perspective on the potential of tiny homes and owner-built housing as one tool to fight the housing crisis.
Preserving Altadena’s Trees: A Community Effort to Save a Fire-Damaged Landscape
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena Green is working to preserve fire-damaged but recoverable trees, advocating for better assessment processes, educating homeowners, and protecting the community’s urban canopy from unnecessary removal.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Investigation Reveals Just How Badly California’s Homeless Shelters are Failing
Fraud, violence, death, and chaos follow a billion dollar investment in a temporary solution that is proving ineffective.
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.
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research