Black churches are playing an ever-more important role in urban revitalization efforts -- including buying stadiums.
"Some say it is the biggest symbol yet that the black church in America has arrived. Others worry it signals an entrepreneurial evangelism that jeopardizes the church's spiritual mission. Either way, the Faithful Central Bible Church's recent purchase of the Great Western Forum -- the 17,600-seat arena that once housed the Los Angeles Lakers -- offers a window into the triumphs and challenges facing black churches today."
Thanks to Laura Krafft
FULL STORY: Black churches as big players in city renewal

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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