This article from USA Today looks at how some big cities are reacting to rising energy prices. Two examples from metropolitan Phoenix highlight the fact that it is not only suburbs that are being forced to respond.
"Outlying suburbs aren't the only places rethinking growth and development patterns amid mushrooming costs of gasoline and other energy sources."
"Building on a movement in the 1990s that invigorated many downtowns, urban centers and adjoining communities are forging ahead with redevelopment projects to attract residents."
"Phoenix native Michael Hallmark, architect of the Staples Center arena in Los Angeles, Safeco Field in Seattle and other large venues, was part of an ambitious effort to bring sports and entertainment back to downtown Phoenix. He's helping plan the city's Jackson Street Entertainment District, which will make a neighborhood denser."
"He is narrowing streets and bringing in entertainment spots, stores, restaurants and condos. The district will tie in to Phoenix's new light-rail system, Arizona State University's downtown campus and the convention center. It follows "green" standards by developing under-utilized land, maximizing shade and reducing water runoff."
FULL STORY: Like suburbs, large cities are rethinking growth patterns
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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