Cities are learning to tap the economic power of students to revive downtown areas.
"[A] few visionary educators and downtown boosters see the potential to transform the central city into an after-classes hangout for young people pining for college town atmosphere and amenities in an urban environment...universities are already creating economic partnerships with developers, non-profit foundations and city governments --- and with other universities --- to redevelop downtowns and dilapidated neighborhoods... Traditional small college towns, such as Athens, whose economies revolve around the hometown university, have long taken advantage of their captive youth market. But big cities like Atlanta, with office workers, conventioneers and tourists mixing with students on sidewalks, tend to ignore the untapped wealth behind university walls."
Thanks to Robert Hopwood
FULL STORY: Does downtown Atlanta have what it takes to become . . . College town USA?

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

Dear Tesla Driver: “It’s not You, It’s Him.”
Amidst a booming bumper sticker industry, one writer offers solace to those asking, “Does this car make me look fascist?”

A Visual Celebration of Manhattan’s Chinatown Elder Community, Through Food
Lanterns, cafeteria trays, and community connection take center stage in this stunning photo essay.

How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
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.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service