Brookings’ Bruce Katz explains how municipalities like Los Angeles can create thousands of jobs in advanced manufacturing through connecting planning, industry, innovation, and infrastructure efforts.

In The Planning Report, Bruce Katz shares his views on the role of metropolitan areas, such as Los Angeles, to usher in new waves of advanced manufacturing and industries. As the urbanization trend continues, Katz explains how leaders of metropolitan regions can make conscious decisions to shape a future that strategically invests in infrastructure and human capital.
Looking at the Los Angeles County's strategic plan for economic development to 2020, Katz believes that Los Angeles has the unique assets as well as the area to continue attracting business, talent, and innovation, and to remain competitive with cities around the world. Noting that Los Angeles has particular interest in water innovation for both hardware and software, he explains, "In the global economy, we’re beginning to revalue quality products and smart products driven by technology and software."
Author of The Metropolitan Revolution, Katz takes notes of Los Angeles' efforts to advance partnerships between universities, start-ups, and advanced manufacturing opportunities.
The premise for cities is simple: How do you become the best 21st-century version of yourself, leveraging your distinctive strengths and opportunities?
Katz explains that as the global economy favors cities and metropolitan areas that can create an ecosystem of "innovation districts," where a direct line is drawn between companies, clusters, and the competencies of their academic institutions.
FULL STORY: Katz: Global Economy Favors Regions That Strategically Invest in Infrastructure and Human Capital

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 Diego Swaps Parking Lane for Kid-Friendly Mini Park
The block-long greenway will feature interactive play equipment and landscaping.

Tracking the Invisible: Methane Leaks From LA’s Neighborhood Oil Sites
Environmental advocates are using infrared technology to monitor and document methane leaks from neighborhood oil sites, filling regulatory gaps and pushing for stronger protections to safeguard community health and the climate.

Montana Bill Promotes Parking Reform
A bill before the Montana state senate would bar cities from requiring more than one parking spot per new housing unit.
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