Detroit and Chicago are Rust Belt cities, and citizens need to understand just how different their situations are from the hot property markets of the coasts, Pete Saunders argues.
Pete Saunders reports on two recent studies examining Chicago and Detroit. The research shows two cities that have more in common with the cities near them than those on the coasts. "Unlike Silicon Valley, moderate density urban/suburban housing stock is still affordable.“ Chicago's challenges lie in stimulating moribund housing markets, not in building more homes," Pete Saunders writes in Forbes. Saunders sees a similar supply dynamic in Detroit.
However, supply is not the only thing slowing demand for housing in the cities. "Chicago and Detroit both suffer from large areas that have long legacies of disinvestment, suffer from negative perceptions that hinder redevelopment opportunities, and housing styles and sizes that don't always match contemporary demand," Saunders reports.
FULL STORY: Understanding Rust Belt Housing Markets
Local Leadership and Civic Networks: What History Can Tell Us About Urban Success
The next time a city or community is struggling, rather than looking only to macroeconomic forces or national policymakers for reasons, we should equally examine the strength of local leadership and the texture of their networks.
Economic Recovery in Legacy Cities
Americans living in legacy cities face a unique set of challenges and opportunities in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Several local, state, and federal support strategies could aid these cities in recouping losses.
The Impact of Segregation and Disinvestment on Chicago's Black Population
The city is losing black residents, but those who stay are relocating to parts of the city with less transportation access and opportunities.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
How Housing as a Financial Product Harms Communities
Institutional buyers who treat housing as an investment product become disconnected from the impacts of higher rents, displacement, and housing instability.
Blinded by the Light: When Brighter Headlights Decrease Safety
Bright LED headlights can create glare and reduce visibility for other drivers and pedestrians.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
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