Developers

No More Hidden Gems Thanks to Investor-Centric Real Estate
Although large investors made only 4.3 percent of single-family home purchases in 2014, they may be reducing the competitiveness of traditional buyers. With ready cash and sophisticated algorithms, investors get there first and make better bids.
Op-Ed: End the Excuses for Lack of Housing Construction
An op-ed in the Boston Globe argues that the endless negotiations over new residential developments—including over the inclusion of affordable housing units—hurts the city's housing market.

Development Approval Process Hits a New Low in Los Angeles
As a particularly sad example of the morass of confusion and litigation that defines the development and planning process in California cities, renters have been ordered to vacate a newly constructed residential building in Hollywood.
Boise Finding Infill Solutions
An article by Sven Borg for the Idaho Statesmen introduces the concept of infill while also detailing some of the challenges facing a wave of development in Downtown Boise.
Developers are 'Poisonous' to Los Angeles City Council Hopefuls
Developers are persona no grata in a high-profile City Council election in Los Angeles. Is it a case of NIMBYs gone wild or the empowerment of neighborhood interests?

Trends in Master Planned Communities
Urban Land magazine gathered a panel of developers from around the country to discuss current trends in master planned communities—they all agree that consumers want communities in line with the ideas of new urbanism.

Why Developers Love Parks—the High Line in New York as an Example
The High Line is proving to be a powerful catalyst for development but the same can be true for nearly all parks (less perhaps the starchitect-designed projects near the High Line), explains former Empire State Development Corp VP Carol Berens.
On the Unintended Consequences of Inclusionary Zoning
"Affordable housing policies have a long history of hurting the very people they are said to help," says Emily Washington, citing public housing and rent control as evidence. She would also add inclusionary zoning to the list of failed policies.
Urban Land Institute Encourages Developers to Build for Better Health
The Urban Land Institute has a new project: convincing developers that they can, and should, design for health and wellness.
Techniques for Bridging the Activist-Developer Divide
A frank discussion about growth and development at a recent Vancouver forum revealed the extensive common ground shared developers and neighborhood activists, and promising techniques for bridging their traditional divide.
Can UK Politicians Force Owners to Develop Fallow Properties?
Britain's opposition Labour Party is promising to tackle the country's housing crisis as a centerpiece of its next election campaign. A proposed “use it or lose it” law aimed at forcing developers to build on fallow land is causing controversy.
Housing Boom on Tap for Downtown Chicago; Will the Bubble Burst?
Alby Gallun looks at Chicago's downtown apartment boom, which is supposed to add 4,700 units to the market by the end of 2014. Will lenders allow the bubble to burst?
Developers and Unions Lobby NYC to Expand Midtown East Upzoning
Former adversaries - developers along with labor and the construction industry - have formed "an unusual alliance" to push the Bloomberg administration to consider more expansive development rights for the area around Grand Central Terminal.
Decline in Chicago Parking Demands Have Developers Taking Notice
Mary E. Morrison reports on a precipitous drop in the percentage of renters leasing parking spaces in new downtown Chicago residential buildings, causing developers to rethink the way they build and market their buildings.
Should Cities Develop Their Own Condos?
Despite depressed home prices around the U.S., Toronto's condo market is still so hot that the city government is considering getting a piece of the action.
Montreal Needs to Tap Into the "Development Charge"
A group of McGill University planners have released a report on municipal funding highlighting untapped sources of revenue. The most glaring of them: fees levied on developers to pay for city services.
Architecture and Development Best Practiced Together
An interview with architect and developer Marcel Wisznia on why architects should develop their own projects.
Planning Rule Change Worries Locals in England
Changes to the planning system in England have locals and environmental groups up in arms.
Where are the Visionary Developers?
"The secret of Disney is doing things you don't need, and doing them well, and realizing that you needed them all along...Walt Disney was ahead of everyone, always." -Isaac Asimov, interviewed by Leonard Maltin
The "Socialist Developer"
Greg O'Connell has been called that, for his community-developing strategies that helped transform Red Hook. His new target: the small town of Mount Morris in upstate New York.
Pagination
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