Economic Development
Report: Which American Cities Are the Most Unequal
According to Brookings, this research is intended to inform local debates over the minimum wage. Drawing on Census data, the report finds that astronomical income gains are still concentrated among the biggest cities.
Businesses Band Together to Rebrand Their Block
It's just one block, but a block disrupted by changes happening just a quarter-mile away. So these businesses came together to rebrand their street and bring customers back.
Report Finds Surging City Center Job Growth
For half a century, suburbs surpassed city centers in population and job growth. These economic and demographic trends appear to be reversing. America's cities have grown faster than outlying areas and new research that jobs are coming with them.
Sprawl vs. Unions
The three very different stories of the building trades in Atlanta, Denver, and Portland show just how much urban development patterns affect workers.
Google Fiber Expands to Four Southeastern Cities
Google announced last week it plans to expand high speed internet service in four fiber-ready cities, including Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Raleigh-Durham.
On the Value of Inconsistent Setbacks
A columnist in St. Paul makes an argument in favor of zoning variances as a driver of incremental growth and economic development.
Michigan Economic Development Ideas Include Innovation Districts
Stakeholders in Michigan have bought in to the innovation district concept.
Documentary Examines China's 'Back-to-the-Land' Movement
Linda Poon shares news of a short documentary about a Chinese artist trying to "bring economic and cultural development to a village struggling to survive China's rapid urbanization."
'GrowSouth' Plan Demolishes Record Number of Structures in Dallas
A Dallas economic development plan called "GrowSouth"—spearheaded by the office of Mayor Mike Rawlings—removed a record number of blighted and nuisance structures in 2014.
Veteran City Leader Offers Strategies for Creating Dynamic Streets and Spaces
Drawing on longtime efforts to promote livability at the neighborhood, city, and regional level, Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Rick Cole recently highlighted lessons learned about "urban revitalization."
Focus on Scale-Up, Not Start-Up
Jose Corona of Inner City Advisors urges: to truly transform local neighborhoods, we must shift our attention to invest in enterprise scale, not start-ups, as a long-lasting solution for creating good jobs.
Key to Community Partnerships: Don't Walk Away in Anger
In a plot line of the documentary Gaining Ground, the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative fights to keep the lines of communication open with a large, partner nonprofit when a major conflict threatens their relationship.
Want a Stronger Economy? Focus More on Racial Inclusion
"We asked the question: How much higher would total earnings and economic output have been in 2012 if racial differences in income were eliminated"...
Toledo Healthcare Nonprofit Wants City Parkland for a Parking Garage
ProMedica is a locally owned nonprofit healthcare organization that is in the process of moving 900 employees from various suburban locations in the Toledo area into its newly renovated riverfront headquarters in Downtown Toledo.
New York City BIDs Have Indifferent Impacts on Economic Growth
"Rather than serving as a buffer against economic decline for independent retailers, it seems that Community BIDs are a hindrance to sales and employment growth..." writes Dr. Stacey Sutton in the Journal of Planning Education & Research.
'Better Growth, Better Climate'—Guidance For Resource-Efficient Economic Development
New report by the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate describes specific actions which can strengthen economic performance and reduce climate change risks. A key strategy is to build better, more productive cities.
Why Placemaking Matters: What's in it for Me?
What's your elevator pitch on why placemaking matters? Here's a couple rounded up by Hazel Borys, and some numbers that help refine their message.
Good Design Sparks Rural Community Development
Now more than ever, creative professionals are turning their attention to community development. While this trend toward good design is exciting, it’s harder to find in rural areas. Here are a few ideas from the forefront of rural design.
How Streets and Social Justice Intersect
A look at how streets affect health, social interaction, and economic development by Marissa Reilly, a Berkeley-based urban planner and Lillian Jacobson, a master’s candidate at MIT.
Jobs-Rich Cities: Three Potential Frontiers of Economic Development
Unemployment still looms above 2007 levels, and is coupled with the lowest labor force participation in 30 years. Arthur Burris outlines what kinds of strategies cities can adopt to help their local economies.
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
