Economic Growth

Report: 9.8 Miles of New Train Track on Long Island Could Generate More Than 14,000 Jobs

A report from the Long Island Index explores the economic impact of a new Third Track on the Long Island Rail Road.

May 13, 2014 - Long Island Press

Texas State Capitol building

America’s Fastest-Growing Cities

Forbes recently released its annual list of America’s Fastest-Growing Cities. The list considers both population and economy.

February 27, 2014 - Forbes

Is Traffic Congestion Good or Bad?

No one likes to be stuck in traffic. But while empty streets may look great from behind the wheel of a car, they could signal a city in distress. A new study identifies the tipping point at which congestion becomes a drag on a city's economy.

October 22, 2013 - The Atlantic Cities

Population Growth and Prosperity Don't Go Hand in Hand

If your city isn't attracting hordes of new residents does that mean it's not growing economically? Richard Florida and his colleagues seek to undermine those who equate population growth with economic health.

October 2, 2013 - The Atlantic Cities

World Population Map

Asia's Emergence in One Stunning Map

A simple graphic posted to Reddit recently shows that more than half of the world's total population resides within a circle drawn over Asia. For Matthew Yglesias, it "underscores the fundamental truth of 21st-century economics."

May 8, 2013 - Slate

Chief Chinese Economist Calls For "Two-Child" Policy

China's slowing economy has prompted calls from economists to reconsider the "one-child" policy that has contributed to a shrinking labor pool. It's annual population growth rate was .57% for 2000-2010. By comparison, the U.S. rate was .97%

January 23, 2013 - The Wall Street Journal

World population

High Density Means More Economic Growth and More Happiness, Too

Using new analysis of recent US Census data, Richard Florida demonstrates that “[c]ities and regions where density is more concentrated near their urban cores — appear to gain the biggest economic advantage.” That, and a tad more happiness.

November 30, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

The Bad News About Rising Home Prices

Economists see America's recovering housing market as a positive indication of the country's economic health. But according to a new study, rising home prices "decrease income mobility and ultimately hurt the U.S. economy," reports Nicole Goodkind.

October 27, 2012 - CNBC

Cash-Strapped City? Chinese Capital to the Rescue!

Despite heated political rhetoric on the national stage, the Toledo mayor courts Chinese investors.

October 2, 2012 - The Financial Times

America's Most Economically Sustainable Small Communities

Ben Schiller delves into recent rankings that aim to demonstrate how smaller sized counties can achieve sustainable economic impacts.

April 11, 2012 - Fast Coexist

Fast Broadband = Fast Money

Michael Coren examines the influence of internet connection speeds on economic production and the reasons why he believes "broadband will become the interstate highways of the 21st century."

March 28, 2012 - Fast Company Co.Exist

Times Square: Not Just for Tourists Anymore

It's unlikely to surprise anyone to learn that Times Square is an invaluable asset to New York City's economy, but as Patrick McGeehan points out, it has as much to do with offices as with hotels and entertainment.

March 23, 2012 - New York Times - City Room Blog

Richard Florida on the Importance of Place

Richard Florida, interviewed by blogger Dave Copeland, says that quality of place is going to be of growing importance in the coming era to keep cities vibrant and attracting talent and the "creative class."

October 12, 2011 - MyCityWay Blog

Tracking Recovery in American Metros

This latest report from The Brookings Institution tracks economic recovery in 100 American metropolitan areas

March 21, 2011 - The Brookings Institution

The Economic Forces Behind Urbanization

This podcast from The Guardian explores why cities have grown in population and what economic forces are behind this shift.

March 20, 2011 - Guardian

The Transformation of the Great Plains States

Joel Kotkin reports that the from Dallas to Des Moines and Bismark, the urban areas of the Great Plains states has seen steady growth thanks to energy, agriculture and high-tech jobs.

July 4, 2010 - New Geography

India's Transportation Infrastructure Not Keeping Up

Aging and under-maintained rail and transportation infrastructure in India could severely stifle the country's development, according to some critics.

June 17, 2010 - The New York Times

High Speed Rail Spurring Economic Growth in China

A large-scale program of high speed rail projects is creating a huge economic impact in China. The fast timeline for these rail projects and the jobs they are creating have American officials looking on jealously.

February 14, 2010 - The New York Times

Can Charlotte Overtake Atlanta as Powerhouse of the South?

Atlanta is seen by many as the economic powerhouse of the South. But some say Charlotte's progress in providing transit and reducing traffic may begin to tip the scales.

May 13, 2009 - Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Unsustainable Humanity

Bill Rees, creator of the ecological footprint concept, warns that economic growth needs to slow down greatly if we want to maintain a civilized life on Earth.

March 4, 2009 - Vancouver Magazine

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.