Economy
The German Economic Machine, and Its Implications for America
Frugality, a lack of debt, and a government focused on high production, low inflation and extensive social services are the secrets to providing many Germans with a standard of living higher than Americans making twice as much.
New Football Stadium in Los Angeles Faces Opposition
The Mayor has proposed a $1.5 billion plan to build a football stadium, named Farmers Field in L.A.'s downtown with the goal of boosting the region's overall economy.
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."
The Most Dangerous Cities in the United States
While many stories have been written about Detroit's turnaround, it took the top spot on Forbes list of most dangerous cities. Detroit had 1,111 violent crimes reported per 100,000 residents, which included 345 murders, writes John Giuffo.
The Importance of Comprehensive Planning in a Down Economy
In many ways, the Great Recession has been a frightening time for planners. As development slowed, the flow of applications submitted for new development slowed from its torrent at the height of the housing boom to the trickle it is today. With the decline in applications came a decline in workload for public-sector planners working in current planning roles and a decline in revenue for the jurisdictions that employed them. The end result was hundreds of planners being laid off, and private-sector planning firms competing with one another for ever-decreasing shares of work from public- and private-sector clients.
Power Players: 25 "Greenest" Cities
The Atlantic ranks cities around the globe with a roaring economic engine. Tokyo's formidable $1.2-trillion economic output propels the City to No. 1 spot. NYC, Chicago, Boston, and D.C. come in at No. 2, 4, 6, and 10, respectively.
The Boon in British Cycling
A new report from the London School of Economics looks at the “cycling economy” that is taking the United Kingdom by storm and the economic benefits generated by individual cyclists.
Shifting the U.S. to a Production Economy
Economic recovery depends on shifting the U.S. from a consumption economy to a production economy, according to this article. A good way to do it: build infrastructure.
No Increase in Debt Ceiling Could Crash the Housing Market
Financial analysts and members of the real estate industry are worried that, if the U.S. government doesn't resolve the debt ceiling crisis soon, an already fragile housing market will be dealt a serious blow, and with it the entire U.S. economy.
Answer for California's Problems: Divide and Conquer?
County of Riverside Supervisor Jeff Stone proposes breaking up California in order to form a new "State of South California."
DC Streetcars to Be a Shot in the Arm
It was nearly 50 years ago, when streetcars were seen on the roadways of downtown Washington, DC. Dan Tangherlini, the former transportation director for the District discusses why streetcars matter in the United States capital.
Urban Centers Key to Economic Recovery
A new Brookings Institute report points to urban centers as key for growing a "new" American economy.
Preserving Rurality
Rural areas across America are trying to figure out how they can improve their economies but still maintain their rural qualities.
Sustainable Transport Saves New Yorkers $19 Billion Per Year
A new report from CEOs for Cities shows that New Yorkers save a lot of moola on their transportation costs because of their city's walkability and transit options.
Forecasting the New American Economy
In this podcast, Next American City talks with the Brookings Institution's Bruce Katz about the emerging shape of the new American economy.
The Fleeting American Dream
The American Dream is a concept that's had a rough go for the past few years. A new survey shows that nearly two-thirds of Americans don't think that dream can become reality.
Driving on the Rise in America
After more than two years of declines in American driving patterns, the amount of driving seems to be on the rise.
Americans Moving Less, Getting Rooted
In the 1950s, nearly 1/5 of Americans moved each year. That trend is quickly reversing. Americans are now staying put in greater numbers than at any time since World War II, and experts have plenty of opinions on why that is.
Can Homeowners "Save the Dream"?
Andy Kroll wanders through the rubble of California's subprime crisis and finds homeowners waiting 10-12 hours in lines for mortgage relief, plummeting property values, and what may be the seeds of more foreclosures to come.
Boom in Utah Town
Growth is at a standstill in most western boomtowns, but not in well-planned, thriving South Jordan, UT. An expedited permitting process and good planning are given credit as catalysts for growth.
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
