Urban Planning Archives

Economics

United States of Failed Cities

Carl Schramm defines a failing city as one that can never expect to return to its former prosperity, and says we have at least two dozen here in the United States. But entrepreneurs don't make the best geographers.

Jim Russell

Economics

Vancouver’s Livability Crisis

The problem with placemaking. Or, what happens when a city becomes a magnet for the globe's upwardly mobile, with growth outpacing what the locals can keep up with.

Jim Russell

News in Brief

Should the U.S. Govern Lagos? Dhaka? Kinshasa?

A new book argues that the growing megacities like Lagos and Dhaka — with their massive suffering and chaos — are breeding grounds for epidemics and worldwide terrorism. And maybe its time for the U.S., and other developed nations, to intervene.

Lindsey McCormack

Social Justice

A Classic ‘Feel Bad’ Movie About Progress

The new documentary “Surviving Progress” takes a cautionary view of modern advancement and sees major problems at every juncture.

Lewis Beale

Social Justice

Library Parks Foster Community in Colombia

Medellín, Colombia’s “library parks” — built for its poorest residents — are bringing sanity and community to one of the world’s most violent cities.

Greg Nichols

Education

Public Schools Good for People Without Kids, Too

What makes communities strong and vibrant? Researchers say local schools bring a raft of positives to town — even for the childless — beyond creating an educated populace.

Emily Badger