• Millions of small businesses at risk from COVID-19 crisis

    A shocking number of American small businesses, employing tens of millions of people, are at imminent risk of permanent closure if the crisis continues much longer, according to a survey of Main Street America.
    Nearly 7.5 million American small businesses are at risk of closing permanently if the coronavirus crisis lasts for five months, and 3.5 million are at risk of closure in 1-2 months, according to a nationwide survey of Main Street America (MSA). More than 5,850 small business owners responded to...Read more

  • State of Coronavirus in America, update

    The virus appears to have peaked or plateaued across much of the US, even as New York and other hotspots bear the worst of the crisis.
    At the end of a traumatic and deadly week for the coronavirus, there are signs that the crisis may be easing in large parts of the US. At this time last week, both deaths and cases were rising in every part of the nation—although the northeast was the worst hit by far. Now, cases and deaths appear...Read more

  • Urbanists keep planning through crisis

    Using online tools, urban designers conduct virtual charrettes during the coronavirus crisis. Envisioning the future of a city is a great way for all involved to stay productive and connected to the community.
    The Mullan Neighborhoods Master Plan public design charrette in Missoula, Montana, was scheduled March 23-27, just as the governor was ordering residents to stay home. The charrette went ahead as scheduled—as a virtual, online process—producing plans similar to an in-person event. Other design...Read more

  • How urban places can adapt after the coronavirus

    Walkable communities will continue to be viewed as ideal for live, work, and play—but more responsibility will fall on community planners to accommodate new desires, needs, and expectations.
    For many of us, the time of “sheltering in place” or “staying at home” has become a period of reflection, and a time to plan our next move for when we can slowly recover from the health and economic crisis. Most of us have already modified our social distancing expectations, consumer behaviors, and...Read more