• Embrace your local Opportunity Zones

    Even if you are cynical about about how big money will affect low-income communities, the smart move for municipalities and urbanists is to make the most of this big-impact program.
    Many urbanists have skepticism—even cynicism— about Opportunity Zones (OZs). This new federal initiative that was part of the 2017 tax law is still gearing up, but most agree that it will have a big impact on cities. “Given the significant interest among investors, it is possible that this new...Read more

  • Failing golf communities not on par with neighborhoods

    When real estate switched from building mixed-use cities, towns, and neighborhoods, the industry adopted less sustainable selling points—like golf.
    The failure of golf course communities continues to be a massive problem nationwide, according to an article in The Wall Street Journal . With 1,200 golf communities nationwide, and golf declining as a past-time, many homeowners face declining property values and are saddled with heavy membership...Read more

  • Compact living and climate innovation

    A city's density of habitation is a powerful tool to make a city more efficient. Here's how the most innovative cities are using it to fight climate change.
    Density of population and buildings defines cities in general, but for Urban Climate Innovation Labs—cities that are finding especially creative ways to solve the world’s climate problems—it can be a crucial advantage. A city’s density of habitation, especially its quantity of high-occupancy...Read more

  • We need ‘Goldilocks,’ not ‘voodoo,’ urbanism

    Cities generate benefits from concentrations of talent—but also from “spreading it around.” Striking a balance results in more equity and a more resilient economy.
    In recent decades, I have been one of those celebrating the power of urbanism: the capacity of cities and towns to create economic dynamism, expanded life choices, opportunities for active living, and healthier, more resource-efficient lifestyles. This power is perhaps most obvious in the dense...Read more