The Congress for New Urbanism has joined the effort to change the lending practices, particularly of government backed mortgage agencies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, that discourage investment in Main Streets, in downtowns and in other revitalizing mixed-use neighborhoods.

CNU adds their voice to that of House Financial Services Committee… more

This great video features our colleague and Senior Advisor Joe Cortright who recently spoke with leaders in Akron about ‘Attracting Talent Through the Development of Vibrant Urban Centers’.

Speaking as part of the Urban Innovators Speaker Series, Joe shared his insights on the ongoing transformation… more

Building on the work of the Mayors’ Institute on City Design to transform communities by preparing mayors to be the chief urban designers of their cities, the National Endowment for the Arts has announced a new initiative to assist mayors in their design efforts.

The NEA Mayors' Institute on City… more

Our MyCity colleague from Seoul and St. Louis, Daron Dierkes has started this interesting discussion on city income taxes.

With the state of Missouri currently assessing whether cities throughout the state should have the ability to collect income tax from their residents, Daron looks at the impact this… more

In their Artists At Work Forum, Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs is convening local organizers of leading neighborhood art walks to share their insights on how to make these events successful and develop neighborhood business.

The panel discussion, moderated by Leigh Fagin, will feature business development consultant Mark Zak, Paula… more

This short video provides great insight into the new approach being taken in LA to promoting mass transit, including a great campaign, redesign of the experience and services, and highlighting public transportation as a solution to the challenges individuals grapple with.

When the automobile industry is spending $20… more

How will you create jobs today and for the next 100 years?

That’s the key question that has inspired this whitepaper just released by Elizabeth Edwards.  The paper outlines “why startups, specifically venture-backed startups, are the #1 driver of job growth in the economy and how venture capital… more

Daron Dierkes has suggested the interesting idea of a Waste Dividend, highlighting the need for a new perspective on how we think about trash and responsibility for its disposal.

His great example of the system in Seoul makes me realize how much we currently think of trash as some kind… more

How can cities leverage substantial costs savings in these tough times by using Web 2.0 technologies?  How can city leaders engender more transparency, collaboration and participation in their cities?
 
Innovative uses of Web 2.0 will be the focus of The Rockefeller Foundation’s 2 day CityCamp slated for… more

In the spirit of breathing new life into disused infrastructure, UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design graduate students were given the challenge of thinking big about repurposing the trussed steel span from Oakland to Yerba Buena Island.

Their task was not “simply to recycle, but to renew the steel bones… more

Delighted to see New York Times reporter Damon Darlin bringing attention to our work on "Walking the Walk" and "Driven to the Brink."  Given the plunge in real estate prices the U.S. experienced last year along with the foreclosure crisis, the twin studies provide valuable insight… more

What should libraries do to become relevant in the digital age? That's the question Seth Godin is asking.

While there are many reports that library usage has increased during this recession, with librarians turning into job search counselors.

But Godin insists that libraries "can't survive as community-funded… more

While much of the country is dealing with snow, China is making the most of it by turning the Olympic "Bird's Nest" stadium into a site for some fabulous snow sculptures.  You have to see these photos.

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While much of the country is dealing with snow, China is making the most of it by turning the Olympic "Bird's Nest" stadium into a site for some fabulous snow sculptures.  You have to see these photos.

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In this feature, Fast Company profiles 10 ways to help cities grow smarter.

In fact, there are 150 tips for building cities that are livable, sustainable and enjoyable for those who live there in The Smart Growth Manual just released by Jeff Speck, Andres Duany and Mike Lydon.

Designers rose to the challenges laid out by city leaders in New York City recently, to propose some new and creative solutions.

GOOD Design NYC I and II, run by our colleagues at GOOD and co-sponsored by CEOs for Cities, celebrated the unique ways that designers can serve… more

Want to know how a city becomes committed to sustainability?  Scan this impressive timeline of Oregon's Ecotraditions compiled by Melissa Dalton and Randy Gragg for Portland Spaces.  Then compare the decisions Portland was making in 1972 with those your city was  making. All cities should be blessed with… more