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…

In a presentation last night to young professionals in Chicago on the ways to turn around America’s global image, Keith Reinhard, chairman emeritus of DDB Worldwide and the founder and president of Business for Diplomatic Action, offered an interesting perspective on ‘recruiting’ people to the U.S.…

To kick off its Strategy Session 2009 in San Diego, CEOs for Cities spoke via teleconference with Mike Strautmanis, a key aide in the Obama White House who was traveling with the President during his west coast tour last week.  Mike talked about what cities can expect in the first…

Across the country, many urban neighborhoods are experiencing dramatic transformations. Parking lots, underused commercial properties, and former industrial sites are being replaced by condos, apartments, and townhouses. In spite of the many impressive projects, a central question remains: Do such examples add up to a fundamental shift in the geography…

I am ready to scream.  Since when did building new highways and bridges become the only thing "real," the only thing "worthy," the only thing "smart," the only thing that is given a pass as "not pork"?  Llistening to some members of Congress and the media, you would think that…

From new Portland Mayor Sam Adams inaugural remarks:

What a glorious and quirky city we have.  Where else can you buy a donut designed to look like “dirt?”   Or browse one of the world’s largest bookstores and then walk a couple of blocks to the world’s smallest park. There is…

This morning's NYT carried a full page of pictures and bios on President-elect Barack Obama's key appointments.  The last one on the page:  Aldolfo Carrion to lead the Office of Urban Policy.  Just one problem:  To my knowledge Obama hasn't yet made that announcement.  U.S. mayors met with Valerie Jarrett,…

The University of England, concerned that their campus was soon to be overrun by surface parking lots, has started a free bike program.  Beyond reduction of the number of parking spaces, the program has highlighted a host of advantages from student health (i.e. eliminating…

"Over the…

Inspired by the work of CEOs for Cities and Joe Cortright on City Vitals, this report just released provides a check on the vital signs of Australia’s major cities.  Comparative Capitals compares how each of the cities are faring in attracting and keeping young, educated and creative workers;…

Here's one exciting path to lifelong learning.

TeachStreet has just launched in Portland, Oregon. According to Springwise, the site features "more than 55,000 teachers, trainers, tutors, instructors, coaches and classes in the Pacific Northwest, 25,000 of which are in the Portland area... TeachStreet aims to unearth hidden…

What would 8,500 people in 14 major cities on five continents say about the places they live?  That’s what French-based Veolia Environnement set out to learn when they commissioned a first-of-its-kind survey that was released July 29.

Here’s what they learned:

People value cities for the things that…

Loved this sign I found while shopping at ABC Carpet and Home this weekend.