Since 2000, the rise in suburban poverty rates far outpaces the increase in urban poverty rates. An article in The New York Times reports suburban poverty rates are up 53 percent while urban rates have only increased by 26 percent. More than half of the metropolitan poor now live in…

In “Why America’s Young and Restless Will Abandon Cities for Suburbs” (Forbes.com – July 20, 2011), Joel Kotkin claims that as they age, young adults are abandoning central cities.  Yet his data show that on a net basis, central cities retained about 80 percent of their 25 to 34…

That's the headline on a piece from MSNBC.  When I started working to redevelop downtown Memphis in the mid-70s, a headline like that was unthinkable. And yet, there it is.

To quote from the article, "Most demographic and market indicators suggest that growth and development across the country are…

Sounds like another routine business release:  SAIF Corp., which runs Oregon’s workers’ compensation system, will move its Portland operations and 128 workers downtown.

Doesn't sound like a big deal.  But it represents the second major suburban tenant in Portland to choose a more urban location.

More significantly, the…

How do we help mobile talent connect with place?  Better yet, our place?  This is one of the big questions for cities. 

Lavonzell Nicholson and Ishaneka Williams have won a competition for the best business proposal to do just that: help the 23 – 35 year olds who…

Only in Portland?  Here's an ad from the Red Cross Chapter there for Singles CPR.  (Hat tip to Ethan Seltzer)

Alone on Valentine's Day? Find that special someone by attending our first-ever Singles CPR class!…

Detroit is a wonderfully complex city.  Yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet with a group of Detroit civic leaders (members of the CEOs for Cities City Cluster) who are working to bring 15,000 college-educated young adults to Detroit by 2015.  And they are focused on making Detroit an appealing…

Paul O’Connor, former head of World Business Chicago and one of the smartest urbanists around, was my guest for a recent video conference.  Paul always has provocative things to say. Reviewing my notes of our conversation tonight on a flight from LaGuardia to Chicago that I almost missed, I was…

Need tips on recruiting millennials?  Try the U.S. Army.  Here's a new report on the topic.

Gustav won't help, but nonprofit leaders in New Orleans are attempting to turn the march of young adults into the city a permanent settlement.  A dozen nonprofit and business groups are starting 504ward: New Orleans Calling.  The three-year campaign will include a Web site with job listings and other…