Economic development is necessary for any community to grow and thrive. For smaller cities, however, this can be a struggle, especially when they sit in the shadows of major metropolitan areas. In these cases, public-private partnerships like Startup Waco … Continue reading →
A decade ago, Deltona, Florida, was a small city with few jobs and 250 acres of seemingly useless undeveloped land nearby. Today, that piece of land has transformed into the Portland Industrial Park, which has attracted major companies like Amazon, … Continue reading →
There’s much more to trail systems than their face value. For instance, grassroots advocacy organization Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has released research in October 2019 that found active transportation infrastructure, like trails, currently contributes more than $34.1 billion to the U.S. economy … Continue reading →
In Irving, Texas, it’s not uncommon to drive by a barbershop and see on-duty police officers inside. But no, these officers aren’t making arrests or gathering statements. Instead, they are improving community relations, one barbershop conversation at a time. The … Continue reading →
Ken Young, AICP, and director of community development, doesn’t use the word “boom” in regards to his city’s recent development but rather prefers to call it continued strong growth. “Several factors would be involved, of course,” said Young. “One of … Continue reading →
Nowadays, Spartanburg, S.C., is a growing, bustling city with a lively downtown area and an emphasis on all involved working together. However, according to Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce CEO/President Allen Smith, things were not always so good. In fact, … Continue reading →
The economy is becoming more global as we speak, and a seminar in Gilbert, Ariz., late last year only drives that point further home. Gilbert’s Office of Economic Development, the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Gilbert Sister Cities sponsored the … Continue reading →
As housing shortages become more prevalent, cities and towns explore creative ways to address the situation. Some cities are doing this is by changing zoning laws in what is commonly known as upzoning or mixed zoning. The move to single-home-only … Continue reading →
It has been nearly 240 years since a group of French-Canadian settlers came to the bank of the River Raisin in the Northwest Territory. The small community between what is now Detroit, Mich., and Toledo, Ohio, sat where the river … Continue reading →
To incorporate or not to incorporate — that is the question. The answer? Not so simple. Hampstead, N.C. has been trying for years to incorporate, according to Suzann Rhodes, FAICP, who has been closely involved with the so-far-unsuccessful endeavor and … Continue reading →
When it comes to showcasing and promoting the interests of its youngest citizens, the city of Pembroke Pines, Fla., doesn’t “kid” around. Not only does the mayor’s office host an annual all-day party to celebrate this special constituency, but the … Continue reading →
