We’re getting another strip mall out on the edge of town, right next to the half-occupied strip mall built in 2007 before the last financial crisis.

Why Now Is the Time to Get Intentional about Placemaking

Placemaking is about making your city livelier and better connected. It’s also a powerful economic strategy. And right now is the time get serious about it.

StuderQuint StuderMay 8, 2020placemaking, Quint Studer, downtown, economic development

Don't Hold Your Breath for a Post-Pandemic "Suburban Renaissance"

Some are saying COVID-19 will lead to a “suburban renaissance.” We’re not buying it. But there are some places that might become more popular in a post-coronavirus future.

When Will Your City Feel the Fiscal Impact of COVID-19?

Every city will feel the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis. But which cities are likely to feel it worst and longest?

Building Strong Local Economies (without Cheesecake Factory)

If we want a Strong Town, we must stop tilting the playing field against the small businesses, against the local entrepreneur.

Top Story, Economic DevelopmentCharles MarohnMarch 30, 2020featuredcc, local economy, economic development

Growth or Stability

Local communities have been induced to sacrifice their own stability in order to pursue growth. We now need to stabilize our places with a Strong Towns approach.

Economic Development, CoronavirusCharles MarohnMarch 23, 2020featuredcc, economic development

Much Ado About "Mobile Merchants"

A street cart, food truck, or pop-up stall is the lowest possible bar to entry for an entrepreneur with a dream. As this kind of retail blossoms in our cities, let’s make sure we don’t kill the golden goose by imposing too much order on a phenomenon that thrives on a little bit of chaos.

Desperation or Aspiration? Latinos and the California Dream

Latinos are the largest ethnic group in a state with the world’s fifth-largest economy. And yet it’s increasingly difficult for Latinos to achieve the California Dream. Rebuilding an entrepreneurial and middle class is a complex problem, but it’s not that difficult to solve.

Economic Development, Top StoryMike MadridNovember 20, 2019California, Poverty, Race, economic development

How to invest in real estate in your town without taking out a mortgage or swinging a hammer.

So you want to invest in real estate in your town—but you’re not so keen on taking out a mortgage and rolling up your sleeves. Is there another way to buy in to your community’s future?

How Do You Solve a Problem Like North St. Louis? Stop Erasing It, for One.

Tech giant Square has announced that they’re moving to downtown St. Louis, sponsored by some big tax incentives—and they’re putting up the funds to demolishing derelict homes in the adjacent neighborhoods to boot. Is that really the only forward for the Gateway City?