Montreal builds on the parklet craze with innovative new urban spaces made from recycled shipping containers.

County and Municipal-Level Employment Forecasts, 2010-2040

County and Municipal-Level Population Forecasts, 2010-2040

The Church Brew Works

Meet the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development in Philly.

Alan Greenberger is the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Director of Commerce. He also serves as Chairman of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. He has been with the City of Philadelphia since 2008. Prior to that, he was in private practice as an architect and planner with MGA Partners and its predecessor, Mitchell/Giurgola Architects.

The Vacant School Buildings That Made Milwaukee Infamous

The city would rather spend $1 million a year on upkeep than let charters buy the abandoned structures.

The following excerpt is upsetting:

"The monopoly mind-set behind this policy was eloquently expressed by Milwaukee Public Schools Board President Michael Bonds. When asked by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about a proposal to compel Milwaukee Public Schools to sell their unused buildings to choice schools, he proclaimed that it would be "like asking the Coca-Cola KO -3.08%Company to turn over its facilities to Pepsi so Pepsi can expand and compete with the Coca-Cola Company."

This metaphor makes sense, but comparing customers to students does not. Choice of temporary thirst quencher (a privilege) versus the right to choose the source of a permanent education--this particular school board is not balancing the best interests of their students, their constituents. 

Awful name aside, I'm familiar with this concept-filling vacant buildings with art installations. My good friend is currently a residency in old officer housing on Governors Island. The installations were beautiful, but the buildings and its systems were crumbling around the projects. 

Washington Group Sees a Cutting-Edge Museum in a Vacant School Building

"Renovation cost estimates range from $25 million to $40 million, but Mr. Levinas’s projection is more optimistic: around $12 million, which his group will have to raise over the coming years. The building needs new heating and cooling systems, along with new bathrooms and wheelchair-accessible entrances, said Emily Eig, an architectural historian who has studied it.

“Of course, you never know with an old building like this and when you start, what you’re going to encounter,” Mr. Levinas said."