Regionalism on the Web
Here’s a list of web sites where you’ll find valuable information on regionalism and its related topics — from land use to sustainability to governance reforms.
Brookings Institution Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy
A lead research organization focused on how changes in national policy could reduce wasteful sprawl development and enhance social equity and a fair break for inner cities and older suburbs. It conducts many major policy studies, holds conferences, seeks to coordinate action in the field.
Regional Community News
For a free Yahoo subscription, send an e-mail to regions_work-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
This very handy and informative bi-weekly electronic bulletin lists articles on regionalism from across the United States and the world, with a brief description of each item and the necessary links). Tom Christoffel, the author-sponsor, is a Virginia-based planner associated with the World Future Society and National Association of Regional Councils (http://regionalintelligence.com/pages/881769/)
National Association of Regional Councils
The official organization of America’s regional councils of government. This is also the home site for NARC’s Institute for the Regional Community, conducting leading-edge research, and the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
Lincoln Land Institute
A lead U.S. research organization on land uses and land taxation, including the famed Henry George theory of land-based taxation. See especially as recommended by the Alliance for Regional Stewardship. Regionalism on Purpose: An excellent Lincoln Land Institute Report summarizes both theory and practice on such topics as: what is regionalism, why all the attention now, what can regionalism provide that localism can’t (and visa versa), where is regionalism occurring, in what ways, to what effect, and who leads in a regional world? This report addresses the all-important question — regionalism for what? Regionalism should not be seen as an end in itself (or even as an ism) but rather a means for achieving important ends such as competitive economies, more livable communities, an increasingly equitable society and an open and democratic decision-making process. The paper provides some important historical and theoretical background on regionalism in America, case studies of practice from six diverse regions, and important challenges to regionalism. The report also offers the following observation: “One practice-based model to emerge from these realities [of networked and shared power] is that of ‘regional stewardship,’ which emphasizes a commitment to place rather than issue, an integrated approach to issues and solutions, and the development of broad coalitions sharing a regional vision.” Copies of this report can be ordered from Coretta Rival (coretta@lincolninst.edu) for $14.00.
Planetizen Web Site
A cornucopia of articles from leading newspapers, and directly submitted commentary, on critical urban planning issues.
International Economic Development Council
Top-notch information on development practices, from Main Streets to industrial revival.
Surface Transportation Policy Project
STPP was the critical group in making ISTEA — the first federal legislation of the citistate era– a reality, and now follows TEA-21 regularly. Excellent web page on all transportation-related issues.
EPA’s Smart Growth Site
To its credit, the federal government’s EPA took interest in the smart growth movement under the Clinton administration — and has continued in the Bush administration, under formerly New Jersey Gov. Christie Todd Whitman. The web site now has a cornmucopia of information on smart growth-related topics and organizations.
Smart Growth Network
A premier networking contact on the whys and hows of compact metropolitan-area development. Formed from inside the Environmental Protection Administration in 1996, now in alliance with the Urban Land Institute and others on smart growth agendas.
International Downtown Association
Urban Land Institute
Top developer organization in the USA, now taking much more interest in the futures of cities and more rational land use. You may wish to consider subscribing to the ULI’s excellent weekly News Roundup including key development news from papers around the U.S.
Center for Neighborhood Technology
Headquartered in Chicago, CNT conducts research and projects aimed at developing more equitable and sustainable communities. Among its major projects: invention of the location efficient mortgage, popularizing the idea of “hidden assets” in older urban areas, and support for broadened public transportation service.
Initiative for a Competitive Inner City
Founded by Harvard Business School’s Prof. Michael Porter, the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) is seeking to spark new thinking about the real world business potential of inner city areas so often written off as unproductive and unprofitable.
Virginia Tech Metropolitan Institute Web Site
An interesting collection of research, articles, references on growth-related issues, including well-known work of Robert Lang.
Sustainable Urban Neighborhoods
Site of a model outreach into an inner city community, conceived and carried out by the University of Louisville.
National Association of Counties
National League of Cities
U.S. Conference of Mayors
American Planning Association
Congress for the New Urbanism
A progressive group that’s gone way beyond its original charter to promote neotraditional architecture and planning — now a major voice for thoughtful regional development.
Collaborative Economics
America’s leading firm designing economic strategies for region — experts in cluster analysis, civic entrepreneurship. Principals Doug Henton, Kim Walesh and John Melville are authors of Grassroots Leaders for a New Economy.
California Center for Regional Leadership
The California statewide alliance to promote Golden State regional leadership attuned to the economy, social equity, the environment, governance reform and social equity. California lagged for yours on regional thinking and leadership; now it may be leaping to the head of the pack.
Local Government Commission
The title says government, but this is really a Sacramento-based independent non-profit that blazes trails in the West for sustainability, healthy local economies and sound planning linked to social equity. The commission and its affiliated Center for Livable Communities helped develop the now famous “Ahwanhee Principles” for resource-efficient local and regional land-use planning. Now it’s working on a parallel set of economic development principles tied to sound growth and livability. The site is rich in references to particular projects.
National Association to Restore Pride in America’s Capital City
Every regional of America could use a web site like this. It’s focused on the future of Washington, D.C., but in a broad regional context. Its contents include regional comparisons, official studies, issues of governance, alternative futures for the city and region. Especially impressive: a full listing, with descriptions, of relevant agencies and organizations, among them the D.C. Agenda Project and the new “Greater Washington” operation for regional citizenship led by Bruce Adams.
About Planning
About Planning is an independent and unaffiliated clearing house for information, websites, publications and essays on land use planning, growth management, smart growth and New Urbanism.
Smart Communities Network
The Department of Energy’s site on sustainable development, including numerous citations on land use planning, transportation, municipal energy, sustainable business and the like.