During my early college studies in Architecture and Urban Design, I became loosely familiar with the ideas of Jane Jacobs, one of the most celebrated urbanist intellectuals. Sanford Ikeda's FEE lectures [mp3] have inspired me to learn more about Jane Jacobs from a Free Market Urbanism point of view. … [Read more...]
Archives for August 2008
Skyscrapers as Economic Indicators
Ever hear of interesting economic indicators such as the correlation between the economy and length of skirts? Here's one urbanists should appreciate: the skyscraper index, which shows strong correlation between the completion of world's tallest buildings and downturns in the business cycle. Mark … [Read more...]
Block on Road Socialism
For quite some time, Economist Walter Block has been one of the more radical thinkers when it comes to advocating free market solutions. Many of his writings on roads and rent control are featured in the Links to Articles, Academic Papers and Books page.Today's Lew Rockwell Podcast features an … [Read more...]
Housing + Transportation Affordability Index
affordability in New York CityPlay with the HUD-Brookings Institution's new index maps here:The Housing + Transportation Affordability Index, developed by CNT and its collaborative partners, the Center for Transit Oriented Development (CTOD), is an innovative tool that measures the true … [Read more...]
Glaeser: State of the City
I'm a little slow picking up on this one, but the Wall Street Journal recently interviewed Harvard Urban Economist, Ed Glaeser. Here are some excerpts from State of the City:THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: What effect will higher gasoline prices have on urban planning in the U.S.?MR. GLAESER: I … [Read more...]
Dealing With NIMBYs
NIMBYism is the biggest obstacle to the evolution of vibrant urban communities, but the incentives for some to use public forums to impose restrictions on neighboring properties are great. Local politicians often bow to the most vocal residents, often with minority opinions, to avoid making waves, … [Read more...]
Links and Weekend Listening
I've been swamped in my day job, but want to share the following:The blog, Agents of Urbanism recently gave praise to Market Urbanism. Thanks Matthew! Please check out Agents of Urbanism and Life Without Buildings, who followed up on Agent of Urbanism's praise. I enjoy both blogs.Carl … [Read more...]