Category: Economic Development

Economic Development, International, Personal Reflections

Eggs & Experts: Cuba’s Uncertain Economic Future

Where are the eggs? Challenges in Cuba’s economic development On my taxi ride from Havana’s airport, I passed by a run-down building where thousands of egg cartons lay visibly stacked on the floor. These eggs sat in an open-air, visible from the street, unrefrigerated building on a hot Caribbean island. Counterintuitively, this was the first sign of the egg shortage in Havana, eggs being a … Continue reading Eggs & Experts: Cuba’s Uncertain Economic Future

Carolina Planning Journal Board
Downtown Revitalization, Economic Development, Land Use and Environmental Planning

The Impacts of Defining and Classifying Brownfields

 This piece was originally written by Ben Berolzheimer for Planning Methods (PLAN 720) in November 2018. What are brownfields and why should planners care about them? The United States EPA (1) defines a brownfield as “a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.” Brownfields are located in just about … Continue reading The Impacts of Defining and Classifying Brownfields

Carolina Planning Journal Board
Economic Development, Housing and Community Development

Racial Inequality, Gentrification, and Poverty: The History and Context of Durham’s Affordability Crisis

On any given night in Durham, young people mill about on Rigsbee Avenue, ducking into the bars and restaurants that have cropped up there. Liberty Warehouse, an upscale condominium complex that once was a tobacco auction warehouse, looms farther up the street. The transformation of this street is emblematic of Durham’s transition from a working-class tobacco town to a hip city known for its food … Continue reading Racial Inequality, Gentrification, and Poverty: The History and Context of Durham’s Affordability Crisis

Carolina Planning Journal Board
Architecture, Bike Ped, Economic Development, Photo Contest

Carolina Angles’ First Semi-Annual Photo Contest

Fall break is a great opportunity to explore a nearby town or city. This year, Carolina Angles launched its first Semi-Annual Photo Contest. Planning students submitted their favorite photos from fall break for a chance to win. The winning photo shows us the Biltmore Conservatory in Asheville, NC. Other entries include beautiful scenery from Hanging Rock State Park, a Mid-century Modern Home from Moyaone Reserve, … Continue reading Carolina Angles’ First Semi-Annual Photo Contest

Carolina Planning Journal Board
Economic Development, Original Research

Threading together Carolina’s Textile Manufacturing Comeback

Urban economic developers are experimenting with novel strategies that leverage the maker movement to revitalize American manufacturing. To paraphrase the Brookings Institute, the maker movement consists of independent designers and “tinkerers” that use online marketing platforms like Etsy or Grommet, along with new digital technologies to “democratize manufacturing and reinvigorate small-batch, craft production and sales.” As a place-based strategy, support for the maker-movement has much … Continue reading Threading together Carolina’s Textile Manufacturing Comeback

Carolina Planning Journal Board
Economic Development, Land Use and Environmental Planning

Green and Open Space Increase Neighboring Property Values

What is the value of green space?  You probably know the answer to this question. If you said green space provides benefits to public health, you’re absolutely right. If you said green space improves drinking water quality, you’re right too. However, green space has monetary benefits as well. What is the value of green space to the homeowner that lives next door? That is a … Continue reading Green and Open Space Increase Neighboring Property Values

Carolina Planning Journal Board
Economic Development, Hazards, Housing and Community Development, Land Use and Environmental Planning, Research Triangle Happenings

Now Available Online – Volume 42 of the Carolina Planning Journal

Volume 42 of the Carolina Planning Journal is now available for free on the Carolina Planning Journal webpage. Just scroll to the bottom and click on the link! “The prefix ‘re-‘ holds two contradictory connotations. It can mean ‘again,’ or multiple repetitions, or it can mean a withdrawal or reversal. While one meaning implies forward motion, the other suggests retreat. And what a provoking approach to take to … Continue reading Now Available Online – Volume 42 of the Carolina Planning Journal

Carolina Planning Journal Board
Economic Development, Transportation

Kay Blada Recycling: Tackling Infrastructure Problems in Haiti One Bottle at a Time

Living in the U.S., we don’t often imagine recycling to be a privilege. After meeting Johnson Desauguste, a Haitian immigrant living in the U.S., I’ve begun to see it that way. As a junior environmental science major at UNC, I’ve been involved in many environmental organizations, and had some exposure to urban planning. Somehow, meeting Johnson (or “Blada,” as his Haitian family calls him) has … Continue reading Kay Blada Recycling: Tackling Infrastructure Problems in Haiti One Bottle at a Time

Carolina Planning Journal Board
Economic Development, Housing and Community Development, Land Use and Environmental Planning, Public Health, Transportation

Current Planning-Related Legislation in the North Carolina General Assembly

The Planner’s toolbox is being modified constantly by laws passed and policies enacted at every level of government. Being aware of existing laws, as well as proposed legislation, is important for planners, communities, and advocates working throughout the state. Here’s a sample of the planning-related bills currently under consideration at the state level in the North Carolina General Assembly: House Bill 3 / Senate Bill 34: … Continue reading Current Planning-Related Legislation in the North Carolina General Assembly

Carolina Planning Journal Board
Downtown Revitalization, Economic Development, Placemaking and Design

Now Available Online – Just Creativity: Planning for Inclusive Prosperity

Volume 41 of the Carolina Planning Journal is now available for free on the Carolina Planning Journal webpage. Just scroll to the bottom and click on the link! “Planning for creativity must focus not only on maximizing revenues or attracting capital, it must also address the way that the arts contribute to more equitable, livable, and inclusive cities for all.” Continue reading Now Available Online – Just Creativity: Planning for Inclusive Prosperity

Carolina Planning Journal Board