Community Development

Community Development is a key priority for local and state government agencies, focusing on improving the quality of life in communities through economic growth, housing, and social services. By fostering strong, vibrant communities, governments can address poverty, unemployment, and access to resources. This directory provides articles on community development and related topics like Economic Development, which explores strategies for job creation and attracting investments that drive regional growth.

Interim Chief Mark Kreamer is now officially leading Cheshire EMS, focusing on training, first responder partnerships and managing rising costs as federal funding phases out
Officials cite ShotSpotter, Flock cameras, and intervention programs as major factors in Macon’s ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime
The National League of Cities report highlights the top challenges and solutions mayors are focusing on
In the case of disaster zones, municipal property taxes need to reflect the additional costs of public services like disaster relief that are often provided by state and federal authorities.
On Sunday, residents of Coffey Park, a neighborhood in Santa Rosa that was leveled in the Tubbs fire in 2017, received evacuation orders over the Kincade fire.
The modern crisis of homelessness began in the 1980s, when the cost of housing began to rise faster than wages for many Americans. Nationally, 11 million low-income households use at least half their income for housing. This was the case for Frost and her family.
The strategy, in other words, amounts to: Get out of nature’s way
Homeless people could first join the community in tents, eventually graduating to more permanent housing solutions on campus, while low-income families meeting certain requirements could rent or purchase homes on the property, even without a history of homelessness.
Amelda Glaspie and her husband paid $800 a month to live without water or power in an abandoned L.A. church.
To improve outcomes for households and government agencies implementing home buyout programs, emergency management and disaster researchers recommend a resident-centric approach
Thirty years ago, the city of Santa Cruz, California, was nearly decimated by the Loma Prieta earthquake. It has since taken steps to make sure that never happens again.
Residents of Ocean City, New Jersey, are committed to rebuilding their flood damaged homes despite the certainty that disaster will strike again.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill this week that will limit sudden rent increases, a major contributing factor to the state’s homelessness problem.
A third of Los Angeles’s homeless population suffers from mental illness and/or drug addiction. Housing solutions will only go so far to provide relief.
As winter approaches, the city of Spokane considers suspending or not enforcing sit-lie ordinances that ban encampments in public places.
South Bend is enhancing community assets and safety through a $50 million parks redevelopment effort. Part of long-term planning on pedestrian safety enhancements, a city-owned bike repair shop supports bike commuting in the city’s West Side.
What does it take for cities to become better?
Opportunity zone projects in Glendale, Tempe and Avondale were funded in days.
Is your city’s planning department considering electronic plan review? Find out the most important questions to ask to procure the solution that best fits for your organization