News Roundup

Amazon Quarterly Profit Jumps 71%

“The real issue is that they’re getting better terms from suppliers,” said Ben Schachter, an analyst at Broadpoint AmTech Inc. “It shows what power these guys have in the retail channel.”

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Source: The Wall Street Journal | Archived Copy

Filed under: Community Economics

Jan 29 2010

New Orleans Master Plan Wins Approval of City Planning Commission

David Dixon of Goody Clancy said adoption of the master plan means that “for the first time New Orleans has a plan that provides a credible and legitimate basis for future public policy and decision-making regarding land use, development, zoning, city capital expenditures, transportation, and similar fundamental decisions that shape the city’s future.”

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Source: The Times-Picayune | Archived Copy

Filed under: Community Input | Good Governance | Rebuilding New Orleans | Urban Design

Jan 26 2010

Race Cited in Sen. Ed Murray’s Surprise Exit from New Orleans Mayor’s Contest

In a statement issued Sunday, Murray said his decision rested in part on a desire to avoid what appeared to be shaping up to be an “extremely racially divisive” contest between himself and Landrieu “whether either of us intended it or not.”

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Source: The Times-Picayune | Archived Copy

Filed under: Good Governance | Post Katrina Elections

Jan 5 2010

The Ruse of the Creative Class

Cities that shelled out big bucks to learn Richard Florida’s prescription for vibrant urbanism are now hearing they may be beyond help.

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Source: The American Prospect | Archived Copy

Filed under: Community Economics | Culture | Healthy Communities

Jan 4 2010

Charity Hospital Debate Turns on Distrust of Expert Assessments

“There have been lots of studies, but none of them have been independent,” said Sen. Jack Donahue, a Covington Republican and contractor who persuaded six of his fellow commissioners to push for a new study.

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Source: The Times-Picayune | Archived Copy

Filed under: Community Economics | Healthy Communities | Rebuilding New Orleans | Sustainable Development | Urban Design

Dec 3 2009

Mid-City Man Fighting to Save Home

Thurman’s home and those of his neighbors may be doomed if government officials carry out their plan, so Thurman decided to do his best to slow them down.

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Source: The Times-Picayune | Archived Copy

Filed under: Community Economics | Community Input | Healthy Communities | Housing | Rebuilding New Orleans | Sustainable Development | Urban Design

Dec 3 2009

Quick Decision Urged on Hospital Suit

“We took this action because time is running out for the residents of Mid-City,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust.

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Source: The Times-Picayune | Archived Copy

Filed under: Community Economics | Community Input | Healthy Communities | Rebuilding New Orleans | Sustainable Development | Urban Design

Dec 3 2009

Is Mayor Daley Looking to Lease Water System?

Could it happen here in Chicago? It already has nearby. Homer Glen in Will County relies on Lake Michigan water, but the supply comes from a private company. Locals say there’s a lot more than water going down the drain.

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Source: CBS2 Chicago | Archived Copy

Filed under: Community Economics

Nov 4 2009

Commentary: New Orleans Poised on Springboard of Hope

Slowly but surely, the mission of economic development in New Orleans and other urban U.S. centers is transforming from the fruitless hunt for the great white whale to casting smaller nets with hopes of a diverse and plentiful catch.

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Source: New Orleans CityBusiness | Archived Copy

Filed under: Community Economics | Good Governance | Healthy Communities

Nov 2 2009