February 2018

Irony Squared: Inclusionary Zoning Edition

Minneapolis is considering inclusionary zoning (IZ), but has qualms based on Portland’s experience. Ironically, a non-existent Minneapolis IZ program was a key part of the argument for adopting Portland’s IZ law in December 2016. Parts of this commentary are going to seem like a major-league distortion in the space-time continuum, so let’s start with a […]

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The emperor’s new infrastructure plan

Politics and the President’s wheeler-dealer background suggest the infrastructure plan is a mirage If there’s been one shred of hope for bi-partisan progress in this politically polarized time, its been the idea that somehow the “populist” Trump Administration and congressional democrats and republicans might somehow see eye-to-eye on the subject of good, old-fashioned public works

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What drives ride-hailing: Parking, Drinking, Flying, Peaking, Pricing

Ride-hailing is growing: We distill a new report into 5 key factors that explain its growth A good reporter is always supposed to ask five questions: “who, what, when, where and why?” A new report on ride-hailing provides a range of keen insights about the demand for these services, and has important implications for predicting

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Challenging the Cappuccino City: Part 3: Cultural Displacement

City Observatory has long challenged the popular narrative about the nature and effects of gentrification. Today, we are pleased to offer the final installment of a three-part commentary by our friend and colleague Alex Baca. (You can read part 1 and part 2 as well). Alex has worked in journalism, bike advocacy, architecture, construction, and

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Challenging the Cappuccino City: Part 2: The limits of ethnography

City Observatory has long challenged the popular narrative about the nature and effects of gentrification. This is the second installment of a three-part commentary by our friend and colleague Alex Baca. You can read parts one and three as well. Alex has worked in journalism, bike advocacy, architecture, construction, and transportation in D.C., San Francisco,

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Challenging the Cappuccino City: Part 1: A New Premise?

City Observatory has long challenged the popular narrative about the nature and effects of gentrification. This is the first installment of a three-part commentary by our friend and colleague Alex Baca. Parts two and three are available as well.  Alex Baca has worked in journalism, bike advocacy, architecture, construction, and transportation in D.C., San Francisco,

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