Overview for urban-policy

The Future of the American City

I like walkable urban centers, so I want to take a hopeful view of  this Washington Post report about the future of Tysons Corner. Unfortunately for my belief, the story ends with one of the most foolish quotes I've ever read about the future of the American city, from Joel Garreau, normally a …

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Written by David Frum on Sunday September 25, 2011

Baltimore Braces for Grand Prix Chaos

Walking or driving in downtown Baltimore these past few weeks has been akin to walking through an ever-changing steel obstacle course. One day, a new grandstand goes up on the corner across from Orioles Stadium, blocking off a sidewalk. The following day a giant protective fence, designed to …

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Written by Rachel Ryan on Thursday September 1, 2011

Baltimore's New Buses Won't Save the City

One suggestion that has been floated to help cities in the current economic climate is for them to improve their infrastructure. Baltimore's own public transportation system is not efficient or innovative at all. While efforts are being made to improve it, the challenges facing the city remain …

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Written by Rachel Ryan on Tuesday August 9, 2011

The Last Thing Baltimore Needs is IndyCar Racing

On Labor Day weekend, Baltimore City intends to host the Baltimore Grand Prix. The event will not be on a racetrack, it will not even be in an enclosed venue. The racetrack will be the streets of downtown Baltimore. Holding a high-speed car race through the winding streets of any city poses …

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Written by Rachel Ryan on Thursday August 4, 2011

Is Baltimore Bouncing Back?

As a new resident of Baltimore's Federal Hill neighborhood, my impression of the city has done a complete one-eighty. Thanks to popular shows like The Wire , Baltimore isn’t exactly known for being a thriving metropolis.  After four years as an undergraduate at Johns Hopkins University, …

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Written by Rachel Ryan on Sunday June 12, 2011