Economic Diversification Roadmap: Smart Planning & Development in Southwest Michigan (Case Study)

The 52-year-old Palisades Nuclear Power Plant, located in Van Buren County on the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, formally closed in May of 2022 and was sold to the nuclear decommissioning company Holtec. First announced for a 2018 closure, the Palisades decision was amended, extending its operation until 2022. As Palisades provided approximately 600 well-paying … Continued

Economic development

Economic Diversification Roadmap: Looking to the Future in ‘America’s Hometown’ | Case Study

For the majority of Plymouth, Massachusetts’ 400-year history, the town has grown and thrived; now it has its eyes set on the next 400 years. Plymouth—’America’s Hometown’— holds great prominence in American history and the town has long capitalized on that brand to support its economy through tourism and hospitality. Plymouth is also home to … Continued

Economic development

Economic Diversification Roadmap: Placemaking Strategies

In nuclear communities, placemaking involves creating distinct spaces and local activities that exist independently of the local nuclear plant. Often, when these plants initially open in communities (much like other major industries), they establish a sense of identity through activities such as job creation, sponsoring community events, supporting local organizations through volunteerism, and other initiatives. … Continued

Economic development

Economic Diversification Roadmap: Housing Capacity Analysis

Determining how many and where new housing units can be built in a community is essential to supporting growth and economic development. Nuclear host communities tend to be located in rural areas, with smaller populations and fewer options for economic diversification. Supporting new, affordable housing is one strategy to diversify a local economy. Focusing development … Continued

Economic development

Economic Diversification Roadmap: Zoning Analysis

Zoning represents the foundation of development in many communities that host nuclear power plants. When planning for economic resilience and diversification, it can be very useful to evaluate your local zoning codes to determine where it is legally viable to construct new housing, businesses, and industry. This process is especially important for nuclear host communities … Continued

Economic development

Economic Diversification Roadmap: Land Inventories and Leveraging Underutilized Parcels

An important strategy for economic diversification and development is to attract new business or industry to an area, and this is especially true when redeveloping existing underutilized land. Examples of underutilized land are sites with a condemned, vacant building, a brownfield, or a vacant greenfield. Many times, these underutilized sites present opportunities for profitable economic … Continued

Economic development

Foot Traffic Ahead 2023

Foot Traffic Ahead 2023 ranks the top 35 metro areas by their walkable urbanism using an index that considers premiums in commercial rents, multifamily rental rates, and for-sale home prices. Co-authored by Michael Rodriguez, AICP, and Christopher B. Leinberger, and using data from Yardi Matrix and Rocktop Partners, the report finds that the demand for … Continued

Economic development LOCUS

In the Wake of Operational Uncertainty, Nuclear Host Communities are Planning for a Resilient Future

  At the 2022 Nuclear Communities Economic Resilience Conference, host communities from nine nuclear plants in the Midwest-the region that hosts more than half of the nation’s nuclear fleet-gathered to share experiences, best practices, and plan for the future. The Nuclear Communities Team– a technical assistance group led by Smart Growth America in collaboration with … Continued

Economic development Technical assistance

The Mountains Are Calling: Placemaking and Redevelopment in Elkins, West Virginia

  Elkins, West Virginia has been working to revitalize their downtown, a challenge in any circumstance, but especially in a rural Appalachian town. The workshop with Smart Growth America shared expertise and provided site-specific advice to aid local officials and community members in placemaking. The SGA team visited Elkins for two days where they participated … Continued

Economic development Resilience Rural Development Technical assistance