Urban Planning: Community and Economic Development Fundamentals

Creating vibrant, equitable, and economically resilient neighborhoods requires a deep understanding of how housing policy, community organizing, and local economics intersect. This text-based course guides you through the foundational principles of urban planning and community development. You will learn to analyze local housing challenges, evaluate economic policies, and design community-centered initiatives that address modern urban issues. What you'll learn: - Understand the core concepts of affordable housing finance, zoning, and land-use regulations - Analyze local economic development strategies and their impact on community wealth building - Explore modern community-led initiatives and participatory planning frameworks - Evaluate the role of public-private partnerships in urban revitalization projects - Address modern challenges such as sustainable development, gentrification, and climate resilience Starting with key terminology and historical context, you will progress through structured readings and real-world case studies to build a practical toolkit for community analysis. Designed for beginners, community advocates, and aspiring urban planners, this course requires no prior background in economics or planning. Begin your journey into shaping better, more inclusive communities today.