The Olympics: A Complex Catalyst for Urban Redevelopment

The allure of the Olympics is palpable and undeniable. Later this month, my home country of France will host an estimated 15 million visitors and millions more viewers of the Olympics (July 26 - August 11) and Paralympics (August 28 - September 8). This will be France's sixth occasion hosting the Olympics and I will be proudly present in Paris to admire the tennis players smashing yellow balls. Whether you admire the Games for their athleticism or national pride, they deliver a spectacular experience. People generally perceive winning the bid to host the Olympics as an honor. However, there is growing concern about the negative financial, environmental, and social impacts. The Olympics is a complex catalyst for urban redevelopment.

The allure of the Olympics is palpable and undeniable. Later this month, my home country of France will host an estimated 15 million visitors and millions more viewers of the Olympics (July 26 – August 11) and Paralympics (August 28 – September 8). People generally perceive winning the bid to host the Olympics as an honor. However, there is growing concern about the negative financial, environmental, and social impacts. The Olympics is a complex catalyst for urban redevelopment.

High-Profile Political Meetings and City Clean-Up Initiatives

All eyes are on Milwaukee this week as they host the Republican National Convention (RNC). Later this summer focus will shift to the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago. High-profile political meetings and city clean-up initiatives often coincide. Cities direct significant resources to reduce blight, beautify urban decay, and remove illegal dumping. While security infrastructure […]

Trash Talk: From Litter to Illegal Dumping

From litter to illegal dumping, solid waste management is a big and complex issue impacting community health, environmental sustainability, and city budgets. Dilapidated buildings, littered streets, and neglected public spaces affect a city’s aesthetics and profoundly impact its residents’ quality of life. Researchers at the University of Toronto found that “perceived beauty or aesthetic character […]