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Aaron M. Renn

Columnist

Aaron M. Renn is an opinion-leading urban analyst, consultant, speaker and writer on a mission to help America’s cities and people thrive and find real success in the 21st century. He focuses on urban, economic development and infrastructure policy in the greater American Midwest. He also regularly contributes to and is cited by national and global media outlets, and his work has appeared in many publications, including the The Guardian, The New York Times and The Washington Post.

He can be reached at aaron@aaronrenn.com or on Twitter at @aaron_renn.

Struggling midwestern cities may have a future in military manufacturing.
Florida’s once crime-ridden metropolis has forged a new identity in the 21st century.
Many cities view rail transit as an enticing boost to civic fortunes. But there’s a better, cheaper way to accomplish the same thing.
There are powerful arguments against cities spending lots of money on professional sports. On the other hand, the prestige of having home teams carries some tangible benefits.
There’s a reason why we have trouble solving crucial community problems. It’s not an easy one to deal with.
The country needs a lot of new infrastructure. But we keep putting it in the wrong places.
Downtowns were all the rage for most of this century. There’s still a market for density, but many people want it to be carefully managed.
Merging cities with their suburbs is sometimes seen as inspired urbanism. But it doesn’t always benefit everyone.
Many of life’s little enjoyments used to be concentrated in university communities. Now they are turning up almost everywhere.
Tight labor markets can be hard on corporations. But they can help marginal workers find jobs.