development : Featured Stories

Suburban life isn't all parking spots and Target stores. Good sandwich shops, ice cream parlors and an, ahem, independent cafe are some of the things suburbanites seek.

The making of the Jones Falls Trail includes five phases, three of which are still underway. Several changes were made along the way to address concerns of neighborhood groups. 

An ambitious redevelopment plan is underway in the Northwest section of Baltimore. Park Heights is getting new senior housing a ball field and interest from private developers. Neighborhood residents are also receiving home-buying, tutoring and other services that are funded with slots money. 

Sushi, wine-making and a contemporary bed and breakfast -- in Little Italy? They are among the new businesses calling the neighborhood home as more young people move to the area and more dollars flow into nearby Harbor East.

Consumers’ demand for artisanal, local products has led many beer lovers to turn their hobbies into new ventures. Several new breweries and beer-themed restaurants are in the works for Greater Baltimore as craft brew makers savor an uptick in sales. 

Articles on food, startups, local celebs, design and solutions for urban blight were among readers' favorites in 2011. Take a look to see what stories made the cut.

Meet Josh and Kara Levinson, the owners of Charm City Run. The running shop is growing at a time when many retailers are struggling. The Levinsons operate four stores and are preparing to open their first Baltimore City location this spring. What is the Levinsons' formula for entrepreneurial success? Read on to find out.

What's Working in Cities is a monthly series in which we take a closer look at people and organizations in cities across the country that are transforming neighborhoods and driving change in urban areas. What works in Portland, Austin, or Chattanooga will probably work here, too, in some form or another. Our series will ask why some things work, why some don't, and what big ideas and principles all cities should adopt as we move forward into an increasingly urbanized 21st century.