New Urban News

A key idea of western North Carolina's Mountain Landscapes Initiative is to create a map of land already in conservation, layered with land that should be preserved, so that developers, builders, and residents together can plan responsibly.

New Urbanism as a movement is fifteen years old this year; a state by state analysis by New Urban News shows steady growth (in some places more than others) and produced some surprises as well.

The US has never encouraged cycling as a practical mode of travel, and as a result, biking to work is a rare and hazardous activity, with four times the fatality rate of some European countries. A Rutgers University study shows how that can change.

While the American Dream Coalition celebrates the 'freedom and affordability' of Houston -- Robert Steuteville wonders why the group ignores the environmental and financial consequences of such an auto-dependent city.

As the housing industry flounders, New Urbanist developers are using the flexibility inherent in their community plans to their advantage.

If you want to get a sustainable building or community built, you have to know your audience. Architect and urban planner Andres Duany offers a field-guide of target groups.

Robert Steuteville comments about the long-standing links between New Urbanism, good placemaking, and the environment.

A new regional planning idea is looking to reduce energy use and greenhouse emissions.

The new slogan for bicyclists and pedestrians across America is gaining attention, as well as weight, from a number of municipalities.

A tax-increment financed mixed-use mall redevelopment is showing signs of success in suburban Salt Lake City, Utah, raising nearby property values and indicating a trend amongst commercial developers who are finding profit by mixing uses.

Sprawlmeisters take warning, advises Rob Steuteville's red-sky-at-night commentary from New Urban News. Your days of high pressure spin are numbered.

New Urban and transit oriented developments are showing better financial health compared to other types of development as the housing market declines nationwide.

In this article from New Urban News, Philip Langdon looks at LEED, and identifies some ways the system works well and other ways it can improve.

Transit-oriented development projects -- many a result of successful public/private partnerships -- are flourishing along the Washington D.C. Metro line.

After an 18 month process and 27,000 opinions, Louisiana has a plan. Now the hard part begins.

A look at some of the first LEED-ND projects demonstrates the diverse models of sustainable development.

Robert Steuteville comments on a California lawsuit and its connection to sprawl, the environment, and energy use.

The second largest mall owner in the nation will redevelop over 200 of its properties into mixed-use centers.

The US EPA is directing educational and research efforts that explain (among other things) the financial benefits of smart growth directly to the nation's largest homebuilders and developers.

Preference for smart growth features are on the rise, while demand for large lot housing types falls.