The Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia's city facilities are in disrepair, and a recently released report outlines the city prisons, buildings, and ventilation systems that would require millions of city dollars to repair -- money that the city doesn't have.

Participatory planning in Philadelphia creates a new vision for the city's Delaware River waterfront.

Philadelphia has appointed a Zoning Reform Commission to rewrite its 1962 Code. Two leaders who advocated for the rewrite share what they learned from other cities.

The monumental task of rewriting the city's zoning code and remapping its zones is essential if Philadelphia is to fulfill its potential and prosper.

A Philadelphia mayoral candidate says the first step to fixing the city under his administration would be a revamping and revival of the city's planning system.

As plans develop to add lanes to a turnpike in Pennsylvania, residents are upset over large losses in property and no provisions for sound barriers.

Harris Steinberg, director of PennPraxis of the School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania, offers 10 steps for good urban planning.

A religious group known for embracing simplicity presents a bold green vision for Center City.

Center City’s narrow streets and dense concentration contribute to an exciting and walkable urban center. Yet, the increase in visitors and residents has resulted in an increase in the number of vehicles and delivery trucks in search of parking.

Rail projects are favored over bus rapid transit projects when it comes to federal funding. But many say the bus systems are cheaper and more effective overall.

While Philadelphia may be hosting this year's National Planning Conference, a recent forum demonstrated that the current candidates for Mayor lack any sort of vision for the city's development.

Nearly 80% of Pennsylvania's municipalities have populations less than 5,000. Recently released reports say it's time for the state to form regional coalitions that will help improve local economies and harbor regional planning.

Harris Steinberg, director of PennPraxis, outlines one important lesson from the Central Delaware Waterfront Planning Process, which his organization is charged with leading. He describes the importance of open space as a catalyst for development.

County officials are trying to find philanthropists to help buy land rights to a historic Pennsylvania farm, one that could be offered up to builders if preservationists do not buy the land by August 2.

A team of planners and architects working to revive the city's riverfront recommend mimicking Boston's infamous Big Dig project to tame the I-95 freeway's impact.

Communities in Pennsylvania and other stats are struggling to develop regulations in the face of a growing number of billboard applications.

An affordable housing plan for New Jersey has been thrown out by an appeals court, arguing that the plan was based on flawed data and did not accurately predict the demand for housing. The plan has been called discriminatory by housing advocates.

Janice Woodcock, the executive director of the city Planning Commission, is charged with the task of updating the historic city's archaic zoning code.

With the oldest zoning laws of any major city in the U.S., it's time to retool the rules that govern Philadelphia's growth, argues a recent editorial.

To cure the woes facing Pennsylvania's crumbling roads and bridges, Governor Rendell is putting the Pennsylvania Turnpike up for sale or rent.