Market Urbanism
How Houston Keeps Housing Affordable
The city’s limited land use regulations have kept housing costs relatively low, but government intervention is still needed to provide housing to the lowest-income residents.
The Urban Life of Spider-Man
Peter Parker used to struggle to pay the rent, and many people can relate to the superhero's precarious housing situation over the years.
Want to Know More About Zoning? Consider These Reading Suggestions
For those of us who could stand to learn more about zoning, Nolan Gray gives us a list of suggested reading material for the beginner on up.
Zoning in Japan Versus Zoning in the U.S.
Japan's system of zoning appears highly capable of fostering mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods. How does Japanese zoning differ from our own, and what factors caused those differences?
Pop Culture Hasn't Been Kind to Planning Lately
A post for the Market Urbanism website says planning is entering Season Three with no guarantees it will catch on with audiences.
A Case Against Homeownership
Against all odds, both political parties agree on at least one thing: the merits of homeownership. But is buying a home really such a great investment, even for the well-off?
Study: Land Use Regulation Restricts Housing Supply
A new paper studies the impacts both of specific land use regulations and land use regulations in the aggregate.
Supreme Court to Decide on Interpretations of Historic Preservation
A brief by the Cato Institute describes historic preservation laws as arbitrary and ambiguous. A case before the Supreme Court could decide on either side of the issue.
Tips for Transit in the Age of Uber
Hate it or love it, Uber has changed the transportation game across this country. To boost ridership and change its public image, transit should consider taking some cues from the rideshare giant.
Preserving Main Street in Large Developments
The Terraces, a mixed-use project in Charlottesville, Virginia, adopts a design that reflects its historic downtown surroundings. Oliver Kuttner, the developer, says that "breaking up" large buildings can make them more palatable on street level.
Are Land Use Policies Mostly Hurting the Poor?
In a new paper, researchers find that land use regulations in cities have effectively created a "zoning tax," which primarily impacts the poor and renting class.
The Political Semantics of Housing Segregation
Two authors agree that housing policies in the War on Poverty have failed. Are those policies too progressive, or not progressive enough?
Making Room for Skyscrapers in the Jane Jacobs Debate
A Market Urbanism op-ed makes the case for high-rise neighborhoods as an integral part of successful cities—even if some Jacobs fans tend to overlook the benefits of such parts of town.
Historic Preservation as the Enemy of Diversity
A recent article takes a controversial stance contrary to the argument of Jane Jacobs that old buildings equal affordable, diverse neighborhoods.
Delayed, Expensive, and Poorly Planned—D.C. Streetcar Called 'Worse than Nothing'
In January, Washington D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray claimed that the district's new streetcar would open in February. Still not open, the D.C. City Council this week slashed future streetcar spending.
On the Unintended Consequences of Inclusionary Zoning
"Affordable housing policies have a long history of hurting the very people they are said to help," says Emily Washington, citing public housing and rent control as evidence. She would also add inclusionary zoning to the list of failed policies.
Historic Examples of 'Urbanism Without Government'
We’ve all heard the question “but who will build the roads?” put to libertarians. In a recent article, Emily Washington examines historic examples of urban settings that developed without the guidance of a government.
Americans Pay More for Walkability
Preliminary results from a new study suggest that Americans are willing to pay about $850 more per Walk Score point when purchasing a home.
What Happens When You Do Away With Rent Control?
Stephen Smith points to new economic research highlighting the dramatic effect of rent control on the value of nearby properties. Hint: it keeps prices down everywhere.
The Case Against Inclusionary Housing
Affordable housing mandates - "inclusionary zoning" - have been a popular way for cities to deal with high housing costs. But Stephen Smith says there are real market costs, and while the empirical work is in its infancy, it doesn't look promising.
Pagination
City of Rochester
Boston Harbor Now
City of Bellevue
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Birmingham, Alabama
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.