Urban Development

Boston's Inclusionary Zoning Track Record Revealed
A new city report provides data on the number of affordable housing units built in the city of Boston as a result of the Inclusionary Development Policy.

Construction Worker Shortage Blamed for Housing Supply Woes
Zoning and red tape gets a bad wrap in arguments that blame the housing crisis on a lack of housing supply. Another narrative credits a shortage of construction workers on the lack of housing supply in the country.

The World's Largest Bike Parking Facility Opening in The Netherlands
The story of Utrecht's new bike parking garage—with enough space initially for 6,000 bikes—has a surprising twist: local bike advocates don't think it's big enough.

Houston Commercial Vacancies Outpace All Large U.S. Cities
Commercial vacancies have "ballooned" in Houston, according to the Houston Chronicle, as the energy slump takes hold of the real estate market. The last time vacancies were this high: the oil bust of the 1980s.

What Does 'Gentrification' Really Mean?
No two people seem to quite agree on what the word "gentrification" means. If you're at all interested in what shapes our cities, you're bound to find yourself in a conversation about gentrification eventually—and you might find yourself in a fight.

Multimodal Transportation for Economic Freedom, Opportunity, and Security
Motor vehicles are expensive to own and operate. Many lower-income households spend more on transportation than they can afford due to a lack of affordable mobility options. The solution is more multimodal planning.

Impacts of AVs and E-Commerce on Municipal Budgets
A new report from Urbanism Next/SCI takes you through a city’s budget—both revenues and expenditures—and describes the areas that will be affected as AVs become commonplace and e-commerce takes on an even larger role in retail

MIA or DOA? The Brooklyn-Queens Streetcar Fading Fast
The lack of news on the proposed Brooklyn Queens Connector (BQX) is hardly a death knell, but that doesn't mean no news is good news, either.

Glut of New Rentals Expected to Reset the New York City Market
When vacancy rates rise, rents should fall. In New York, reports disagree about how much vacancy rates are about to increase, and whether rents will drop at all.

New Mapping Tool Illuminates the Consequences of Redlining
According to Next City, a new mapping tool from the National Community Reinvestment Coalition reveals the roots of gentrification in addition to making stark a history of discrimination.

Finding Solace in the Uniqueness of Landscape
Decades ago, Walter Benjamin theorized that pretty much everything could be reproduced—and, therefore, nothing was unique. This dismal conclusion, however true it may be, ignores the uniqueness of landscape.

Worldwide Response to the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics: Skepticism
More than one media outlet praised Los Angeles' optimism for cutting a deal with the International Olympics Committee to host the 2028 Olympics.

When Parking Is Cheap, Students Don't Take the Bus
Students and faculty at Austin Community College are less inclined to make use of their discounted transit passes. But, why?

Locals Organize a Protest to Save the Wrigleyville Taco Bell
The protest isn't likely to work, but some locals will miss a fast-food joint that they say serves as a democratic oasis in the neighborhood.

A Suburban Success Story
The suburban, master planned community of Columbia, Maryland is many of the things urbanists hope their cities will become.

Neighborhood Commission Wants a Car-Free Street in D.C.
A popular neighborhood in Washington, D.C. is looking for ways to make its main drag more pedestrian friendly.

Is There Space for Planning in Trump's News Cycle?
An analysis of Planetizen traffic in the first six months of the Trump Administration reveals an audience still focused, despite so many distractions, on the future of communities.

California's Housing Hypocrisy on Display in Marin County
Dan Walters, one of the most well known and longest tenured journalists and observers of California politics, has penned a scathing critique of Marin County's approach to growth.

Affordable Housing Incentives Get Pushback in Maryland
Montgomery County's plan for Bethesda calls for height bonuses in return for affordable housing. Residents neighboring the proposed incentive zones have successfully resisted that idea.
How Zillow's Approach to Data Reshaped the Real Estate Market
Zillow's chief analytics officer and chief economist offers insight into the company's approach to data, models, and the real estate market.
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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.
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