Urban Development
Redevelopment Without the Ills
Before 20th century urban renewal programs, U.S. cities were often overcrowded fire hazards and breeding grounds for tuberculosis and other airborne diseases. However, many of these programs also did severe damage. Is there a better way?
Los Angeles Takes On Equity and Resilience With New Parks Funding
City and county leaders shared their plans for millions in new annual revenue at the 2017 VerdeXchange Conference.
A Portland-Brand Building Boom: Accessory Dwelling Units
It's possible that construction permits for accessory dwelling units, also known as granny flats or mother-in-law units, could surpass permits for regular homes.
Los Angeles Nixes Transit Station Naming Rights Idea
The critical turning point for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's naming rights proposal can be summed up by an old adage: beggars can't be choosers.
Big Idea: A National Park in Downtown Minneapolis
Details of a proposal to create a national park at one of the Twin Cities' region most popular destinations: the lock and dam at the Upper St. Anthony Falls, on the Mississippi River where it flows through Minneapolis.
Mapping Austin's Residential Demolitions
Demolitions in residential neighborhoods have increased quickly in Austin, as property owners upgrade their homes to contemporary layouts. Community Impact newspaper investigates the trend.
Debating the Relationship Between Compact Development and Driving
Leading researchers debate whether more compact urban development reduces automobile travel in the Journal of the American Planning Association. The issues are complex and important.
Map: The Towers Changing the L.A. Skyline
In Los Angeles, Curbed has declared 2016 "the year of the skyscraper."
Chicago's 'People Plazas' Lacking a Key Ingredient
Launched with neighborhood-friendly ambitions, Chicago's people plaza program was meant to create revenue-generating gathering places. A Chicago Tribune editorial says it's hard to find any people at the plazas, however.
Fits and Starts for New York City's Special Districts
There has been a lot of breaking news originating from both the Garment District and the Theater District in New York City this week.
Rio's Pricey Sky Gondola Goes Full Stop
The sky gondola system built prior to the Rio Olympics has ground to a halt, leaving residents of the city's favelas with little to show for such a grand investment in infrastructure.
How Los Angeles Can Design for Density
Good urban design can make growth more appealing.
Council Proposes Plan for Transit-Oriented Development in Philadelphia
Philadelphia City Council seeks ways to spur development without creating new traffic issues.
Mixed-Income Development in Chicago's Jefferson Park Faces Protest
A development on Chicago's Northside faces protests and picketers who don't want new density, height, or low income residents.
Casinos Still Illegal in Georgia
A nascent effort to legalize casino gambling in the state of Georgia fell short of the necessary legislative support.
Why Aren't We Building Middle Income Housing?
For low-income residents in high-cost areas, there's no substitute for the public sector to provide below-market rate housing. But for middle-income households, the market should be able to produce housing without subsidy. So why doesn't this happen?
Study: Reduce Traffic with Mixed-Use Development
A new study explores how the built environment influences vehicle miles traveled.
Research Team to Study the Physiological Responses of Pedestrians to 'Physical Disorder'
Associate Professors Yunwoo Nam and lead PI Changbum Ahn from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, were recently awarded an NSF grant entitled "Human-Centric Sensing Platform to Assess Neighborhood Physical Disorder."
New Trump Tower Brings Controversy to the Vancouver Skyline
The second project bearing Trump's name will open next week in Canada. Donald Jr. and Eric Trump will be on hand for the opening. The mayor of the city will not.
Georgia City Decides One Approval is Enough for Some Variances
Grayson, Atlanta exemplifies the kind of administrative considerations that can make or break development approval processes.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
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.
