District of Columbia

Commuters Find Car-Free Lifestyle Easy in Washington D.C.

More than a quarter of D.C. households are car-free, federal data shows. The diverse options such as an efficient public transportation, bike share and Zipcar program make it easier for residents to ditch their cars.

September 13, 2011 - The Washington Post

Redesigning the National Mall

Got what it takes to revamp the Union Square, Washington Monument Grounds, and Constitution Gardens? The design competition is now open to anyone who has the vision of making this revered space in D.C. the "best park in the world."

September 9, 2011 - THE DIRT

A Closer Look at the Infrastructure Bank

The highly anticipated "job speech" by President Obama this evening will address, among other issues, the infrastructure bank. Michael Likosky argues that it is the only possible revenue stream for the nation's $600 billion infrastructure projects.

September 8, 2011 - CNN Money

Walter Reed's Closure Leaves Significant Development Possibilities

Walter Reed is closing and leaving behind close to 70 acres available for redevelopment in D.C. Residents want to know, can the planners get it right?

September 2, 2011 - NPR

Medical Center's Closure an Opportunity for D.C.

The closure of the Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington D.C. presents a big piece of property and a big opportunity for the District.

September 2, 2011 - NPR

Wealth Concentrates in Neighborhood Full of Government Contractors

Government contracts are filling the pockets of contractors in the Washington D.C. area and helping to create some of the nation's wealthiest neighborhoods.

August 17, 2011 - The Washington Post

The History of Washington D.C.'s Sidewalk Cafes

Washington D.C.'s first sidewalk cafe opened 5-plus years ago. This piece from The Washington Post looks at the history of outdoor eating in the city, and how the trend has picked up over the years.

August 5, 2011 - The Washington Post

D.C.'s Milestone Black Majority Lost

The first major American city to have a black majority, Washington D.C.'s demographics have shifted again.

July 19, 2011 - The New York Times

Security and Walkability Entwine in New Park at White House

Plans to redesign the expanded publicly accessible section of the White House's front lawn combine both walkability concerns and safety concerns.

July 13, 2011 - The Architect's Newspaper

Is Biking an Exclusively White Activity?

The rate of workers who commute by bike continues to increase, but it reflects a decidedly white demographic, specifically men. The Washington Post examines biking through the lens of race and gender.

July 11, 2011 - The Washington Post

Ideological Clash Over Transportation Bill

A proposal to cut transportation funding by chairman of the House transportation committee John Mica (R-Fla.) received wide criticism from the Democrat counterpart.

July 8, 2011 - The Washington Post

National Mall Undergoes a Facelift

The grass is always greener on the other side of the Washington Monument. But not for long. Landscape renovation of the elongated field at the eastern end of the site begins in September and will be completed a month before the 2012 elections.

July 2, 2011 - The Washington Post

In D.C., Bike Sharing Is A Hit

Channeling the Vélib bicycle rental system in Paris, the Capital Bikeshare program proves to be an unprecedented success in the States. Cities like Denver, Minneapolis, and NYC are starting to emulate.

June 25, 2011 - The Infrastructurist

Finally, New and Improved Pentagon 2.0

The Pentagon, previously called the War Department Building, took a mere 17 months to construct in 1941. The building's recent renovation took considerably longer: 17 years and $4.5 billion, to be exact.

June 25, 2011 - The Washington Post

Redesigning the "Fascist" Park in Front of the White House

The National Capital Planning Commission invites the public to weigh-in on five proposals for improvements to the Ellipse, the large public park between White House and the National Mall.

June 23, 2011 - Fast Company's Co.Design

Good News for Metro DC, Says Richard Florida

The same economic reports from May (namely, the jobs report and the Home Price Index) that have led to some concern about the direction of the U.S. economy overall, tell a very different story about Wahington DC, according to Richard Florida.

June 9, 2011 - Creative Class

LaHood and DOT Employees Bike to Work (VIDEO)

This two-minute video features U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood discussing the merits of bicycling and bike friendly places as he and other DOT employees bike to work.

June 8, 2011 - Vimeo

D.C. Bikeshare Suffers From Popularity

NPR reporter Jacob Fenston hits D.C. streets to interview folks about the nation's largest bikesharing program, with 12,000 members.

June 1, 2011 - NPR: Morning Edition

Mayor to Wal-Mart: Build More or Else

Washington, DC Mayor Vincent Gray isn't fighting the megaretailer like other cities have. In fact, he's demanding Wal-Mart build more stores than they have planned, or he's threatening to pull their permits.

May 27, 2011 - Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space

D.C. Councilman Urges Higher Parking Permit Fees

Generally speaking, elected officials don't campaign for higher fees. However, in this op-ed, D.C. Councilman Tommy Wells draws a connections between higher residential parking fees, improved public transit, and better access to street paking.

May 27, 2011 - The Washington Post - Opinions

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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

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Planning for Universal Design

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