Community / Economic Development
Planning Year in Review 2023: Zoning Reform, a Rail Revolution, and Climate Realities
Last year’s most talked-about planning issues and news.
Big Box Schools with Jeff Vincent: The Planning Commission Podcast
Why are new school campuses antithetical to everything we promote about what constitutes good planning?
Book Excerpt: Climate Resilience for an Aging Nation
The challenge of adapting our communities to climate change is complex and urgent – but taking the time to recenter our collective efforts in the needs of older adults will be effective in reducing their risk and making all of us more resilient.
Transforming the Santa Monica Airport Into a Great Park
The City of Santa Monica took a key step forward in the process of closing the airport, approving an agreement with Sasaki Inc. to assess existing site conditions, gather public input, and propose options for turning the airport into a park.
West Tennessee Towns Seek Voice in EV Factory Development
Locals are employing a tool historically used for sports stadiums to ensure they benefit from the new project as much as the companies do.
Seattle to Host 2024 Urban Parks Conference
In June 2024, City Parks Alliance, in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation, will hold the Greater & Greener conference, which will include a mix of indoor sessions and outdoor experiences focusing on urban parks.
LA Clippers Support Basketball Court Program
The Los Angeles Clippers Foundation (LACF) is working with the L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation to upgrade indoor and outdoor basketball courts across the county.
Serving Communities Through Mobile Recreation
Tulsa Parks has launched a new program called “Rec ‘N’ Roll” to provide recreational opportunities to more kids in underserved areas.
Portland, Maine Embraces Zoning Reform for Multifamily Housing
The Portland City Council amended the land use code to allow up to four units on all residential lots on the mainland, and up to three on island lots. It also eliminated parking requirements for these uses.
Why Big Box Stores Are Abandoning Their Urban Experiment
And why that may not be such a bad thing.
Commentary: A Vision for Responsible Neighborhood Revitalization
The first project under Chicago’s Woodlawn Housing Preservation Ordinance is taking shape, aiming to bring new housing and retail to the neighborhood while avoiding displacement.
Creating a New Park Where It is Most Needed
Los Angeles County just celebrated the grand opening of its newest park. Located in the community of Walnut Park, Nogales Park offers a gathering space and recreational amenities long desired by residents.
Opening of Denver’s New Freeway Cap Park Triggers Gentrification Fears
Local residents fear rising housing costs and displacement with the opening of a new four-acre park built on a deck bridge over the newly reconstructed and widened I-70 interstate.
All We Want for the Holidays is…
Here are a dozen timely gift ideas for creating better communities.
Planetizen’s Top Posts of 2023
The most-read articles on Planetizen in 2023.
Article 34 in Action: Bay Area Suburb Uses 1950 Initiative to Block Homeless Housing
Next year, California voters will determine whether to repeal a 1950 initiative that requires local voter buy-in for government-supported low income housing, but that hasn't deterred Millbrae from using it to sue San Mateo County.
Opinion: Enhancing Inclusive Development: The Crucial Role of the Creative Class in Urban Planning
How bringing local artists into the development process can foster more vibrant, equitable neighborhoods.
How Salt Lake City Maintained a Vibrant Downtown
Unlike other major cities, the Utah capital’s downtown has seen a steady stream of visitors even as demand for office space diminishes.
COP28: Will Developed Nations Reduce Emissions?
Tensions between developed and developing nations surfaced over emissions and energy, with the former focused on reducing fossil fuels and the latter pointing to unrealized emissions reductions from the nations most responsible for global warming.
Winter Fun at Los Angeles County Parks
L.A. County is offering a winter edition of its popular and award-winning Parks After Dark program, providing opportunities for residents to come together and have fun in safe and welcoming spaces.
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.
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
