Community / Economic Development
CEQA Lawsuit Delays Another Streetscape Improvement
The California Environmental Quality Act, a landmark 1970 environmental law now considered an obstacle to smart growth by some urban planners, has claimed another victim in a project that seeks to reduce car use while promoting biking and walking.
Reason London Failed in Becoming a Cycling City
During WWII, thousands of bicycles were stolen from the Dutch by occupying Germans, leaving them unable to get around. In Britain, however, strict patrol rationing meant bicycle use rose considerably because it was the only way to get around.
Getting Residents Talking...With Cake!
McGill University planning students have built a cake replica of the neighborhood surrounding the Vendome Metro station in order to get residents to discuss the impacts of the construction and opening of a nearby "superhospital."
Does NYC Have Room for Engineers?
New York needs the more of such talent, according to officials. Gina Bellafonte reflects on where the city stands now in terms of its tech talent in light of the city's recent proposal request for a large, elite tech school somewhere in the city.
Thinking About Pedestrians, Bicylists, and Transit Users
Getting transportation professionals to think about including pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users is a key first step in creating great places and livable communities. Thank “complete streets” movement, which has taken the U.S. by storm.
Hearst Corp Planning To Redevelop San Francisco Block
Hearst Corporation is planning to redevelop the city block that surrounds its San Francisco Chronicle offices at 5th and Mission. The update would include a new mixed use tower containing 1.3 million square feet of commercial space.
Chaotic Urban Growth Hinders Economic Development In India
Amy Kazim explore how chaotic urban growth and a political preference for rural government is beginning to hinder the development of India's largest cities.
Where the Hipsters Go
Good planning is attracting young hipsters to cities throughout the world, writes Christopher F. Schuetze.
Top 10 Books - 2012
Planetizen’s tenth annual list of the best books in urban planning, design and development ranges from a crowdsourced compendium of ideas for upgrading New York City's built environment to a personal report from the streets of Karachi.
Business Leaders Push Back on Philadelphia Red Tape
A report from the Sustainable Business Network recommends policy changes that will help Philadelphia improve business formation and job growth.
The Problem With Atlanta
Aaron M. Renn dissects the rise and fall of Atlanta, concluding that lack of differentiation paired with no job growth will bring mean "game over" for the city.
Taking the Charrette to the Streets
Grist profiles Dylan House, a Brooklyn architect and "change agent" that is involving underserved community groups in charrettes to plan their urban spaces.
Redfining Planned Communities
They're no longer totally synonymous with sprawl, reports Lew Sichelman, and are beginning to be found in in unlikely places--indicative of a move to brownfield over greenfield development. Changing consumer preferences explain why.
Fort Collins Shakes Up the Planning Paradigm
Like many cities, Fort Collins, CO is cash-strapped, but its plans are no longer dominated by handling sprawl. With development pressure out of the picture, a democratic blueprint for connecting residents to culture as well as space has emerged.
Does Living in a Poor Neighborhood Harm Your Health?
A study conducted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development in the 1990s found that living in poor neighborhoods can actually hurt your health.
Guatemala's Silicon Valley
In Guatemala City, Campus Tec, a single tech firm building, shows early signs of promise for the city's "Silicon Valley dream."
The Shrinking Middle Class
A new report from Stanford University looks at the changes in incomes and neighborhoods.
"Shoulder Pads" For A Stadium
Design and architecture firm Gensler has released their newest plans for the proposed football stadium in downtown Los Angeles.
Bicycle Users Take Action Into Their Own Hands
In 2007, Mexico City's government promised that it would build 300km of bike lanes around the city by 2012. According to Jimena Veloz, "the city still only has 22.2 km because most money is allocated to car infrastructure."
'Burbs Don't "Support the Vision" for Tech Company
Lured by state and potentially city incentives, one high-tech headquarters is ditching its current suburban location for a spot in downtown Kansas City. Is a resurgence afoot? Kevin Collison reports.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
