Land Use

Researchers Propose the Concept of 'Anthropogenic Drought'
As climate change heightens the risk of intense drought periods, a new framework can help scientists better understand the interconnected causes and effects of drought.

Most Americans Unaware of Flood Risks, Study Finds
The lack of disclosure laws in most states has led to an overvaluation of homes located in floodplains across the country.

Can the U.S. Preserve 30 Percent of its Lands and Waters?
The Biden administration released its preliminary report on a plan to conserve 30 percent of the nation's lands and waters by 2030, one big, ambitious component of the administration's climate plans.

Japan's Rental Housing Market Defined by Land Scarcity, Earthquakes, Demographic Shifts
The island nation's housing market faces a discrepancy between existing stock and rapidly changing demographics.

How Historic Districts Supersede Local Zoning Regulations
How one historic district in a growing corner of Washington, D.C. is able to effect downzoning.

Regional Bikeway System Planned for Sacramento Area
The proposed network would improve connectivity between the area's existing bikeways and increase access to regional job centers.

Transitional Housing Project Rejected Due to Parking Concerns
The nonprofit developer of a transitional housing project in Dorchester, Massachusetts argues that most residents of the proposed project won't own cars, but neighbors worry the added density will put a strain on local parking.

A Traffic Forecasting Model for Pedestrians
A new methodology can help cities assess the impact of new developments on walkers.

Equity and 'Righting Past Wrongs' to Start the 2021 National Planning Conference
The American Planning Association's 2021 National Planning Conference started streaming this morning, with an obvious focus on equity and the historical role of the planning profession in perpetuating systemic racism.

Meet CNU's New Executive Director
The Congress for the New Urbanism has announced the hiring of Rick Cole as the its new executive director, filling a role left vacant by the departure of Lynn Richards earlier this year.

Poised for a New Era of Parks Planning in Bellevue, Washington
The last round of capital investment made possible by a 2008 parks levy offers a chance to look further into the future in Bellevue, Washington.

A Comment for the L.A. River Master Plan
Five themes proposed to achieve justice and sustainability for the Los Angeles River and its surrounding communities.

Northeast Ohio Agency Set to Reject Three Highway Proposals
The agency's recommendations are based on a new method of cost-benefit analysis that includes equity and environmental sustainability as key measures.

Atlanta Launching Affordable Housing Development Program for City-Owned Land
The Atlanta Department of City Planning has identified 877 acres of land on 490 parcels for potential affordable housing development.

Watch: Debunking Myths About Houston's Lack of Zoning
A video published last week by City Beautiful reveals the myths and misconceptions of Houston's land use regulation system.

Your Not-So-Friendly Neighborhood Oil Well
Much of California's oil and gas extraction takes place in residential neighborhoods, posing significant health risks to entire communities.

Special Permits Could Be Required for Hotel Development in New York City
Mayor Bill de Blasio is pushing ahead with a controversial approval step for hotel development, despite the warnings of city budget office staff about the long-term consequences of the move.

How Easy Is it to Repurpose Offices into Apartments?
Adaptive reuse is a hot concept, but regulatory and financial hurdles have made it slow to catch on in practice.

Unpermitted RV Park Faces Code Enforcement Pressure in Oakland
A controversy over the unpermitted use of RVs for shelter on an otherwise empty lot in West Oakland reveals a confluence of Bay Area housing crises.

Brooklyn Bridge Bike Path Could Be Wider, Safer
Advocates want to see a safer plan for the proposed two-way path on one of the country's busiest commuter corridors.
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