Land Use
Light Rail Coming to Everett in 2036—Grassroots Planning Already Underway
A new light rail station scheduled for 2036 has one group in Everett, Washington thinking big.
How the Green New Deal Could Transform the Built Environment
If it emulated and adapted the scope of its predecessor, the Green New Deal could transform the country in fundamental ways, with builders, planners, and architects playing central roles.
Housing Policy Preemption for Red States
While statewide efforts to loosen zoning restrictions have made news in (mostly) blue states like California and Oregon, (mostly) red states like Florida have been preventing local governments from passing their own housing policies.
S.F. Bay Area City Says It Wants More Housing—But Votes Down Project
The project included everything San Bruno and residents asked for, and it would have helped the city make significant progress in addressing its growing housing crisis. Still, it was voted down.
Zoning for the Missing Middle in Cartoon Form, With Wizards
The city of Ottawa, Canada has produced another goofy animated video. This one explains its efforts to encourage more Missing Middle multi-unit urban housing.
Oregon Residents Wondering What Will Come as Statewide Zoning Reform Takes Effect
House Bill 2001 didn't ban single-family houses altogether, just single-family zoning, so change will take time, and money. There are a lot of unknowns for residents to grapple with when it comes to statewide upzoning.
New Chicago Residential Tower Sets a New Standard in a City Famous for Height
The newly opened Nema Chicago tower, at 76 stories, is the city of Chicago's tallest residential building.
Controversial ADU Allowances Approved in Maryland
Spirited protests weren't enough to stop the Montgomery County Council from allowing accessory dwelling units (ADU) in parts of the county.
Et Tu, Portland?
Opinion: The Rose City joins the nationwide attack on neighborhood-scale public involvement—and throws its pioneering model of grassroots democracy under the bus.
Transit Oriented Development Shifts Into High Gear Near BART Stations in the Bay Area
Transportation and land use are being considered together at a new scale in the Bay Area, as transit oriented development pops up next to BART stations all over the region.
A Climate Change Preview Underway in Michigan
Water is encroaching on neighborhoods and shorelines in Detroit at rare levels. Those impacts and many more are considered only a preview of what's to come when the worst effects of climate change strike the Great Lakes region.
Gentrification Enters Preservation Debate Surrounding NYC's Strand Bookstore
The Renaissance Revival building that houses New York City's beloved Strand Bookstore is under consideration by the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission. The case has provoked debate between rival advocates.
A 20-Year To-Do List for Cities
Predicting the future of challenges facing cities isn't very hard when the future is already staring cities right in the face.
Uncertain Future of Portland’s Neighborhood Associations Causing Controversy
A proposal to dissolve the groups has led to a debate about their purpose and who really benefits from them.
Sidewalk Labs' Quayside Plans Get First Public Hearing in Toronto
The public got its first chance to weigh in on a controversial proposal to makeover a sliver of Toronto waterfront as an ambitious experiment in "smart city" technology.
Parking Minimums Not Required in a Larger Section of Houston
The Houston Council voted yesterday to extend its market-base parking program.
Small Hotels a Non-Starter After Zoning Change in New York City
A local labor organization wanted larger hotels to help workers create unions, so they sought a zoning change to make it harder to develop smaller hotels in light manufacturing zones.
A 'Safe' Parking Lot for the Homeless Proposed in San Francisco
If approved, a new facility in San Francisco will allow homeless people living in RVs and vans a safe place to park. Access to support services will also be available at the site.
Infographic: Space Allocation by Population in 15 U.S. Cities
A new infographic breaks down how much space is devoted to buildings, green space, and roads in 15 major U.S. cities.
Experiencing the City in the Supermarket
Grocery stores are more than just places to buy food. They’re the universal gateway to city life and culture.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
