Land Use

The Emerging 'Surban' Real Estate Market
A little less emphasis on the suburban, and a little more emphasis on the urban.

Environmental Impact Study Builds the Case for Accessory Dwelling Units in Seattle
Proponents of a new Accessory Dwelling Unit rule in Seattle say the tactics of opponents backfired with this Environmental Impact Study.

New Orleans Already Rethinking its Short-Term Rental Regulations
New Orleans passed short-term rental regulations into law in October 2016, and launched a permitting process launched in April 2017. By May 2018, some city councilmembers are already proposing change.

Mapping the Rapid Loss of America's Agricultural Land
Development continues to encroach on agricultural land around the United States. A new study shows exactly how much agricultural land has been developed.

Ranking the Best U.S. Cities for Parks
The 2018 ParkScore is now available.

Obama Presidential Center Wins Key City Council Approval
The Obama Presidential Center is still controversial, but it has also taken a key first step in the approvals process.

Wendy's Smaller Restaurants to Serve Drive-Thru Customers
Wendy's has been updating the look and design of their restaurants since last year, but now a new layout will shrink the footprint and add efficiency to the fast food spot.

Chicago Puts Thousands of Vacant Lots on the Market for $1
Chicago continues to lose population from parts of the city, so vacant properties are multiplying. The city's "Large Lots" program aims to return vacant properties back to control by residents of the neighborhoods.

Minneapolis' New Mayor Marshals Affordable Housing Resources
Minneapolis is working to set the pace nationally for pro-housing initiatives focusing specifically on ending segregation.

In Texas, More Sprawl Means More Homes in the Path of Tornadoes
Revisiting one day in 2012, a reporter finds that many of the Dallas-Fort Worth areas affected by the storms were barely inhabited 20 years ago.

Where Vacant Properties Are Still Increasing in Number
In some cities and neighborhoods, the number of vacant properties is the only thing growing.

L.A.'s Anti-Density Advocate Still Hopes to Make Planners 'Uncomfortable'
One of the main forces behind Measure S spills her thoughts on Hollywood, homelessness and what’s wrong with planning in Los Angeles.

Major Development Slows to a Snail's Pace in San Francisco
A bustling economy and a worsening housing crisis isn't enough to inspire a building boom in San Francisco—quite the opposite in fact.

Bill to Increase Multi-Family FAR Breaks Along Surprising Political Lines in New York
A state bill would allow for higher floor area ratio in New York City, designed to alleviate housing costs in the city, has gained most support from legislators representing areas outside the city.

Dallas Considers a Major Revision to its Tree Ordinance
Neither environmentalists nor developers like the city’s current regulations around tree removal, but there is praise on both sides for the “smart and nimble” new version.

Friday Funny: A Satirical Adaptation of 'The Best of All Possible Worlds' from Candide
This version is called 'The Best of All Possible Plans.'

Philadelphia Law Would Raise Parking Minimums
Swaths of the city of Philadelphia could see increased parking minimums if a new version of a bill that failed in 2016 makes its way through City Council.

The Cost of Solving Homelessness in Seattle: $400 Million
It’s "dramatically higher" than any number under discussion, and not even close to what the city will raise with its new tax on large businesses.
Controversial Redevelopment Plan Pleases No One in Pittsburgh
Affordable housing advocates, developers, and planning commissioners all got a bad taste in their mouth on this one.

San Pedro Creek Culture Park Adds to San Antonio's Waterfront Amenities
The new San Pedro Creek Culture Park is being touted as a celebration of Latinx culture.
Pagination
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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 Clovis
City of Moorpark
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