Land Use

How the West Got Bigger, Badder Fires
Two new books chronicle the origin of U.S. policy on wildfire, the damage that policy has done, and why it’s unlikely to change any time soon.

Aggressive New 'Housing-First Policy' Proposed in California State Legislature
California State Senator Scott Wiener has established himself as one of the most ardent supporters of pro-housing policy in the state. His announcement this morning continued the theme.
More on those Freeway-Adjacent Affordable Housing Developments
The Los Angeles Times follows-up an earlier article on the dangers of building too close to freeways. It's a trade-off that the California Air Resources Board acknowledged last April with new guidelines that recognize the dire need for housing.

The Rise of the NIMBY Movement, and How Homeowners Came to Own the Whole Neighborhood
The history of how homeowners came to wield expansive power over the development of entire neighborhoods and cities is complex and can't be traced to any one policy or market trend.

Texan Offers Very Texan Plan for the Coast of Texas
In a new book, lawyer Jim Blackburn suggests that engaging private landowners is the only way to manage the coast of his home state.

Seattle Will Woo the NBA and NHL With Renovated Arena
Following a city council vote, Seattle's moving forward with a $600 million plan to renovate KeyArena in the hopes of attracting hockey and men's basketball.

New Zoning in Historic Philadelphia Neighborhood Will Protect Victorian Homes
A rezoning expected to go into effect in the neighborhood of Spruce Hill in Philadelphia chooses historic preservation over potential student housing developments.

Esri's Jack and Laura Dangermond Make Massive Land Conservation Gift
The Nature Conservancy's largest ever gift will preserve 24,000 acres of highly prized land in California. Jack and Laura Dangermond (cofounders of Esri) made the donation.

Four Steps for Making Accessibility a Tangible Part of the Planning Process
Although there is a strong push for accessibility as a key metric in transportation and land use planning efforts, there is still a long way to go in putting theory and intentions into practice.

Conservation Easements: Crafted With Good Intentions and Now Exploited for Tax Benefits
A tax break designed to protect land has become just another massive tax loophole. It looks like conservation easements are here to stay.
The 'Retail Apocalypse' Visits New York City
The trend of store closures sweeping the nation has not passed up New York City. The Guardian takes an in-depth look at the market forces at work on the famous commercial corridors of New York City.

The Most Popular Posts of 2017
All the planning news that's fit to print.
Building Boom: Study Reveals Effects of California's 2016 Accessory Dwelling Units Law
Permits have shot up after California passed a landmark law in 2016 to make it easier to permit and construct accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Funding Support Builds Momentum for a Community Land Trust in Denver
The newly formed and funded Elevation Community Land Trust will become the largest community land trust in Colorado.

Winnipeg Reckons With Parking and Place
Increasing the price of parking is among the initiatives Winnipeg is pursuing in an effort to make its downtown more livable.
Developers Allege Conspiracy to Thwart Waterfront Development in New Jersey
A lawsuit claims that the town of Edgewater and its most prolific developer worked together to defeat a proposal for yet another high-rise development with views of Manhattan

The Third Coast Atlas Redefines the Legacy of the Great Lakes
A new book of maps, photographs, and essays considers the rich historic legacy of land use and transportation on and around the Great Lakes.

Debating the Future of Development in California's Fire Prone Areas
With the state of California in the grips of its most destructive year of wildfires ever, policy makers are pondering questions about whether it is appropriate to rebuild in places at high risk of burning again.

No More Parking Minimums in Hartford
Earlier this month, the Hartford Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously on a revised zoning code that lets builders forgo parking citywide.

Eyes on the Street
The concept of "eyes on the street" is relevant to a wide variety of neighborhoods, not just the low-rise urban areas that Jane Jacobs wrote about.
Pagination
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.
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