Land Use

As Medical Cannabis Grows, So Does the Space Needed for It
Despite its medicinal benefits, cannabis will negatively impact the environment if we don’t plan accordingly.

Louisville's Sprawl Threatens One of its Last Clean-Running Streams
New subdivision planning and construction is expected to expand the footprint of the Louisville metropolitan area. The question is whether those new developments will protect or harm the beloved Floyds Fork.

The Dutch: Ready to Export Their Flood Control Expertise
For those who want it, the Netherlands is willing to share the fruits of its centuries-long relationship with the unruly seas. In Rotterdam, lots of local urban solutions are also on display.

Louisiana's Subsidence Problem Looks Dire
According to a new study, the state's coastal lands are sinking at a quicker rate than previously estimated.

A New Urban Garden to Feed Dallas' Homeless
A new state-of-the-art urban garden is for the 400 daily residents of a Dallas homeless shelter to maintain and enjoy.
Amid Controversy, More Density Urged Along San Diego Trolley Extension
In 2021, San Diego will open a northern trolley extension connecting its downtown and Golden Triangle. However, much of the route in between is barren and inaccessible. AIA-SD urges density and more effort to win over opponents.
Controversy Over Proposed Zoning Changes for Philly's Delaware Waterfront
Along comes a developer, wanting to build something that doesn't conform to a 2013 plan, with the support of the local councilmember, and local stakeholders aren't happy.

An Expanding Vision for San Francisco's Treasure Island
San Francisco is starved for ideas for ways to meet growing demand for housing, and skyrocketing prices. Here's a big idea: how about building space for some 20,000 new residents on Treasure Island, located in the middle of the bay?
Prop. 13 Will Blunt the Property Tax Windfall as Boomers Transfer Property to Millennials
The benefits of Prop 13's limit on property taxes will pass from generation to generation in California, at the expense of state and local coffers.

Developers Ready for New Opportunities Along the Chicago River
Chicago's North Branch Framework Plan and Design Guidelines, approved in May, is already having the expected effect: big, flashy developments in the pipeline.

Big Piece of Detroit's 'Inner Circle Greenway' Falls Into Place
Detroit will spend $4.3 million to buy land along the Detroit Terminal Railroad for the purposes of creating a 7.5-mile leg of the planned Inner Circle Greenway.

A Concerning Lack of Tribal Participation in Tacoma Tidelands Planning
The editors of the Tacoma Weekly speculate that someday governments might uphold their agreements. They don't expect the Tacoma Tideland sub area plan to be one of those times.

Hot Off the Presses: Austin's Draft Street Design Guide
Austin has mostly been planning, designing, and engineering its streets the same way for 20 years. A new Street Design Guide would pave the way for a new era.

Plans for Empty Lot Raise Gentrification Fears in Chicago's Pilsen
Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood is getting more expensive and more white, and some in the neighborhood say the plan for a new apartment complex will further that trend.

Funding Pledge Brings Certainty to Planned Cap Park in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, the William Penn Foundation has committed to help raise the last $10 million of the $225 million budget for a park over the I-95.

Atlanta Needs a New Tree Ordinance
Having learned from a pair of recent controversies, the city of Atlanta is ready to study and draft a new tree ordinance.

Surveying the Suburban Office Market
A new report by CBRE finds reasons to be skeptical of tales of the downfall of the suburban office market. Denver provides a compelling case study.

Brick and Mortar Continue to Struggle as Shoppers Scatter
Online options and oversaturation in some markets are leading to continued declines in physical storefronts around the country.

Legalizing Chickens in St. Louis
If passed, St. Louis's new zoning regulations will allow residents of St. Louis to keep up to eight rabbits or chickens, among other animals.

Denied Mosque Rezoning Violated Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act
The city of Des Plaines, Illinois has entered into a consent decree with the Justice Department to ensure it acts in accordance with the law regarding future zoning requests from religious institutions.
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.
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