Land Use

American Dream Miami

$3 Billion Mall Proposal Still Facing Traffic Concerns in Florida

A massive mall, proposed for a 174-acre stretch of land that abuts the border between Miami-Dade and Broward counties, has so far breezed through approvals. "American Dream Miami" will still require political victories.

March 15, 2017 - Sun Sentinel

Queen-Spadina

The Wisdom of Engaging Nervous Cyclists

It was clear to the City of Toronto that engaging less confident cyclists that make up 60% of the population, yet seldom come to community meetings, might be the key to dramatic mode shifts in the city. Here's how it happened.

March 13, 2017 - Dave Biggs

Homes

In Appreciation of Gentle Density

How does one talk about density without frightening people? One term that's floating around is "gentle density," referring to the missing middle between mid-rise and detached homes.

March 12, 2017 - Metro Toronto

Manhattan

To Inspire New Development, New York Rethinking its Shadow-Predicting Formula

The New York Department of City Planning is considering changes to a formula used to model the shadows cast by potential developments as part of its Midtown East rezoning plan.

March 11, 2017 - Crain's New York Business

Detroit

On Detroit's Proposed Tallest Skyscraper

Slated for the site of the late Hudson's department store, Dan Gilbert's mixed-use mecca and its glassy 734-foot tower would symbolize Detroit's rebirth, in downtown at least.

March 11, 2017 - Detroit Free Press

Bunker Hill

Los Angeles' Iconic Angels Flight Railway To Utilize P3 Model

After appearing in the film La La Land, the world-renowned, iconic, 116-year-old Angels Flight will reopen to the public after a three-year modernization process.

March 10, 2017 - The Planning Report

Urban Agriculture

Tax Credits to Encourage Urban Agriculture

Montgomery County, Maryland is the latest municipality to approve an agricultural tax credit to to create incentives for agricultural uses in urban areas.

March 10, 2017 - Source of the Spring

Bee is For Billboard

Artists Find Alternate Uses for Billboards in Los Angeles

With a surplus of unsold billboard spaces dotting Los Angeles, artists are using the empty spaces as canvasses for new forms of public art.

March 10, 2017 - The Art Newspaper

Boston

Too Much Parking in Boston

A Massachusetts regional planning agency says many of Boston's neighborhoods have too many unused parking spaces.

March 9, 2017 - The Boston Globe

Albany, New York, Putting Finishing Touches on Comprehensive Zoning Reform

Earlier this week, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan sent a draft of the city's new Unified Sustainable Development Ordinance to the city's Common Council.

March 9, 2017 - Politico New York

Los Angeles Grand Park

L.A. Planning Referendum, Measure S, Soundly Defeated

Measure S and an oddly timed election brought planning and development to the center of the public consciousness in Los Angeles for a few months. The voters resoundingly supported one side of the issue.

March 8, 2017 - Los Angeles Times

Houston Light Rail

Sun Belt Sprawl Might Not Be Forever

Will sprawling cities stay sprawled? Starting in their downtowns, some Sun Belt behemoths are embracing denser, more walkable forms.

March 8, 2017 - CNU

North Vancouver Skips Past 'Secondary Suites,' Allows a Third 'Coach House' on Every Lot

While some cities debate secondary units and parking controversies, the city of North Vancouver is allowing three units on every single-family lot in the city—parking requirements not included.

March 7, 2017 - North Shore News

Charlotte Housing Development

What If We Stopped Considering Housing an Investment?

If Americans viewed housing as what it essentially is, a consumable good, solutions to our ongoing affordability crisis might just present themselves. And we'd probably loosen a lot of land use regulations.

March 7, 2017 - New York Times

Image of Chicago Lake Shore Drive Freeway

Proposal: Bury a Section of Chicago's Lake Shore Drive

In an ambitious plan dating back to the early 20th century, some Chicagoans want to build out park space over Lake Shore Drive's Oak Street S-bend. The project wouldn't be a straightforward one.

March 7, 2017 - Curbed Chicago

Los Angeles Residential Street

Los Angeles Planning Reforms Respond to Measure S

Councilmember José Huizar weighs the city's new rules against those proposed by the upcoming ballot measure.

March 7, 2017 - The Planning Report

Redevelopment

A New, Park-Filled Vision for Detroit's Waterfront

A new framework plan for Detroit's East Riverfront District will focus more on creating public spaces than a previous version of the plan. The proposed vision for the waterfront would expand Milliken State Park and create two new parks.

March 7, 2017 - Detroit Free Press

new Mexico

Planners Across America: Making Albuquerque the Land of Enchantment, Not Confusion

The city of Albuquerque is focused on bringing consistency and coherence to an unwieldy collection of planning and land use regulations. An interview with Albuquerque Planning Director Suzanne Lubar explores the city's approach to the challenge.

March 6, 2017 - Josh Stephens

Silicon Valley

California Investing In 'Transformative Climate Communities'

The California Strategic Growth Council has $140 million in cap-and-trade revenue for the new Transformative Climate Community program. The aim of the program is to catalyze environmental and economic investment in disadvantaged communities.

March 5, 2017 - The Planning Report

Accessory Dwelling Unit

A Portland-Brand Building Boom: Accessory Dwelling Units

It's possible that construction permits for accessory dwelling units, also known as granny flats or mother-in-law units, could surpass permits for regular homes.

March 3, 2017 - Portland Tribune

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.