Land Use
Yards Slim Down as House Size Grows
As the footprints of the average suburban home grows and lot sizes shrink, the traditional sprawling yard is getting squeezed out.
A Playbook for Achieving Meaningful Development Regulation Reform
Most cities know they need new development regulations, but it's much, much easier said than done.
Ross May Be Immune from the Amazon Effect
Ross Stores continues its expansion in the face of a much-foretold retail apocalypse. The shopping experience it provides may be one reason it can stand up to Amazon.
Autonomous Vehicles and Urban Contexts: It's Time to Engage All Stakeholders
At the 2017 Autonomous Vehicle Symposium, a group of experts were asked to predict the effects of autonomous vehicles in two case study communities, and to generate a list of proposed policy actions to prepare for a future of autonomous vehicles.
Density Debate Boils Over in Southern California's Third Largest City
The city of Long Beach's draft Land Use Element has provoked political forces that would like to cap the growth of the city.
A Playbook for Supply-Side Housing Affordability Solutions
The word YIMBY isn't used in the McKinsey Global Institute's new supply-side toolkit for housing affordability, but YIMBYs will like this it anyway.
'Housing Insights' Mapping Tool Designed to Preserve Subsidized Housing in D.C.
The Housing Insights team of volunteer civic hackers hopes you'll use their software in other cities, too.
Can Urbanist Islands Make a Difference Where Sprawl Reigns?
The product of a single developer, San Jose's Santana Row is a pocket of urbanism in a sea of sprawl. But can it influence development patterns beyond its bounds, and should it?
Former Planning Director, Landscape Architect Among MacArthur Genius Grants Winners
Professionals and academics of the built environment were recognized for their genius this week by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
Wine Country Wildfires Put Focus on Wildland-Urban Interface
The fires in Northern California have caused at least 21 deaths, with over 500 people missing in Sonoma County. Wired science editor, Adam Rogers, looks at the problems posed when urban development encroaches wildlands.
Communities Debate Potential Mine Near Mt. St. Helens
Fishermen, former loggers, and conservationists are just some of the groups with a stake in whether a mining operation takes root in Washington state.
San Francisco Planning to Remove the Great Highway as Coastal Erosion Takes its Toll
In the 1920s, the city of San Francisco extended the shoreline of south Ocean Beach by some 200 feet. Now the coast there is eroding as a result of that action, and the Great Highway is on shaky ground.
Portland to Consider New Residential Infill Regulations
The city of Portland's new residential infill ordinance would reduce the number of 1:1 demolitions—which often convert older, affordable homes into expensive McMansions.
ADUs Are Having a Moment
Granny flats, mother-in-law units, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), or secondary units—whatever you call them, more and more cities, regions, and states are making it easier to deliver subtle density in the backyard.
Twin Cities Hope to Regulate (and Tax) Airbnb in Time for the Super Bowl
The Twin Cities have a super-sized incentive to nail down regulations for short-term rentals. A tax revenue windfall hangs in the balance.
Take an Online Tour of Historic Prince George's County, Maryland
You don't have to be a fan of Prince George's County to be a fan of the historical maps and geographic insight on the online Prince George's Atlas.
The 100 Most Influential Urbanists
These are the people that have had the most influence on the places and environments that we call home.
The Mason-Dixon Line Is Turning 250 Years Old
The traditional dividing line between north and south will celebrate a major birthday this weekend.
The Case Against Front Lawns
A writer collects evidence from pop culture, literature, and more in painting a portrait of the American relationship to front lawns—crabgrass and all.
Parking Strategies for Comprehensive Plans
Parking needs to be balanced with new development that supports active modes of transportation, integrates a complete streets approach, and values a high-quality public realm. Comprehensive plans can help achieve this balance.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
One Hundred Miles
County of Mendocino
planning NEXT
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Montrose County
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority
