Land Use

Marilyn Monroe Palm Springs

Op-Ed Blames Planned Development Districts for Development in Palm Springs

A local writer argues that development is putting the unique character of Palm Springs in peril by taking advantage of the city's Planned Development Districts.

June 28, 2016 - The Desert Sun

Manhattan Developers Go 0-2 in Recent Preservation Battles

Local advocates have won a string of political victories against developers in New York City.

June 28, 2016 - The New York Times

Pennsylvania State Park

Pennsylvania Legislators Propose New Commercial Development in State Parks

A pair of legislative proposals in the Pennsylvania State Legislature would open the door to private development in the state park system.

June 27, 2016 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Santa Monica Route 66

Another Anti-Development Measure to Face Voters in Southern California

This time, the scene of the anti-development ire is Santa Monica, where local advocates have qualified for the November ballot on initiative requiring a vote for any project building beyond the zoning code.

June 27, 2016 - Santa Monica Next

Garden City

Are Garden Cities Sustainable?

The Garden City concept has a long and honorable pedigree within urban planning. Analysis of Sterling Ranch, a master-planned community outside of Denver, Colorado highlights some important issues around social and environmental sustainability.

June 26, 2016 - Dean Saitta

Disneyland Hotel

Disneyland Wants a $200 Million Tax Break for a New Hotel

Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait says there is no legitimate reason to give Disney the tax break.

June 26, 2016 - Voice of Orange County

Los Angeles Metro

Who Does Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s New Funding Plan Leave Out?

If the Metro Board passes the proposed $40 billion expenditure plan, millions of Los Angeles residents will still not have access to good public transit for decades.

June 25, 2016 - The Planning Report

Seattle

Rezoning Proposed for Seattle's University District

Intended to make the most of a planned light rail station, the city of Seattle has proposed a zoning overhaul for the University District.

June 24, 2016 - The Urbanist

Denver Union STation TOD

Denver Planning Department Hiring to Keep Up With Permit Backlog

As Denver's development industry achieves post-recession levels of activity, the city's Department of Community Planning and Development needs staff for pre-recession levels of capacity.

June 24, 2016 - The Denver Post

Carquinez Bridge

The Well Has Run Dry: Redevelopment in Vallejo, CA Without Tax Increment Financing

A case study of Vallejo shows how the city is continuing revitalization efforts without the powerful tools provided by its former redevelopment agency.

June 24, 2016 - Linda Day

Image of hydraulic fracturing equipment

Court Ruling Overthrows Obama Administration's Fracking Regulations

Opponents of federal oversight rejoice: a ruling by U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl reiterates the limitations of the federal government to regulate fracking.

June 23, 2016 - KUOW

Are freeway overpasses curtailing public discourse?

Freeway overpasses instead of town squares are now often selected as the preferred public space to promote a non-commercial point of view, but such messaging does little to enhance public discourse, writes planner and urbanist Howard Blackson.

June 22, 2016 - UrbDeZine

Billboard Flag

Pennsylvania Legislation to Address Billboard Impacts

Residents in towns around Pennsylvania are calling for regulations to better understand and mitigate the impacts of large digital and static billboards.

June 22, 2016 - philly.com

El Paso

El Paso Stays the Course

El Paso is moving forward with a number of transit projects, toward ambitious goals in mobility, quality of life, and air quality.

June 21, 2016 - The Urban Edge

Tilikum Crossing

Portland Approves New Comprehensive Plan

The Portland City Council voted unanimously to approve a new Comprehensive Plan.

June 20, 2016 - The Oregonian

St. Louis Puts Renewed Effort Into Vacant Properties

St. Louis Public Radio explains the various efforts of the St. Louis Land Reutilization Authority.

June 19, 2016 - St. Louis Public Radio

30th Street Station District Plan

Plans Released for $6.5 Billion Development in Philadelphia

Planners have completed a two-year study of the area around the 30th Street Station in the University City neighborhood in Philadelphia.

June 18, 2016 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Pittsburgh Suburb Rejects Zoning Change for Proposed Power Plant

A zoning controversy could continue into a legal appeal.

June 18, 2016 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Digital Billboards

A Lack of Action Despite Evidence of Safety Risks Posed by Digital Billboards

The Eno Center for Transportation lays out a clear appeal for action to regulate the time, place, and manner of digital billboards.

June 18, 2016 - Eno Center for Transportation

Cicyclist

Study Finds a Way to Make Biking Less Environmentally Friendly Than Driving

Momentum Mag picks up the news of a study out of Harvard University that will produce more than one double take.

June 17, 2016 - Momentum Magazine

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.