Land Use

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.
Manhattan Developers Go 0-2 in Recent Preservation Battles
Local advocates have won a string of political victories against developers in New York City.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

Portland Approves New Comprehensive Plan
The Portland City Council voted unanimously to approve a new Comprehensive Plan.
St. Louis Puts Renewed Effort Into Vacant Properties
St. Louis Public Radio explains the various efforts of the St. Louis Land Reutilization Authority.

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.
Pittsburgh Suburb Rejects Zoning Change for Proposed Power Plant
A zoning controversy could continue into a legal appeal.

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.

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.
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