Land Use

Miami's Form Based Code Touted as New Urbanist Ideal
Miami 21 overhauled an 80-year old zoning code and replaced it with a New Urbanist-style form-based code that many credit as being the key to changing development in the city.

Investigation: Walmarts Abuse Local Police Force Resources
An investigation by the Tampa Bay Times finds Walmart stores treating local police forces like their own personal security forces.

Cities Discovering the Limitations of Half-Baked Rail Plans
Presenting less of an argument against transit than an argument for good transit and land use planning, Streetsblog surveys some of the country's worst performing rail lines.

Louisville Builds a Green Ring Around the City
For the second time in its history, Louisville completed an ambitious and massive park planning and design process on its suburban fringe. The fringe today is just a bit farther out than it was in Olmsted's day.

When Does Inclusionary Zoning Go Too Far? San Francisco Might Find Out
In June, San Francisco voters will consider a ballot initiative that will raise the affordable housing requirement of the city's inclusionary zoning from 12 to 25 percent. Even housing advocates are concerned Proposition C might go too far.

A Love Letter to Vancouver
With so many people writing "Dear John" letters to Vancouver, in addition to high-demand cities around the world, one group of planners and urban designers responds with a love letter.

The Role of Planning in Fixing Los Angeles' Development Woes
Globe St. featured an exclusive interview with Gail Goldberg, executive director of the Urban Land Institute, Los Angeles Chapter, and former planning director of Los Angeles and San Diego.

The Leadership Behind the Rebirth of Governors Island in New York
Leslie Koch, the president and chief executive of the Trust for Governors Island, in the Hills on Thursday. After leading the trust for a decade, she is announcing her retirement.

Digging Into D.C.'s Zoning Code Changes for Accessory Dwelling Units
Washington, D.C. approved a long-awaited new zoning code in January. Greater Greater Washington digs into one of the new code's more substantive changes: more permissive regulations for accessory dwelling units.

The New Mayor of London's Housing Manifesto
Newly elected Mayor Sadiq Khan created a housing manifesto while on the campaign trail. Its support of affordable housing development would be unique on this side of the pond.

Meet New York City's First Regional Planning Director
A city planning office with a regional focus? Such a rare beast is real in New York City. There's even a new leader at the helm of the operation.

Planning in Houston: No Longer an Oxymoron
Houston, Texas, adopted its first general plan called Plan Houston late last year. Plan Houston covers everything from economic development to education to public health to arts and culture.

Dallas Doesn't Deliver on Promised Libraries
In 2006, Dallas voters approved a bond package that promised $42 million for new libraries. Ten years later, and after $11.75 million in spending, none of the projects are close to completion.

The Land Value Tax Explained
A Vox article and podcast delve into the wonky but thought-provoking reasoning behind the land value tax.
The Next Economic Frontier: Cities
Urbanists, test your knowledge of urban economics. Familiar with the concept of agglomeration externality? Finance professor and Bloomberg View writer Noah Smith opines it's a major reason why American cities are not as productive as they should be.

The 'Myth' of Family Farms
Historian Gabriel Rosenberg challenges romanticism in the history of family farms in the US.
8 Ways Exclusionary Zoning Hurts Cities
The Sightline Institute tackles what may be "our most acute urban public policy challenge."

Study: How Does Transit Really Impact Land Values?
The idea that proximity to transit equals higher land values doesn't tell the full story. According to this study, a variety of other factors must be in place to achieve the desired effect.

Expecting Investment, Reno Targets Blighted Properties
As a nascent tech economy tests the waters, Reno's Vice Mayor spearheads an effort to equitably clear out blight and revisit the purpose of the city's downtown.

'Pay-By-Plate' Parking Meters Bring Windfall to Pittsburgh
The power of modern parking technology is on display on the streets of Pittsburgh.
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