Land Use
What the Growth of D.C. Looked Like From Space
A history of growth and expansion is visible to the naked eye with photos covering a wide breadth of the planet and just a few short years.
On the Meaning and Value of America's National Parks
An editorial from a surprising source argues for an honest discussion about the unintended consequences of uncritical exuberance.
New York Development to Combine Manufacturing and Residential Once Again
The city of New York has made zoning change to allow an "experiment" on the Queens waterfront that mixes residential and manufacturing uses on the same site.
Plans for World's Largest Methanol Plant Die in Tacoma
The massive and controversial Tideflats methanol plant proposal will no longer trouble environmentalists in the Pacific Northwest.
New Community Plan to Remake Canada's Capital of Sprawl
Abbotsford is the fifth-largest city in British Columbia by population but the largest by land size. The city's most recent community plan is designed to accommodate new growth without sprawling any farther.
Artists Plan a Mini Golf Course to Teach About Zoning and Gentrification
An art installation called "The Back 9" is planned for Los Angeles' Skid Row to tackle the issues of gentrification, zoning, and back room deals for development rights.
Looking for Housing Solutions? Look to the Past
The development of Portland during the early decades of the 1900s reveals ideas for how to lessen the pressure on housing prices in the 2010s.
Many Benefits Expected for Changes to Rockaway Community
Officials see chance to move residents out of flood zone, improving access to beach, and deliver affordable housing and infrastructure.
All Jokes Aside: Do Oil Companies Avoid Wealthy Areas?
Environmental justice alarms sounded when an oil industry executive made public remarks about how drilling sites get selected.
Los Angeles Looking for New Planners, New Community Plans
Mayor Eric Garcetti has announced his commitment to the planning process in Los Angeles by proposing a program that would hire new planners and launch new planning efforts at the community level.
Seattle Mulls Selling Surplus Open Space
A 13-acre site considered excess by the city of Seattle could be sold to the highest bidder or become a park
Anchorage Plans for the Future
Municipal officials and staff in Anchorage, Alaska, are hard at work drafting an updated land use plan that incorporates modern planning principles in the city's vision for development.
Should San Diego Imitate Indianapolis by Building a Downtown Stadium?
In the debate over two ballot initiatives in San Diego that would facilitate a combined convention center and stadium project, proponents have pointed to Indianapolis's Lucas Oil Stadium as a successful example. But is it?
Colorado Releases New Resiliency Guide for Local Governments
Colorado Department of Local Affairs releases "Planning for Hazards: Land Use Solutions for Colorado," a guide and website to help Colorado agencies prepare for natural disasters and reduce risks through resilience and hazard mitigation.
Using Highway Medians for Carbon Sequestration
Americans are thinking about undeveloped land alongside and between roadways as a low cost and widely dispersed strategy for carbon sequestration
Revitalization and Baseball in Downtown Houston
The recent on-field success of the Houston Astros is matched by a wave of building in the neighborhood around their home ballpark. All of that means baseball fans might have a harder time finding a place to park this season.
The Neighborhood Veto and the 'Missing Middle'
Community resistance may explain why smaller apartment buildings are hard to build.
Golf's Physical Footprint Shrinking Quickly in Michigan
The real estate boom that brought about a boom in golf course construction is a thing of the past. Now golf courses are closing around the country as the sport recedes from its peak popularity.
Community Engagement Highlights from APA 2016
As I do every year at the APA National Conference, I did my best to catch as many community engagement sessions as possible. Here are highlights, takeaways, and the common threads I noticed this year.
South Bend Reactivating Vacant Lots
Formerly vacant homes are now vacant lots in South Bend, Indiana. Returning the lots to productive uses presents a new kind of challenge for community groups and local officials.
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
