Land Use
What Happens to Planning in San Diego Now that Filner is Gone?
Reconstituting San Diego's Planning Department was one of Bob Filner's signature initiatives during his short time in office, and a centerpiece of his promise to 'put the city’s neighborhoods first'. Will his vision outlast his scandalous exit?
Should Cities Mandate Yards?
In communities across the U.S., setback requirements and lot coverage maximums mandate acres of private open spaces. Eliminating such requirements could produce more affordable and more eco-friendly places, argues Matthew Yglesias.
Why Millennials Might Save the Suburbs
Observers have anxiously wondered what will happen to America's urban revival as Millennials start families and seek the types of amenities more readily found in the suburbs. Relax, says Shane Phillips, cities will be fine and suburbs will be better.
A Battle to Protect England's Countryside as Greenfield Developments Double
Far from applying the government's policy of brownfield first, the number of new houses planned for greenfield sites has doubled since reform of the planning system in England reduced protection for greenbelt land.
Cincinnati Revival Gets Boost With Parking Requirement Reform
Recognizing the obstacle to redevelopment and livability presented by its outdated parking requirements, Cincinnati leaders have reduced parking minimums in the central business district and historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, reports Randy Simes.
Can Architecture Play a Role in Creating Middle East Peace?
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is bound up in intersecting issues of place, history and geography, among other things. Two Israeli architects believe architecture and urban design can help lead to an agreeable solution.
Is New Urbanism Best Suited to the Suburbs?
25 years after development started on Gaithersburg's model New Urbanist community Kentlands, Dan Malouff surveys the movement's impact on America's development patterns. He argues its products are more necessary in less-urban environments.
Janette Sadik-Khan Previews NACTO's Street Design Guide
Janette Sadik-Khan, NYC DOT Commissioner and president of the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), discusses NACTO's mission and forthcoming Street Design Guide: a "permission slip" for cities to change their streets.
Community Benefits Agreement in Brooklyn Draws Criticism from Local Organizations
An agreement between Related Developers and a community organization that has gotten substantial support from an area councilman to support a job training and referral program draws criticism from some groups who feel left out.
Containerizing the Opera
From student dorms to pop-up shops, the potential uses for the world's ubiquitous shipping containers seemingly has few bounds. A New Jersey parking lot and 1,300 containers play the part of the New York Metropolitan Opera's warehouse.
New Report Aims to Help L.A.'s Urban Gardens Grow
A group of graduate planning student at UCLA have compiled the first comprehensive survey of urban agriculture in Los Angeles County, providing tools for planners and policy-makers to boost the area's agricultural fecundity.
Mini-City to Transform Victoria Island, But What About the Rest of Lagos?
With sleek high-rises, a waterfront promenade, and yacht-filled marina, Eko Atlantic could help Lagos attract the world's elite. But when it isn't busy demolishing their homes, what is the government doing to improve poor residents' quality of life?
Plan Bay Area: Sued From the Right, Now the Left
Plan Bay Area must be doing something right as it seems to be antagonizing those on both ends of the planning spectrum. First, a libertarian group sues because of "densification", and now environmentalists sue because not enough funds go for transit.
The Chilling Beauty of Hong Kong's High-Rise Residences
In dizzying towers of dozens of monotonous, yet colorful, stories, Hong Kong residents make their homes in apartments that average 400 square feet. For photographer Michael Wolf the stark high-rise landscape provides powerful subject matter.
Denver Struggles to Reclaim Civic Center Park
A $15 million investment has so far failed to cleanse Denver's downtown park - part of the city's first National Historic Landmark - of rampant drug use and crime. What more can the city do to speed up change?
Steel City Rolls and Strolls to a New Identity
In advance of their annual biking, walking, and placemaking conference, the Project for Public Spaces identifies five elements that the make Pittsburgh a unique destination for 'rolling and strolling'.
Using Mixed‐Use Education to Build Communities
Urban Planning is rarely seen as a remedy for the state of the education system. However, thoughtful community design that integrates schools in new ways can lead to successful learning environments and vibrant communities.
Welcome to California: CEQA Does Not Apply To CEQA
You know this could only happen in California: An appellate court has ruled that the California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to ... the California Environmental Quality Act. At least in this case.
Downtown Defrost: Pittsburgh Engages Artists to Warm Up Public Spaces
Keeping public spaces active and attractive during the winter months is a common challenges in cold weather climates. Pittsburgh is seeking ideas from artists to help enliven downtown's Market Square during the depths of winter.
Falling Short of Lofty Visions, Boston Greenway a Success Nonetheless
As the culmination of the Big Dig project that sunk Boston's elevated Central Artery, the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway was envisioned as one of the world's premier parks. Though plans have been curtailed, the park has become a beloved space.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
