Land Use

IBM Releases "Commuter Pain Index"

A survey of over 8,000 commuters in 20 cities across 6 continents yields an alarming result. By and large, commuters in emerging economies face traffic conditions that are far worse than those who live in the U.S. and Europe.

September 10, 2011 - The Infrastructurist

"Parklets" Pop Up in Vancouver

Transplanting the wildly popular pilot projects in NYC and SF across the northern border, the City launches VIVA Vancouver program that converts parts of eight streets into public spaces.

September 9, 2011 - THE DIRT

Promoting Equity in Subsidized Housing

As the real estate market begins to rebound, many affordable housing advocates and developers in NYC are calling for a modification of the 80/20 program.

September 9, 2011 - The New York Times

Invisible Density

The Canadians call it "laneway housing", and in the U.S. they're often dubbed "granny units". These smaller homes in underused garage or alley locations are creating new ways to add density to areas without changing community character.

September 8, 2011 - SightlineDaily

Mixed-Use Prevails in 2030 Land Use Projections

A new land use study based on the 2008 "comp plans" data reveals a significant shift toward mixed-use and transit-oriented developments (TODs) in the Twin Cities seven-county metro area.

September 8, 2011 - Finance And Commerce

Board Games for Urban Planners

Mark Ferrall is on a mission to get planners away from their computer screens and collaborating again - over a good board game. Here, he presents three he thinks you and your colleagues will enjoy.

September 8, 2011 - Mark Ferrall

Rapid City Growth Causes Concern Over Urban Sprawl

The rapid growth of cities is causing concern amongst experts over the effects of urban sprawl. There are 19 megacities in the world today, and 10 more will rise in the next 30 years, reports Marcus Moretti for Yale Daily News.

September 7, 2011 - Yale Daily News

A Highly Unique Brownfield

Beckholmen, an island off Stockholm, has been an industrial and shipping center since the 1600s. Today, the city is looking at ways to revitalize the island while preserving the industry that has dominated it for so long.

September 7, 2011 - POLIS

The Many Faces of Exurbia

While the South is king when it comes to exurbs (low density, with workers who mostly commute to an urban area), the exurban experience has many faces, including small town New England.

September 6, 2011 - Places

Istanbul Clears Cafes Off of Streets

After complaints about blocking the sidewalk and creating litter, the City of Istanbul has been cracking down on street dining, gutting the food industry in the process.

September 6, 2011 - The Guardian U.K.

Food Trucks Bring Peace to Contested Park

Grey Park in Evanston, Illinois is used primarily by mentally ill residents of a nearby facility, who make the space uncomfortable for the general public. A community group brought in food trucks, and everyone came together over cupcakes.

September 6, 2011 - Project for Public Spaces blog

Playing the 'Hide the Cell Tower' Game

An 84 foot tall cell tower, disguised as a giant pine tree, sparks controversy in Bozeman, Montana.

September 4, 2011 - Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Making the Door Zone Safe for Bikers

The door danger zone- where cars and cyclists intersect - is getting a revamp in San Francisco, highlighting how little room there is on the streets for all users.

September 2, 2011 - Grist.org

Walter Reed's Closure Leaves Significant Development Possibilities

Walter Reed is closing and leaving behind close to 70 acres available for redevelopment in D.C. Residents want to know, can the planners get it right?

September 2, 2011 - NPR

Don't Fear the Renter

Kevin Klinkenberg looks at the fear of "alternative lifestyles": that is, those who rent.

September 2, 2011 - New Urbanism Blog

Melbourne Ranked as Most Livable City

With high scores in five broad categories, Melbourne, Australia received the highest spot in livability rankings from The Economist's research unit.

September 2, 2011 - TheCityFix.com

Medical Center's Closure an Opportunity for D.C.

The closure of the Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington D.C. presents a big piece of property and a big opportunity for the District.

September 2, 2011 - NPR

Skyscrapers and the World of Tomorrow

Are skyscrapers the way to achieve great density, or a form of retro-urbanism that should be retired? With a debate simmering in the planning world over the energy efficiency and urban necessity of tall towers, Planetizen's staff decided to determine the answer once and for all.

September 1, 2011 - Tim Halbur

Realligning the Libertarian Stance in the Urban Planning Culture Wars

Libertarians opposition toward government backed light-rail ignores the longer history of government's pro-car policies, says Timothy B. Lee, contributor for Forbes.

September 1, 2011 - Forbes

William Gibson's Futuristic World Has Arrived

Author William Gibson talks to Scientific American about how "the future's arrived," and the many ways you can see the future around you.

August 31, 2011 - Scientific American

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.