Land Use

Duany and Speck on the Results of Sprawl

In an op-ed, Andres Duany and Jeff Speck discuss how the effects of sprawl they revealed years ago with the release of their book Suburban Sprawl is today being proven.

October 18, 2010 - The Washington Post

Four Visions for Future Living

In the face of climate change and sea level rise, Popular Science offers four designs for urban lifestyles of the near future.

October 17, 2010 - Popular Science

The "Circus Tent" of Beijing

Dense cities, argues Daniel Garst, are shaped like a pyramid, with the most density in the middle and sloping sides. Beijing, on the other hand, has developed more like a circus tent, with density at the sides but single-story homes in the middle.

October 17, 2010 - China Daily

County Sues State Over Railyard

The State of Virginia wants to put up 2/3rds of the cost of a new private railyard in Montgomery County. County officials say it doesn't fit the character of the rural area, and have sued to stop it from being built.

October 17, 2010 - The Roanoke Times

Designing Cities in an Age of Scarce Water

Freshwater is becoming increasingly scarce. Our cities will need to address these shortages with better design, according to author Steven Solomon.

October 16, 2010 - Grist

Talking Open Streets and Ciclovias

Next American City talks with urban designer and bicycle planner Mike Lydon about cycling, ciclovias, and open streets.

October 16, 2010 - Next American City

New Ruling Means Greater Access to California Coast

A ruling this week by the California Coastal Commission will allow a dozen new picnic areas and up to five new trailheads, in addition to camping areas for 280 people and new access to the Coastal Slope Trail. The camping will be the first in Malibu.

October 15, 2010 - The Planning Report

If You Build It, They Won't Walk

Trails and walking paths are commonly built in suburban areas. But their mere presence doesn't automatically mean they'll be used, according to a new study.

October 15, 2010 - Miller-McCune

Near Chicago, A Zoning Change Inflames Religious Tension

A zoning proposal in DuPage County would ban construction of 'meeting places,' including religious institutions, in unincorporated residential areas. The County says it's a question of infrastructure. Muslim leaders wonder if it's Islamophobia.

October 14, 2010 - WBEZ 91.5

The Best Public Spaces in the U.S.

The American Planning Association has released its 2010 selections for great public spaces, streets and neighborhoods, ranging from a sculpture garden in Alabama to New York's transformed Bryant Park.

October 13, 2010 - American Planning Association

Clash Between Ideals and Realities in Boise

Boise, Idaho attempts to find common ground between its vision for the future and the need for economic development.

October 13, 2010 - The Idaho Statesman

'Inchvesting' in the Future of Detroit

A group in Detroit has begun an effort to sell of one-inch parcels of land in the city for $1.

October 13, 2010 - Boing Boing

Cattle vs. Subdivisions

Arizona's long-standing open range laws allow cattle to roam freely, but the state is now reconsidering the laws as residents of the West's suburban subdivisions are growing more frustrated by encounters with roaming cattle.

October 12, 2010 - New York Times

No ARC without TOD

New Jersey wants billions in federal money for its ARC project, but NJ Transit's commuter rail service is too often just a subsidy to the rich and an excuse not to develop North Jersey, says Stephen Smith.

October 11, 2010 - Market Urbanism

New Jersey Moves Away From McMansion Trend

In the face of a recent report showing that sprawl was rapidly eating up developable land in New Jersey, developers have begun to ditch the McMansion in favor of taller and more dense projects.

October 11, 2010 - The New York Times

Dallas Considers Electronic Billboards

The city's 10-year ban on construction of new signage is challenged as the local billboard industry asks to replace traditional models with digital technology.

October 10, 2010 - The Dallas Morning News

Religion and Neighborliness

Ben Brown reads Robert Putnam's new book, which explores the ways in which religion in the U.S. causes greater intolerance but simultaneously a greater civic engagement and likelihood of helping others through charitable acts.

October 9, 2010 - PlaceShakers

Reviews and Reflections on the Best New Urban Parks

The New Republic offers a look and review of some of the nation's best new urban parks.

October 9, 2010 - The New Republic

Reframing the Sustainability Argument

This podcast features a discussion with designer Bruce Mau, who talks about sustainability and why he loves the suburbs.

October 9, 2010 - Climate Desk

The Fastest-Growing Cities in the World

Writing for Forbes, Joel Kotkin looks at the fastest-growing cities in the world, and shows how powerhouse cities like New York and Mumbai are being challenged by lesser known places.

October 8, 2010 - Forbes

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.