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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Talking Open Streets and Ciclovias
Next American City talks with urban designer and bicycle planner Mike Lydon about cycling, ciclovias, and open streets.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reframing the Sustainability Argument
This podcast features a discussion with designer Bruce Mau, who talks about sustainability and why he loves the suburbs.
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.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association
