Land Use
Bikers vs. Environmentalists
Planners in Montgomery County, MD are nixing a proposed bike path because of its nearness to 'ecologically sensitive parkland'. Bicycle proponents think this argument doesn't hold water. Says one,'they're already running a big highway through there.'
Residents Fuming As Housing Threatens Park
A master-planned community in Baltimore is up in arms over plans to replace the community's iconic country club parkspace with a senior housing center.
Mixed-Use Faces Mixed Reviews in Fullerton
In Fullerton, CA, a dense new mixed-use building is facing criticism from neighbors and residents. 'All of a sudden we get one of these mixed-use buildings, [and] it's like a fort got dropped out of the sky,' says one neighbor.
Urban Gardens Taking Root in Post-Industrial City
The non-profit group Nuestras Raíces in Holyoke, Mass. has found urban agriculture a powerful community glue, providing increased food security and economic opportunity to the Puerto Rican population there.
Historic Land Use Bill's Steam Could Run Out
A California bill that seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by controlling land use may be one of the most important land use bills in years, according to Bill Fulton. But if it passes, the progress it makes could be short lived.
Sprawlfighting in San Jose
San José, California, after decades of sprawl that left the region one of the least-dense cities in the state, is on track to densify their underused areas. As one planner put it, "The decision was, let's not build out anymore, let's build up."
The Spread of Ciclovia
Temporary street closures for pedestrian use -- an idea that spawned in Bogota, Colombia -- are occurring in cities all over the world. The trend is expected to continue.
We Are Where We Live
Jeff Speck, author of Suburban Nation, spoke recently at a conference in Winnepeg. 'Just as we have come to recognize that 'we are what we eat', there is a growing belief that 'we are where we live,' says Speck.
A New Neighborhood From Scratch in the Netherlands
A new district rises on the decommissioned Ypenburg Nato airfield in the Netherlands. Master planners Rapp & Rapp worked with other architects and developers to create a cohesive whole with slight variations, a “conditioning of difference."
1908 City Beautiful Plan Still Relevant
Planners are celebrating Columbus's century-old comprehensive plan, and continuing to consult the plan for guidance.
Best Towns in the U.S.
Outside Magazine looks at the best cities and towns for working, living and playing, with a focus on places that have experienced a renewal.
Rare Show Of Unity on Growth Legislation in CA
An unusual coalition of environmentalists, builders,and city leaders announced their support for a controversial land use and transportation bill that aims to involve the CA Air Resources Board in setting reduction targets.
Can Colorado Cope with Growth?
With the prospect of million more residents by 2015, Colorado will need to be creative to address the infrastructure and environmental consequences of growth.
Smart Growth or Smart Food?
"Locavores" hoping to promote more sustainable agriculture through urban gardening are facing a new hurdle: infill housing projects.
Zoning Questions Follow Fire, Explosions at Toronto Propane Yard
A massive explosion at a propane dealer in Toronto is leading to questions as to how such a facility could ever have been located so close to a residential area.
Three Cheers for the Automobile
Former Congressman Ernest Istook discusses why the automobile is the ultimate manifestation of freedom, mobility, and personal choice, and argues for a re-allocation of public spending away from mass transit and other alternatives.
Car-Free Days Planned for New York
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has announced plans for car-free days on a nearly 7-mile section of road in Manhattan.
The Death and Life of American Malls
This piece from WorldChanging looks at the trend of dying indoor malls, and some creative ideas for reviving or reusing them.
Beijing's Olympic Lessons for Chicago
Olympics-related construction in Beijing has impressed many, but does little to make the city a better place. Architecture critic Blair Kamin says Chicago needs to be careful about not repeating China's mistakes if it hosts the games in 2016.
Commute Costs Changes Growth Patterns in D.C.
Suburban growth in the DC area has been fueled by low gas prices and abundant freeways. Expensive gas has changed this growth paradigm as commuters shift to public transit and seek close-in homes. Will government respond to the change in the market?
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
