Land Use

Bio-Diesel As A Rural Development Strategy

Having become the world leader in ethanol production, Brazil turns to bio-diesel, with a policy that is intended to benefit small, family farms so as to keep them on their land, and benefit President Luiz da Silva in his reelection bid.

September 21, 2006 - Los Angeles Times

'Fractal' Design Makes More With Less

In a comparative study of English towns, one small village with a compact and walkable design has been shown to seem much larger to pedestrians than a comparable area in a big city -- mainly because there is more to see there.

September 21, 2006 - Western Mail

After 50 Years, Waterfront May Be Redeveloped

With a population cut in half and an almost abandoned waterfront area, the city of Buffalo is thinking redevelopment. Actually, the city has spent nearly 50 years thinking redevelopment. Now steps are actually being taken to improve the waterfront.

September 21, 2006 - The New York Times

What Is This Thing Called Sprawl?

The concept of sprawl and its attributes are broken down in simple terms in this Q&A with Indiana University Professor John Ottensmann.

September 20, 2006 - Journal and Courier

The Rebirth of Rivers

Impressed by the successful 'rebirth' of rivers like the Clyde, cities are scrutinizing waterfront redevelopment projects and adding rivers to their civic portfolios.

September 19, 2006 - Sunday Herald

Sprawl: History Or Myth?

A critical review of Robert Bruegmann's book 'Sprawl: A Compact History' asserts that Bruegmann's work exemplifies several common myths about sprawl.

September 19, 2006 - Social Science Research Network

Go, West? Not So Fast

The Rocky Mountain West, an area where people were content to let others do what they pleased with their land, is moving towards increasing growth controls as the region's population explodes.

September 19, 2006 - New West

Can Rural Areas Integrate Walkability?

A small rural community in Virginia is generating public momentum towards implementing a plan to make the town more walkable, going back to its heritage as a self-contained village.

September 15, 2006 - The News Leader

Series Covers 'Planning In The West'

A series of articles and reports addressing growth in the Western United States, including Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Idaho and other states.

September 15, 2006 - New West

Voters Won't Create Appointed Zoning Board

Alabama residents voted down a proposition to create a zoning and planning district in the community of Fowl River over fears that the appointed 7-member board would have too much power to shape the town.

September 14, 2006 - Mobile Press-Register

Documenting The American Landscape

The Center for Land Use Interpretation's Land Use Database is a repository of information about unusual and exemplary sites throughout the United States.

September 13, 2006 - MetropolisMag.com

Creating A Walkable Neighborhood In Auto-Centric Houston

Developers and planners working on plans for Midtown are coming up against the city's own car-friendly regulations as they envision a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly urban village in the center of Houston.

September 13, 2006 - The Houston Chronicle

Austin's Newest Downtown District

Terrain.org offers a case study of Austin's new six block Second Street District.

September 13, 2006 - Terrain.org

Suburban Developer Endangers Plans For Atlanta Beltline

A week after its glowing profile in the New York Times, Atlanta's Beltline project could now be in jeopardy as a suburban developer threatens to sell his critical piece of the proposed transit corridor.

September 13, 2006 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Spanish Beach Resorts Swallowed By Warming

Global warming and rising sea levels are posing a threat to the livelihood of Southern Spain's bustling beach resorts. Some resort owners are already bringing in their own sand to counteract the receding beach space.

September 13, 2006 - The Guardian Unlimited

Developer Avoids Infrastructure Costs In Nebraska

A large subdivision in Nebraska is generating controversy over a zoning change that allows the developer to avoid paying for road improvements and maintenance. Residents fear this will open the door for other developers to find the same loophole.

September 13, 2006 - Washington County Pilot-Tribune & Enterprise

When Growing Energy Demand And Land Conservation Collide

Fierce battles may arise between regional energy interests providing power to Northern Virginia’s sprawling suburbs and local land conservationists.

September 12, 2006 - The Washington Post

New Port, New City

As a new international port sets to open in 2010, a nearby rural area in South Korea is being scouted to be the nation's next major metropolis.

September 12, 2006 - International Herald Tribune

Planner Profile: Brian Wallace

September 11, 2006 - Brian Wallace

Myanmar's Ruins To Become Tourist Attractions

The Myanmar government has begun a massive rebuilding effort to 'restore' some of the country's ancient temples. But the rebuilding effort makes no attempt to preserve the history of the sites, opting to rebuild the areas into tourist attractions.

September 11, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

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.