Land Use

Free Market Zoning

In response to an April 1 jab on Cyburbia at Houston's well-known lack of zoning, Bill Schadewald argues the existing grassroots process of "compromise and accommodation" works just as well in addressing development conflicts.

April 12, 2006 - Houston Business Journal

Community Gardens And Property Values

Community gardens add value to neighboring properties in New York City, especially in disadvantaged neighborhoods, according to this NYU Law School publication.

April 12, 2006 - New York University School of Law , NYU Center for Law and Economics

'Interventionist' Planning Credited for Vancouver's Success

Vancouver's "Living First" strategy, which emphasizes downtown living, as well as careful attention to designing the downtown skyline, has made it one of North America's most livable cities.

April 10, 2006 - The Irish Times

Is Annexation 'Smart Growth'?

Cities call annexation an effective tool for managing growth at the local level. Counties disagree. Who's really in control?

April 9, 2006 - The Baltimore Sun

Anaheim, CA's 'Anti-Kelo' Approach

Anaheim, California, serves up an alternative to Kelo in the form of promoting competition, loosening business restrictions and lowering taxes, writes Steven Greenhut.

April 7, 2006 - The Wall Street Journal

Perform Building Inspections From Your Desk

While Pictometry's new mapping technology is being used for public safety, it's also being used by building officials who don't have to leave the office to see who's building without a permit.

April 6, 2006 - Wired Magazine

African Soil Can't Sustain Locals

A recent report says that over 80 percent of Sub-Saharan Africa's farmland is unfit to produce enough food to sustain millions of hungry inhabitants.

April 4, 2006 - BBC News

Limiting Sydney's Sprawl Has High Costs

Columnist Michael Duffy argues that new planning techniques and leadership in Sydney are discouraging sprawl and forcing density into the cities and towns that can least support the growth.

April 3, 2006 - The Sydney Morning Herald

The Galactic Suburban Frontier

As growth continues farther and farther from traditional urban cores, defining a sense of place among the myriad "exopoli" becomes increasingly difficult.

April 3, 2006 - The Washington Post

Does Maryland Governor Really Support Smart Growth?

After election, Governor Ehrlich identified several "Priority Places" throughout the state, sites supposed to receive full support for smart growth efforts. Yet funding has yet to come through as expected.

April 3, 2006 - The Baltimore Sun

Historic Preservation Vs. Transit Hub In NYC

Lisa Chamberlain examines NYC's historic Corbin Building at 11 John Street that's being taken by eminent domain to make way for the new Fulton Street Transit Center.

April 2, 2006 - The New York Times

Indian Planning Terminology 'A Mess'

New Delhi architect Sudhir Vohra outlines problematic and antiquated municipal land use laws in India.

April 2, 2006 - Express Estates

The Geography of Somewhere: Civic Tourism

Author Scott Russell Sanders offers a perspective on how civic tourism can serve to help improve American cities and towns that "feel like jumbles rather than communities, without pattern or purpose."

March 31, 2006 - Civic Tourism

Drip-by-Drip, Food For Angola

Using advanced irrigation technology imported from Europe and Israel, the war torn country is producing tons of good food for its residents.

March 30, 2006 - BBC News

Central Florida Pursues Regional Vision For Growth

The Central Florida region, with 86 cities and seven counties, faces development predicted to more than double its population. Three hundred political, business and civic leaders who see the region as a single entity have met to develop a shared vision.

March 30, 2006 - The Orlando Sentinel

Proposal To Tear Down Obsolete Viaduct Gains Momentum

While options for what to do with Seattle's obsolete waterfront Alaskan Way Viaduct may seem limited, another plan has been thrown into the mix.

March 28, 2006 - The Seattle Times

Pricing Smart Growth

Smart growth and other land use restrictions cost U.S. homebuyers at least $275 billion in 2005, according to a new report by Randal O'Toole and the American Dream Coalition. O'Toole calls the additional costs 'The Planning Penalty.'

March 27, 2006 - American Dream Coalition

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.