Land Use

Mapping Informal Neighborhoods
New mapping tools are helping cities around the world map and understand their poorest communities.

This Washington City Quietly Eliminated Single-Family Zoning
Walla Walla's 2018 zoning reforms included adaptive reuse, reduced parking requirements, and more relaxed rules for accessory dwelling units.

How Extreme Heat Threatens the Electrical Grid
Higher demand for electricity and lower capacity for production due to more intense heat waves are straining the power grid and causing concern for future energy production.

San Diego Bike Advocates Demand Safer Infrastructure
After 12 people were killed this year biking on San Diego County roads, local advocates are calling for more protected bike lanes and safer bike facilities.

Houston Plans New Downtown Bus-Only Lanes
The lull in commuter traffic during the pandemic gave Houston's transit agencies time to implement new projects and redesign downtown roads to better accommodate transit users.

Philadelphia Street Mural Aims to Slow Cars and Improve Pedestrian Safety
Part of a larger safety and beautification plan, the mural is designed to slow down drivers and bring a 'sense of hope' to the neighborhood.

California Lawmakers Debate Killing High Speed Rail Funding
The cost increases and delays on the Central Valley project have some state lawmakers wondering whether funds should go toward local transit systems instead.

How 'Bicycle Friendly' is Gainesville?
Despite a recent designation from the League of American Bicyclists, one writer argues that the city's infrastructure is failing to protect pedestrians and cyclists from dangerous car traffic.

The Climate One-Two Punch
Like a boxer, cities are wielding their one-two punch in the fight against climate change. One punch aims to protect people from the oppressive heat, while the second punch strikes at the source of global warming by reducing overall GHG emissions.

Bus Rapid Transit Gaining in Popularity
As cities look to rebuild their transit systems, bus rapid transit provides a cheap and effective way to expand access and boost speed.

Do Water Parks Belong in the Desert?
Three planned Phoenix-area developments have drawn criticism for wasteful water use, but how do water parks compare to other municipal uses?

Fighting Climate Change Requires Serious Transportation Reform
The federal government can encourage public transit use and electrification through reforms in transportation systems and land use policies.

Does Highway Removal Make Cities Healthier?
Highway removal can improve the air quality and health of the immediate environment, but displacement and gentrification threaten to exclude former residents from the benefits.

Canada's Minister of Infrastructure Underscores Importance of Transit-Oriented Development
On the heels of a billion-dollar federal contribution to Vancouver's SkyTrain, the minister emphasized the need for policies that encourage affordable housing near transit.

Busting Myths About Car-Light Cities
According to one Canadian couple living in Holland, walkable cities and good bike infrastructure aren't just a Dutch anomaly.

The Complexities of the '15-Minute City'
What does a '15-minute city' truly mean–and how achievable is it in the U.S.?

Opinion: Boost Public Car Share to Reduce Private Vehicle Ownership
Research shows that consistent access to shared cars drastically reduces car ownership rates, but U.S. regulations often impede success for private fleets.

Tree Equity Score: The U.S. Needs 522 Million More Urban Trees
As climate change intensifies the urban heat island effect, poorer neighborhoods bear the brunt of tree canopy inequity.

California Wildlife Crossings Get New Funding
The state is budgeting $61 million to build wildlife crossings that increase biodiversity, help species thrive, and save both human and animal lives.

Sound Transit Facing Major Budget Shortfall for Light Rail Projects
Since voters approved a measure expanding Seattle's light rail network, construction and land costs have soared, adding billions to the projected price tag.
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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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont