An excellent primer (refresher for many) on Smart Growth and the history of planning generally, by former San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Assoc. Exec. Director Jim Chappell
In this article about the need for Smart Growth, former SPUR President Jim Chappell provides a condensed history of smart planning and development. The topics summarized include Nippur in the Tigris-Euphrates valley 3500 years ago, Greek philosopher Hippodamus in 500 BC, military forts in 13th century England, Baron von Haussmann in mid-19th century Paris, the Supreme Court decision of Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co. in 1926 upholding the legality of zoning, and other historic planning milestones. Chappell then goes on to discuss how zoning has become an impediment to smart growth. Chappell concludes by discussing the Smart Growth movement built on, among other things, the Ahwahnee Principles for Resource-Efficient Communities, and how to accomplish Smart Growth goals. For a primer or refresher on the underpinnings and future of Smart Growth, please see the source article.
FULL STORY: What Makes Smart Growth “Smart”

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Bend, Oregon Zoning Reforms Prioritize Small-Scale Housing
The city altered its zoning code to allow multi-family housing and eliminated parking mandates citywide.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

LA Denies Basic Services to Unhoused Residents
The city has repeatedly failed to respond to requests for trash pickup at encampment sites, and eliminated a program that provided mobile showers and toilets.
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