The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

More and more evidence has emerged in recent years about the many benefits of trees in urban environments. Every now and then, however, a study finds evidence that tress might not always be as benevolent as they seem.

November 11 - The Conversation

A production-side approach to tackling climate change is the basis of new legislation by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). The "Keep it in the Ground Act" would prevent new drilling for any fossil fuel on federal lands or renewal of nonproductive leases.

November 11 - Sen. Jeff Merkley Press Release

A new report by the Bay Area Council argues that the regionwide housing crisis demands a regionwide response, i.e., all nine counties and 101 cities need to build more housing, and if they don't, there needs to be consequences.

November 11 - San Francisco Chronicle

More evidence of the inability of the Illinois Housing Planning and Appeal Act to achieve its stated goals.

November 11 - WBEZ

Boston would hardly seem capable of resembling "Anytown, USA" but that might be precisely what's happening in the Seaport neighborhood of the city's waterfront.

November 11 - The Boston Globe

The acting head of the New Jersey Department of Transportation spoke of the realities of transportation investment in the current era of funding uncertainty.

November 11 - NJ.com

An investigation of passenger complaints provides the starting point for an in-depth investigation of the service provided by Florida's largest transit system.

November 10 - Miami Herald

Cities as far-flung as Trinidad, Dodge City, and Lamy joined their efforts in recent years to keep the iconic Southwest Chief Amtrak route running.

November 10 - The Denver Post

A new report argues for congestion pricing projects to be implemented in major Canadian cities.

November 10 - Canada's Ecofiscal Commission

More evidence that reports of "peak car" in the United States were premature.

November 10 - CNBC

A recent influx of money to Detroit for demolitions of abandoned properties brings the city's total to $107 million. That money has established Detroit as the country's proving ground for the idea that demolitions stabilize struggling neighborhoods.

November 10 - Detroit Free Press

After years of debate, Republicans from both chambers agreed to a transportation plan raising the gas tax 7.3-cents and registration fees by 20 percent, effective 2017. Democrats objected to the amount of general funds that will be directed to roads.

November 10 - MLive

Academia's "two-body problem" may be affecting other industries as women pursue more specialized careers and marry similarly educated men. Two-career couples are likely to gravitate toward larger metro areas with job opportunities for both partners.

November 10 - StatChat: the blog of the UVA Demographics Research Group

Research from the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate recommends an emissions reduction program that might pay off big in the long term. Inter-city exchange and transit planning are key strategies.

November 10 - Urban Land Magazine

In a field that seems divided between aesthetes and the activists, landscape architects may be closest to reconciling the two trends.

November 10 - The Architect's Newspaper

London Mayor Boris Johnson has tabled strict air-pollution controls until 2020 despite evidence of increasing pollution levels in the city's center.

November 10 - The New York Times

FEATURE

As sustainability initiatives gain momentum, planners have a growing number of options for credentialing their green skills.

November 9 - Eliot Allen

Lots of dollar signs were flying around on Texas ballots last week, many of which were headed toward road construction measures. The Houston Chronicle, however, points out the shortcomings of the state's patterns of investment.

November 9 - Houston Chronicle

The dust is still settling from Kelo v. New London, a 2005 Supreme Court Case allowing for expansive powers of eminent domain. A book released this year chronicles the effects of the landmark court case.

November 9 - The Federalist

Years of planning and strong political support aren't enough when the city council doesn't follow the letter of the law. Now opponents of L.A.'s Mobility Plan 2035 smell blood in the water.

November 9 - Los Angeles Times