The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
'Better Growth, Better Climate'—Guidance For Resource-Efficient Economic Development
New report by the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate describes specific actions which can strengthen economic performance and reduce climate change risks. A key strategy is to build better, more productive cities.
Planners, Architects Launch 'Cards Against Urbanity'
The only thing surprising about Cards Against Urbanity, a cities- and city-planner-focused parody of Cards Against Humanity, is that nobody thought of it sooner.
The Cost of 'Cool'
Thomas Rogers writes of the "Life and Death of a 'Cool' City," using the example of Berlin and the many "new Berlins" that have endeavored to follow its lead as the next big thing in Europe.
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Learning From My Condo
Even if new housing is expensive, it can reduce overall housing prices by causing existing units to become more affordable.
Proposing a New Model for Regional Stratification: 'The New Donut'
Aaron Renn presents a new model for conceptualizing the health of the many layers of communities that make up metropolitan regions, namely the "new donut."
When Designers Should Just Say No
The accouterments of modern life are heavily designed, replete with ostensible utility. But here's a radical suggestion: "Perhaps we’re solving the wrong problems — or inventing problems that don’t exist — as justification for our excessive output."
Late-Night Buses to Run When BART Service Stops
Alameda-Contra Costa Transit* and Bay Area Rapid Transit are considering a one-year pilot program that would provide transit service after BART's Cinderella-esque closing time.
Why Placemaking Matters: What's in it for Me?
What's your elevator pitch on why placemaking matters? Here's a couple rounded up by Hazel Borys, and some numbers that help refine their message.
Hybrid Vehicle Sales Take a Dive
A new study revealed that more car buyers are choosing plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) while fewer are choosing traditional hybrid vehicles. Both types are considered to be electric vehicles, and hybrid sales far outnumber PEV sales.
On the Virginia Outpost of the Harlem Renaissance
Henry Louis Gates Jr. of Harvard University and The Root tells of the Virginia outpost that helped inspire the artists of the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s.
Cincinnati's Bikeshare Program Opens for Business
With a somewhat-surprise launch last week, the Cincy Red Bike program has hit the streets in Cincinnati. Along with the program's launch come previously unknown details about the program.
MARTA Seeking Ideas for Developing Air Rights at Train Stations
In a significant first, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority is seeking ideas for developing the air rights above four urban rail stations.
New Jersey Transit Announces Rolling Stock Investment Plans
New Jersey Transit recently announced plans to buy larger trains and buses to increase the capacity of commute infrastructure into and out of New York City.
Chinese City Installs Special Lanes for Distracted Walkers
In both a literal and figurative sign of the times, the Chinese city of Chongqing recently installed signage and marking to segregate pedestrian traffic between smartphone users and those walking free of such technological distractions.
How '9x18' Parking Spaces Could Solve Affordable Housing
The "9x18" proposal by the Institute for Public Architecture provides a lesson in the relationship between parking requirements and the cost of housing.
Developer Pins Los Angeles' Infrastructure Problems on Bureaucratic Bloat
According to developer and consultant Michael P. Russell, the city of Los Angeles has a chronic shortage of funds for infrastructure due to a bloated bureaucracy, small district city council elections, and term limits.
Report: Out-Migration Grows in Seattle and Portland
The findings of a new report from United Van Lines along with Michael Stoll, an economist at University of California Los Angeles, show surprising trends from this summer's prime moving months, especially in the Pacific Northwest.
All Aboard Florida's California Connection
All Aboard Florida, the diesel-powered, high speed (125 mph) train connecting Miami to Orlando has ordered new locomotives and coaches with Siemen's Sacramento, California plant. The mostly privately funded train should be running by 2016.
Philadelphia's Housing Incentives Shoot School Funding in the Foot
Philadelphia Inquirer Architecture Critic Inga Saffron is the latest to respond to an article in the Washington Post asking whether family-friendly cities make economic sense.
Latest TIGER Grants Announced: $584 million to 72 projects
The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced the sixth round of TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant funding.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
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.
