The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Construction Starting on Southwest Waterfront Project in D.C.
After receiving a $220 million capital infusion, the developers of a 27-acre waterfront redevelopment proposal in Washington D.C. will break ground on the long-awaited project on March 19.
BLOG POST
The Theory Behind NIMBYism
Why should people have veto power over anything built in their neighborhood?
Can New Financing Mechanism Deliver Multi-Modal Safety in Low-Income Areas?
A new bill in Congress would create a new $11 million program amidst the $1 billion Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan program. But can it deliver more safety improvements to under-served populations?
Does the 'Metropolitan' Designation Really Pay Off?
Chuck Eckenstahler examines the “Benton Harbor Rule”—the desired funding and support that comes from a designation by the federal government as “metropolitan.” But does the “metropolitan” designation pay off as intended?
Houston Launching Car-Free Streets Pilot Project
Starting in April, Houston will close 2.5 miles of streets to automobile traffic between 11 am and 3 pm. Additional street closures will follow in May.
FEATURE
Mid-Rise: Density at a Human Scale
All growing cities must find ways to develop at appropriate, transit-supporting densities without overwhelming the surrounding context. The human-scaled, mid-rise building can be a solution—but achieving a good neighbourhood “fit” is not easy.
Rethinking Suburban Parking Lots
Fast Co.Exist presents the work of the Long Island Index, which recently undertook a creative problem solving exercise to explore ways that suburban parking lots could encourage more walkable conditions.
Where the Water Really Goes in California
Golf courses and Los Angeles are the most frequently cited public enemies when droughts hit California, but it isn’t that simple. Recent articles have debunked myths about water use in the Golden State by providing a more accurate portrait of use.
Seven Apps to Improve Quality of Life in Cities
It’s no secret that more and more people are using smart phones to get the most out of their urban experiences—at home or while traveling. Guardian Cities lists some of the best urban apps and launches a contest to find the best apps worldwide.
Supreme Court Delivers Blow to Rails-to-Trails
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of a private land owner in Wyoming, who sued to reclaim land once granted to a railroad under an 1875 law. The ruling undermines the legality of the nation’s network of public trails built on former rail right-of-way.
People Get Ready: Here Come the Millennials
As they settle into early adulthood, the anticipated and far-reaching impacts of the Millennial generation are formidable. Community planners, get ready. Change is a-comin.
Natural Gas Dependence Hobbles Western Response to Crimean Crisis
With the Crimean referendum just days away, President Obama hopes that economic sanctions will cause Russia to back-off its threatened annexation from Ukraine. However, Europe may be unlikely to go along due to it's dependence on Russian natural gas.
Can Frank Gehry Avoid Repeating Downtown Los Angeles’ Mistakes?
The high profile Grand Avenue project in Los Angeles’ Downtown Civic Center had been stuck in recession purgatory for years, until updated design plans by Frank Gehry were announced. Can the new development avoid the failures of Grand Avenue’s past?
Increases in Transit Ridership Overthrowing Assumptions About Why We Ride
A recent report by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) shows transit ridership increasing to historic levels. The surprise is that the increase occurs as gas prices have fallen.
Waterfront District Planned in South Bronx
Bronx borough officials have proposed a $500 million waterfront redevelopment project for a desolate strip between 138th and 149th streets in the South Bronx. The nascent proposal would transform the area while connecting South Bronx to Harlem.
Healing Rivers By (Voluntarily) Limiting Development
A voluntary program of incentives for land owners along the two rivers in Oregon, the Mckenzie River east of Eugene and the Rogue River near Medford, provides incentives for maintaining natural conditions along the river bed.
USDOT Continues to Overestimate Future Vehicle Travel - When Will They Learn?
The USDOT's "Conditions & Performance Report" predicts that VMT will grow between 1.36% and 1.85%, although current demographic and economic trends have resulted in flat or negative growth in recent years. Why won't they learn?
BLOG POST
A Tribute to Small Town Urban Planning
Working for a small town doesn't just teach you how to plan a community; it teaches you how to be a part of it.
'Towers Because Gardens'—Reviewing MoMA's Frank Lloyd Wright Exhibition
In reviewing MoMA’s recent exhibition “Frank Lloyd Wright and the City: Density vs. Dispersal,” Thomas de Monchaux explores the personal life and motivations of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Preserving Native Culture Amidst a Commercial Building Boom
The city of Anchorage, Alaska has a number of new developments in the pipeline—some of which are located adjacent to residential neighborhoods. Can new development respect the values of native culture?
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
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.
