The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Busy pedestrian crosswalk on wide boulevard in Santa Monica, California lined with tall palm trees against golden hour light.

California Transportation Commission Reluctant to Incorporate Complete Streets Guidelines

The agency plans to update its road design guidelines by the end of the year — before a new law that prioritizes pedestrian and cyclist safety takes effect.

October 23 - Streetsblog California

View of Salt Lake City, Utah skyline with snowy mountains in background.

Utah to Build New, 1,200-Bed Shelter Campus

The state’s attempt to decentralize emergency homeless shelters yielded poor results, leading to a decision to develop a “transformative” intake campus with wraparound services.

October 23 - Utah News Dispatch

Vacant two-story red brick home in Detroit with missing windows.

Checking in on Detroit’s Housing Renaissance

Efforts by the city and residents have generated 17,000 new housing units in the last five years.

October 23 - Strong Towns

View of Alabama state capitol in Montgomery, Alabama at night.

Proposed Alabama Bill Would Fund Public Transit

The senator who introduced the legislation cited concerns about the state’s low levels of workforce participation, noting that a lack of transportation is one of the main reasons Alabama residents can’t participate in the workforce.

October 23 - Alabama Daily News

Longleaf pine prairie in the Savage Christmas Creek Preserve near Orlando, Florida.

Harnessing GIS and Fire for Longleaf Pine Conservation

Scientists in Florida are using GIS technology to strategically manage prescribed burns, aiding in the restoration and biodiversity of longleaf pine ecosystems while enhancing climate resilience across the Southeast.

October 23 - Esri Blog


Man in suit holding tablet looking at subway turnstiles with superimposed graphics signaling technology and AI.

How AI Can Improve Public Transit

Machine learning and AI can transform the way transit agencies operate and make service faster and more comfortable for users.

October 23 - RT Insights

Nuclear New York

Google Inks Nuclear Power Deal

Tech giants are seeking out renewable energy to fuel power-hungry data centers and AI applications.

October 22 - ESG Today


Dark blue Greyhound buses parked in a row.

Flixbus Nearing Deal With Chicago Bus Terminal

Greyhound is shedding stations around the country, but Chicago intercity bus passengers will still be able to use the city’s main bus terminal — for now.

October 22 - Smart Cities Dive

How a Dallas Housing Coalition Won Bonds for Affordable Housing

Dallas's bonds aren't usually used for housing. A new coalition of advocates changed that.

October 22 - Shelterforce Magazine

Large trees on street in Las Vegas at night.

Urban Trees Have Bigger Impact in Hot, Dry Cities

The cooling effect of robust urban tree canopies is more pronounced in hotter, drier cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas.

October 22 - U.S. Geological Survey

Two-way green painted bike lane in city.

BLOG POST

Book Review: Combining Sustainability and Smart Growth

A review of The Sustainable Urban Design Handbook, by architects Nico Larco and Kaarin Knudson.

October 22 - Michael Lewyn

Nighttime view of blurred fast car traffic on street leading to U.S. Capitol dome in Washington, D.C.

DC’s Traffic Cameras Are Working, but Not a Panacea

Automated enforcement is reducing speeding, but bigger changes to street design and the built environment are needed to make the District’s streets safer and more pleasant for people walking.

October 22 - Greater Greater Washington

Blue and white "hurricane evacuation route" sign.

Will Hurricanes Drive Away Florida’s Retirees?

Some children of Florida retirees are urging their parents to leave hurricane-prone areas for safer regions.

October 22 - Curbed

Aerial view of the Danube River in Belgrade, Serbia.

Report: European Rivers Are in Trouble

Some of the continent’s most important rivers are suffering from overuse and pollution.

October 21 - Politico

Black and white photo of Taylor Yard site in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles River in the 1890s.

Fundraising Begins for Development of 100-Acre Park in Los Angeles

River LA has launched a capital campaign to develop the 100-acre Taylor Yard Park, featuring amenities like a welcome pavilion, wetlands, and a pedestrian bridge, with completion costs estimated at over $1 billion.

October 21 - Urbanize LA

Oil refinery sillhouetted against evening sky.

Oil Refinery Closure Offers Relief for Impacted Communities

The sudden closure of the Phillips 66 refinery in Los Angeles has been welcomed by environmental and community activists, raising hopes for reduced pollution.

October 21 - Los Angeles Times

Silver and blue Amtrak train approaching an oncoming orange freight train at station in Seattle, Washington.

Opinion: Prioritize Amtrak, but Don’t Demonize Freight

A proposed bill would tighten enforcement of a 1973 law that gives passenger trains priority over freight shipments.

October 21 - Mass Transit

Mature jacaranda trees full of purple blooms on street in Los Angeles, California.

Addressing Tree Canopy Disparity in South Los Angeles

A new study highlights the complex challenge of addressing tree canopy disparities in South L.A., where historical environmental injustices, budget constraints, and competing community priorities hinder efforts to increase equitable tree coverage.

October 21 - Los Angeles Times

Person walking red bicycle with green Uber Eats delivery bag on cobblestone street in Bucharest, Romania.

EU's New Rider Directive Poses Challenges to Cash-Strapped Delivery Platforms

The European Union has adopted a new directive aimed at improving working conditions for platform workers and increasing transparency. This new directive goes beyond Spain’s Rider’s Law, aiming for a harmonized set of standards across the E.U.

October 21 - Cities of the Future

Paved Atlanta Beltline trail segment next to street with bike and pedestrian crossing sign and 30 mph speed limit sign.

Atlanta Beltline Expands Westside Trail and Redevelops Rail Corridor

The Beltline is expanding the Westside Trail with new sections, including the Kudzu Trail, while also redeveloping abandoned rail corridors, with completion expected between 2025 and 2027.

October 21 - WSBTV

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