The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Brick chimneys standing in rubble from Tubbs Fire in Northern California in 2017.

Sonoma County Bans Evictions During Disaster Recovery

Low-income renters face an increased risk of eviction after a natural disaster. Most cities and states don’t offer any protection.

October 13 - Bloomberg CityLab

People, cars, bikes and buses traveling through a busy intersection on 5th Avenue and 23rd Street in New York City with shining sunlight background.

How Much Does the President Influence Transportation Funding?

Whether it’s a preference for highway expansion, passenger rail, or bike infrastructure, different administrations can shift grantmaking priorities at the federal level.

October 13 - Smart Cities Dive

Row of colorful boarded-up brick two-story townhomes in baltimore, Maryland.

Baltimore Program Could Repurpose Thousands of Vacant Housing Units

The city and state are investing $3 billion in rescuing vacant residential properties to promote homeownership and reduce blight.

October 13 - Governing

Close-up of U.S., California, and POW-MIA flags on California state capitol dome.

BLOG POST

California’s New Housing Laws: What You Need to Know

The state legislature passed dozens of new laws aimed at improving housing affordability and streamlining the development process to meet rising demand.

October 13 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up of rustic wood-framed chalkboard sign with happy hours listed above green restaurant doorframe on small commercial street.

States Look to Eliminate Happy Hour Bans to Lure People Downtown

More than 20 states have laws banning or limiting happy hours at bars and restaurants. Now, some are revisiting these regulations in an effort to boost commerce in struggling downtown districts.

October 11 - Route Fifty


AMtrak train passing through dense green forest in Index, Washington.

Feds Open $1B Grant Round for Intercity Rail

The Federal Railroad Administration will award funding to projects aimed at improving and building new intercity rail connections.

October 11 - Smart Cities Dive

Trailhead for Appalachian Trail approach at Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, Georgia.

Hikers Take Solace: The Appalachian Trail Will Survive Hurricane Helene

Despite concerns and closures in the wake of Hurricane Helene, most of the trail appears to have suffered minor damage.

October 11 - Outside Magazine


Banner for urban planning creators with logos.

FEATURE

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know in 2024

Whether you’re a TikTok enthusiast or a Substack reader, you can find plenty of valuable and engaging urban planning content in the new media landscape.

October 11 - Planetizen

Large solar installation near farms in U.S. Midwest.

Study: Midwest Property Values Unaffected by Nearby Solar Farms

Despite concerns that solar projects could lower property values, new research finds they actually rose slightly in areas near utility-scale solar installations.

October 10 - Canary Media

White minibus with yellow "On-Demand" logo parked in an asphalt lot with grass field and dry fall trees in background in Edmonton, Canada.

Developing a Common Language for Microtransit Providers

New data specification technology could help rural agencies streamline their operations and coordinate efforts to improve service delivery.

October 10 - GovTech

Empty elevated parking garage with sunlight coming in.

Retrofitting Parking Garages to Create New Housing

Underused parking garages and lots offer an opportunity to alleviate the housing crisis by retrofitting them with temporary and permanent housing options.

October 10 - Route Fifty

"FEMA - STATE disaster recovery center" banner on brick building.

Proposed Bill Would Expand Federal Disaster Relief

The legislation acknowledges the impact of cumulative damage and expands access to funds for communities adjacent to storm-hit states.

October 10 - Smart Cities Dive

Aerial view of stacked shipping containers at golden hour at Port of Long Beach, California.

AI and 5G Could Advance Port Automation

A vision for the future of automated ports with AI and 5G: harnessing technology for enhanced efficiency, reliability, and safety.

October 10 - Cities of the Future

A line of workers in yellow shirts and yellow hard hards work with hoe-like tools in a pine forest, clearing dead brush.

US Forest Service Announces Hiring Freeze for 2025 Fiscal Year

A looming budget cut has led the Forest service to hit pause on seasonal staff hires and hiring external candidates for permanent agency positions, prompting concerns about the agency’s ability to achieve its mission.

October 10 - High Country News

Pedestrians and cyclists in busy city crosswalk with blurred motion

20 Safest and Most Dangerous US Cities for Pedestrians

Pedestrian safety is a vital component to a walkable city. Which large cities in the United States have a leg up, and which are trailing behind?

October 10 - Kuru Footwear

Close-up of lead water pipe with mineral crusts

President Sets New Deadline for Replacing Lead Pipes

U.S. cities are charged with replacing dangerous lead pipes and improving drinking water quality within the next 13 years.

October 9 - Associated Press

Large 400-year old oak tree in Stevenson Ranch, California.

400-Year-Old Oak Tree Designated as Historic Landmark

The tree’s landmark status celebrates its deep-rooted history and symbolizes the community's dedication to preserving local ecological treasures.

October 9 - Hoodline

Tribal leaders of Gila River Indian Community at inauguration event for solar-over-canal project.

Arizona Native Community Launches First Solar-Over-Canal Project

Covering an irrigation canal with solar panels doubles its utility, producing renewable energy while protecting canal infrastructure and reducing water evaporation.

October 9 - Arizona Mirror

Empty hallway lined with white tile in subway station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

How Does Air Quality in a Philly Subway Station Compare to the Outdoors?

A team of researchers found much higher levels of particulate matter inside the City Hall subway station than on the street-level sidewalks directly above the station.

October 9 - The Conversation

Close-up of bottom half of three people walking down city sidewalk paved with paving stones.

How “Walking Audits” Can Improve Neighborhood Mobility

A simple walk through your community can reveal infrastructure gaps and highlight where cities can make streets safer for pedestrians.

October 9 - Strong Towns

Post News
Senior Manager Operations, Urban Planning

New York City School Construction Authority

Building Inspector

Village of Glen Ellyn

Manager of Model Development

Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.

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.