The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Pagination
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
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.