The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Detroit Suburb Activists Say SEMCOG Is Undemocratic

Agency’s 'under-representation' of core communities worsens sprawl.

August 30 - Michigan Land Use Institute

One Of The World's Largest Design Firms Profiled

The Baltimore Sun profiles urban design firm RTKL Associates, which has been selected to plan the massive Beijing International Sports and Exhibition Center.

August 30 - The Baltimore Sun

Car Industry Trends Are 'Unnerving'

The the long-term effect of the glut of new and used cars is cause for concern.

August 30 - The Washington Post

Developing Smart Growth Zoning Codes

Dozens of presentations from several workshop on developing smart growth zoning codes are published by the LGC.

August 30 - Local Government Commission

Does Smart Growth Cause Sprawl?

Is smart growth more about nostalgia and less about reality?

August 30 - Anchorage Daily News


Poorest U.S. Cities

Cleveland has the highest poverty rate among America's big cities, according to newly-released Census data.

August 30 - The Plain Dealer

Cell Phone Pedestrian Traffic Nightmare

Many say that pedestrian cellphone use contributes to unsafe conditions, as well as the privatization of public space.

August 30 - The New York Times


The 'Trickle-Up' Effect Of Home Prices

In Southern California's booming market, $10 million buys only a "starter mansion."

August 30 - The Los Angeles Times

BLOG POST

California Considers Favoring Open Source

A report by California Performance Review Commission, recommends that state agencies "should take an inventory of software purchases and software renewals...and implement open-source alternatives where feasible." According to <a href="http://news.com.com/California+considers+open-source+shift/2100-7344_3-5327581.html?tag=nefd.top">CNet</a>:<br /> <blockquote><br /> California joins numerous government bodies that have adopted or considered procurement policies that favor open-source software as more cost-effective and secure. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts cast its lot with open-source last year, as have government agencies in Britain, Korea and elsewhere.</blockquote>

August 29 - Abhijeet Chavan

BLOG POST

Dealing In Data

Governing Magazine has a special report on "E-Governing" in their September, 2004 issue, <a href="http://www.governing.com/articles/9egdata.htm">Dealing in Data</a>. <br /> <br /> This is certainly true,<br /> <br /> <blockquote>"Governments have been trying to break down the silos of data that have been built up agency by agency, government by government."</blockquote><br /> <br /> But I wonder about this evaluation, which seems to be the foundation for most of the article:<br /> <br /> <blockquote>"There is one basic prerequisite that has to be met before any data merging can take place. Government agencies have to take the information that lives on paper and convert it into digitized form. "</blockquote>

August 29 - Chris Steins

The Fight For The Future Of The Mall

Will the open-air mall be the future of retail development? A battle in Glendale, CA may herald the future.

August 29 - The Los Angeles Times

Contra Costa County Cities Encourage Mixed Use

Cities in Contra Costa County, CA, find smart growth appealing.

August 29 - Contra Costa Times-Walnut Creek

Exploring Portland's Urban Growth Boundary

Author David Oates walks along the Portland metro area's urban growth boundary.

August 29 - The Oregonian

U.S. Study Contradicts White House's Global Warming Stand

Study concludes that warmer temperatures may have in part be caused by human activities.

August 29 - Environmental News Network

Ordinance To Create 'Charming, Walkable Village'

A city adopts ordinance to discourage big-boxe retailers.

August 29 - The Salt Lake Tribune

Reconsidering Traffic Calming

A regional advisory agency in Chicago advises local governments that traffic calming measures are not always the best approach to slowing traffic.

August 28 - The Chicago Tribune

Evaluation Of Officer And Teacher Next Door Programs

If a police officer or teacher lives in the neighborhood where theywork, will there be a reduction in crime in that neighborhood?

August 28 - HUD News

Can Rural Town Mississippi Come Back To Life?

What can be done to save rural communities? Young people leave these towns, often never to return.

August 28 - Clarion Ledger

School And The Suburb

Does the placement of schools encourage sprawl.

August 28 - The Austin Chronicle

Blumenauer Brings Railvolution Conference To L.A.

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (District 3, Oregon), discusses the significance of holding the nation's preeminent transportation and land use conference in Southern California.

August 28 - The Planning Report

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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.