The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

The Balancing Act Of Code Enforcement

In the most overcrowded city in the U.S., officials and advocates are trying to address health and safety concerns related to overcrowding, without displacing the very people they are trying to protect.

September 18 - The Chicago Tribune

Sprawl Could Worsen Impact Of Hurricane Isabel

Scientists say sprawl makes regions vulnerable to flooding.

September 18 - Delaware News Journal

The Changing Nature Of Real Estate Development

A major change in the way residential development takes place will force smaller developers to change the way they compete.

September 18 - Washington Business Journal

A Safer Greener SUV

Engineers have designed a safer, fuel-efficient sport utility vehicle using technologies that are available today.

September 18 - The San Diego Union-Tribune

New York City: Six Months To Get A Sign Approved

Execessive government regulation is responsible for New York City's lingering economic problems, writes the Economist. Mayor Bloomberg responds.

September 18 - The Economist


From High Spirits to High Tech

Faced with having to move out to the suburbs to find space that meets their needs, a firm finds an old church building and calls it 'a godsend.'

September 17 - The Plain Dealer

'Unleading' the Way for Safer Environments for Children

Lawyers and a defunct real estate company agree to what is the largest settlement for a childhood lead poisoning case in the state of Massachusetts--raising awareness of the dangers of lead-based paint to landlords statewide.

September 17 - The Boston Globe


Nader Slams NYC Snapple Deal

Mayor Bloomberg has committed New York City to naming Snapple as the official water, juice and iced tea provider for the nation's largest metropolis. The elaborate five-year agreement -- not publically available -- transferred $166 million

September 17 - Common Dreams

Affordable Housing in San Francisco?

According to some, the Dot.com bust started a trend that brought affordable housing relief to thousands in San Francisco.

September 17 - The Chicago Tribune

Elevated HOV Lanes To Cost $129 Million Per Mile

A study commissioned by NCDOT finds that HOV lanes for the research Triangle region are far more expensive than anticipated.

September 17 - The News & Observer

Nation's First Elected Planning Director

Clallam County, Washington, with a population 65,000, will become the first county in the nation to elect its planning director. Could this start a trend?

September 17 - The Seattle Times

U.S. Census Bureau Moving HQ

The U.S. Census Bureau will move to a new environmentally friendly structure.

September 17 - The Washington Post

More On Sprawl and Obesity

David Suzuki explains why North America's car-centric society is responsible for the near-epidemic levels of obesity.

September 17 - Environmental News Network

The Dilemma Of Code Enforcement

Dilapidated, overcrowded housing poses serious risks, but it may be better than the alternative.

September 17 - The Los Angeles Times

Selling The Public Square

Public entities must use discretion in accepting private money.

September 17 - The Christian Science Monitor

How Radio Can Organize A Community

Low-power FM licenses have signals that travel only 10-20 miles. But they are a powerful economic development and community organizing tool.

September 16 - Columbia Journalism Review

Contractor Bids On Rights To Develop On Prime State Lands

An entrepreneur purchases exclusive rights to build waterfront housing along the entire New York's state canal system.

September 16 - Troy Record

The Myth Of Driver-Funded Roads

Only 24 percent of the cost of St.Paul's roads is borne by driver-generated taxes and fees

September 16 - Star Tribune

The 'Peculiar Geometry' of Suburbia

Scarce land, high housing prices, and convoluted local rules are resulting in developers resorting to odly-shaped lots. While some say it's creative planning, other warn of problems.

September 16 - The Washington Post

Saving The Inner City Will Save The City

Milwaukee business and civic leaders announce a new economic development initiative focused on the inner city.

September 16 - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

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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.