The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Dallas Moves Forward With New Subway and Streetcar Line
A $1.3 billion subway plan is slated for completion in 2024, while a new streetcar line will connect downtown's existing routes.
From Buses to Trains, Renewable Diesel Catches On in California
For almost two years, MUNI's diesel-powered buses in San Francisco have run entirely on renewable diesel fuel. Diesel-powered Amtrak trains running from San Jose to Sacramento could be next.
Millions in Cleanup Funds Granted to Delaware Watershed
The grants revolve around cleanup, accessibility, and governance of the watershed, which spans four states.
Will Americans Ever Move Out of Flood-Prone Areas?
After a series of hurricanes, experts discuss how guide people out of the way of the most deadly floods and storms.
Chicago's Infamous Wicker Park Six-Corner Finally Gets an Update
The intersection, deadly at times, will lose its slip lanes. Bonus features include a bigger crosswalk and bike boxes.
Seattle-Area Park and Ride Costs Soar to $100,000 a Space
Charged with adding over 8,500 stalls, Sound Transit is facing rampant costs that call its park and ride strategy into question.
State Budget Delivered Blow to Impoverished Texas Exurbs
Along the Mexican border, Texas "colonias" have often gone without basic infrastructure. Saying it'll cut bureaucracy, Governor Greg Abbott removed funding for a program that helps residents access government services.
Harvey Flooding Unlikely to Depress Houston's Housing Market
Vigorous continued demand for Houston homes left some realtors surprised after the city endured catastrophic flooding. For a lot of new construction, elevated homes may become the norm.
National or Regional? Finding American Identity in Architecture
In an extended discussion, Keith Eggener examines what it means for a work of architecture to be "naturally" American, and why looking at modern American styles through an intensively regional lens may be unhelpful.
Apple Stores to Become 'Town Squares?'
James Vincent finds the claim that Apple stores are on their way to becoming "town squares" laughably pretentious.
Getting Active: More Money for California Bike and Pedestrian Trails
Senate Bill 1 (S.B. 1) will provide additional funding for bike and pedestrian projects. The influx of money means many shelved projects will now go forward.
How Overly Restrictive Land Use Regulations Hurt the Nation's Economy
Two economics professors from the University of Chicago and the University of California, Berkeley argue that the housing crisis doesn't just affect booming coastal cities. It's a national problem.
Planning for an Era of Climate Change Disasters
In a wide-ranging editorial, Mark Allen argues for strategies that may help communities cope with climate disasters as they grow more frequent.
Los Angeles Could Charge Non-Residents to Drive in Congested Areas
If this solution from a regional planning agency gains traction, New York City may have some competition to become the first American city to implement congestion pricing.
Bringing Urban Rivers Back Into the Daylight
"Daylighting" rivers in urban areas is the process of uncovering waterways to beautify cities, support habitats, and aid drainage.
Behind Some of History's Most Powerful Urban Innovations
A series of pieces from Sidewalk Labs examines the history and context of vital urban "innovations." So far, elevators, sewers, and traffic signals have been covered.
Experimental Nordstrom Store Will Have No Clothing for Sale
A California Nordstrom store will stock no clothing for customers to buy. Instead, it will let shoppers try on clothes in a curated environment and order anything they like to be sent to their homes.
Who Will Take This Historic Bridge Off Washington State's Hands?
Washington is seeking takers on a disused 92-year-old bridge, eligible for the National Register for Historic Places. This isn't an isolated phenomenon.
Severe Fires After a Wet Winter? Experts Cite Climate Change
In the Western states, an especially hot summer stoked the yearly blazes, to many experts' surprise. For some, bigger wildfires are a "canary in the coal mine" for climate change.
Atlanta BeltLine Raises the Specter of 'Environmental Gentrification'
Large-scale adaptive reuse projects like the BeltLine in Atlanta receive praise in many circles. But they can also release a flurry of speculation, severely threatening affordability.
Pagination
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.