The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Congrats Tulsa! Your Downtown is Filled With Parking Blight
The votes are in and Tulsa has defeated Milwaukee in Streetsblog's inaugural tournament to recognize the worst parking crater in America. Fear not, though, Tulsans, some solutions have already been proposed to help address your dubious distinction.
D.C. Subway Makeover Plans Court Controversy
For the first time since the system was opened in 1976, Washington D.C.'s iconic subway stations are getting a substantial redesign. Preservationists and historians are questioning the appropriateness of the changes.
Chicago Policy Shift Gives Pedestrians a Leg Up
With the coming release of Chicago's new Complete Streets Design Guidelines, the city is undertaking a "seismic policy shift" in how it evaluates all transportation projects: by making pedestrians the primary mode for consideration.
Environmentalists Win Major Fracking Lawsuit in California
Environmentalists scored a major victory in federal court in their battle against fracking in California when a judge ruled that the BLM violated NEPA by not requiring an environmental review prior to auctioning rights for drilling in Monterey Co.
Russia Takes its Own Route to Auto Efficiency
Vehicles driven by Russia's abundant supplies of natural gas put hybrids to shame with their mileage per gallon. Gazprom is betting that it can expand the market for such vehicles beyond the country's lower-income and rural drivers.
Extend the 7-Train to New Jersey? Not Such a Long Shot
A study commissioned by the city of New York makes a compelling case for extending the city's subway system beyond the five boroughs.
For a Model Complete Streets Policy, Look to Indianapolis
Smart Growth America has recognized the best of the 130 complete streets policies approved last year across the United States; and the one passed by Indianapolis has received the highest ranking.
America's Surprising Springs of Sprawl
Although urban living has been making a comeback throughout the United States, "sprawl still dominates new construction in emerging metro regions in certain parts of the country," says Kaid Benfield. He looks at the areas where sprawl still rules.
The Invisible Answer to Bike Helmet Hair
Developed by industrial designers Anna Haupt and Terese Alstin, the Hovding is an "invisible bicycle helmet" that may be the key to unlocking anxiety over mandatory helmet laws.
BLOG POST
'We Pay Taxes; Parks Don’t'
Some argue that if something is not directly contributing to our public coffers, why protect it? Perhaps it’s worth broadening our understanding of the services – and tax implications – provided by parks.
L.A.'s New HOT Lanes Not Working as Planned
Yes, L.A.'s first foray into congestion pricing has improved travel times for those utilizing the high occupancy/toll lanes, but congestion has gotten worse in all other lanes, to the surprise of planners.
MoMA to Demolish Neighbor Notable for Architectural Ambition
Just 12 years after it opened to critical acclaim, the American Folk Art Museum will be demolished by MoMA, its new owner. The irony of it being razed by an institution committed to preserving important pieces of modern design isn't lost on many.
Striking Images of America Under Water
Graphs and maps can be compelling means to illustrate the dire threat to our cities of rising seas caused by climate change. But for blunt impact, a series of photo illustrations by artist Nickolay Lamm are hard to beat.
Slow Growth of Albuquerque's Answer to Sprawl Raises Questions
Stan Alcorn checks up on the status of Mesa del Sol, a 12,900-acre public-private project that broke ground outside of Albuquerque in 2006, and was planned to be the largest New Urbanist development in the Southwest.
Property Selling Binge on the Horizon for California Cities
Larry Kosmont, CEO of Kosmont Companies, walks The Planning Report through the California Redevelopment Authority's liquidation timeline, with advice for the private sector on the State’s impending property divestment.
Finding Parking in New York About to Get a Lot Easier
With a new pilot program, New York City is joining the growing list of cities launching apps to connect drivers to public parking spaces. A new app, called PayByPhone, will let drivers find and pay for parking from their phones.
Mixed-Use Redevelopment Aims to Bring High-Design to Notorious Denver "Mousetrap"
A $100 million project proposing to create a design neighborhood at a former printing plant adjacent to a notorious interstate intersection is being made possible by Denver's light rail expansion, and the involvement of a renowned architect.
Another Reason to Keep Kids Away from Traffic: Cancer
Add cancer to the growing list of ailments being linked to childhood exposure to vehicle emissions, say researchers from UCLA, USC and UC Irvine.
Will Midland Become the Dubai of Texas?
An online petition opposing a proposed 53-story, mixed-use "Energy Tower" began circulating in March. "Is this what we want to present to the world, that we're the Dubai of Texas?", asked the organizer. However, Midland is not new to tall buildings.
Transportation and Community Revitalization a Focus of Obama's 2014 Budget
In President Obama's newly released 2014 budget proposal, planners will find much to applaud. But what are the chances those nuggets will survive the contentious negotiations to come?
Municipality of Princeton
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
