The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
America's Happiest States
Gallup and Healthways have released their annual state-by-state assessment of America's well being. For the fourth consecutive year, Hawaii tops the list.
How Would Free Transit Fare in the U.S.?
Jake Blumgart compares free transit in Europe with case studies in the U.S.
Municipal Bankruptcy Seen as a Strategy, Rather Than a Failure
Looking to get out from under one of the primary factors for financial distress - pension obligations - city leaders across the United States are viewing bankruptcy as "a valuable tool in a city’s financial toolbox," reports Liz Farmer.
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Critiquing the "Urban Mobility Report"
The "Urban Mobility Report" produces widely-cited congestion cost estimates. It is biased in various ways that exaggerate congestion costs and roadway expansion benefits. Few users of these cost estimates seem aware of these problems.
Despite Recent Progress, L.A. Leaders Clamor for More Permitting Reform
Efforts to reform L.A.'s permitting process are proceeding slower than many had hoped, reports Ryan Vaillancourt, and city leaders are looking to make more drastic changes. Could the city's planning department be consolidated as part of the effort?
New Project Seeks to Boost Community Planning in the UK
The passage of the Localism Act gave broad new planning powers to local communities across the UK. A new project seeks to build a bottom-up planning culture to take advantage of new opportunities.
Healthy by Design: On the Growth of Health Impact Assessments
Joe Gose examines the growing use of health impact assessments to guide decision-making through a case study from the La Alma/Lincoln Park neighborhood near downtown Denver.
For California, Success as Environmental Pioneer Means Others Must Follow
Although California has long been a pioneer in protecting the environment, for its most innovative policies - from mandating renewable energy to limiting greenhouse gas emissions - to succeed, it will need other states, and countries, to follow.
Former San Diego Planning Director Examines Efforts to Revive the City's Planning Department
Former Planning Director Bill Anderson details the organization, agendas, and partnerships of "best practice" planning departments that San Diego has studied in preparation for the unmerging of its Planning and Development Services departments.
San Francisco Grapples With How to Accommodate Astonishing Growth
Over the next 20 years, San Francisco is expected to add 150,000 new residents, or nearly 20% of its existing population. John Wildermuth looks at the "hard choices" confronting the city as it plans for its future.
Housing: New Game, New Rules?
Over the next two decades, we’re going to experience the most dramatic changes in American neighborhoods since the post-WWII era. Ben Brown looks at the changes on the horizon for the housing market, and the role planners will play in meeting them.
Bike-Oriented Development Sprouts in Portland
With the traditional metrics of retail economics and geography being undermined by the Internet, businesses are searching for new ways to reach potential customers. Astute business owners in Portland are recognizing the value in good bike exposure.
BRT Comes to D.C.
The first bus rapid transit route in the D.C. metro area will start serving passengers in Northern Virginia as early as Spring 2014.
Toronto's Outspoken Chief Planner Ruffles Feathers in Quest for Change
Jennifer Keesmaat is "on her way to becoming modern Toronto’s first celebrity bureaucrat," says Marcus Gee, who profiles the city's new chief planner. Can she succeed in her quest for change without offending those whose support she'll need?
The Next Housing Crisis Isn't Far Off
As aging baby boomers enter retirement and seek to downsize from their large single-family homes (the "great senior sell-off") they'll find a housing market increasingly uninterested in what they're selling, says researcher Arthur C. Nelson.
America's Changing Commuting Patterns
A new report out from the Census Bureau paints a comprehensive picture of commuting in the United States. Average commute times remain steady, but the most significant change may be in the percentage of people working from home at least once a week.
Prominent Urbanists Face Off in SimCity Battle Royale
After a decade of waiting, today's the day planning geeks have been waiting for. SimCity has arrived! To celebrate, Fast Company has assembled "some of the most interesting urban thinkers...to see who would make the best fake metropolis."
An Elegant Guide to Walkability
The Spanish city of Pontevedra has developed an innovative, and attractive, map of pedestrian connections based on the color-coded subway maps common to cities around the world; burnishing its reputation as "a leader in walker-friendly urban policy."
Peninsula Cities Lose Initial CEQA Lawsuit Against High Speed Rail Authority
It was the first of many lawsuits to hit the HSRA. Menlo Park and Atherton, joined later by Palo Alto - three adjoining cities on the San Mateo County/Santa Clara County border, among the wealthiest in the nation, sued in 2008 to reroute the train.
An Ode to 'Patient Urbanism'
Building incrementally over time allows cities and towns to develop more interesting landscapes while incurring less debt. The slow evolution of Seaside, Florida is a prime example of the benefits of 'patient urbanism.'
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)
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.
