The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

This week Manhattan borough president Scott M. Stringer was set to outline a blueprint for expanding access to the East River in his state of the borough speech. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the improvements are seen as a potential buffer.

February 8 - The New York Times

A new film, Trainsforming America, takes a look at passenger rail in the US from the passengers' perspective.

February 7 - Transportation Radio

American Forests has announced its list of the top American cities who recognize the economic, aesthetic, environmental and social value of their vegetation, and work to protect and expand their urban forests.

February 7 - American Forests

Continuing our focus on the need to invest in transportation infrastructure and unwillingness to raise state gas taxes, the most recent proposal comes from Gov. Tom Corbett: Reducing the excise tax while increasing the wholesale gas dealer tax.

February 7 - The Wall Street Journal - U.S. News

Appealing to artists is a common method of urban revitalization, but keeping artists and musicians around after a community is revitalized is an equally difficult task.

February 7 - Global Site Plans - The Grid

While New York has benefited over the past decade from the design leadership of Michael Bloomberg, Amanda Burden, and Janette Sadik-Khan, Los Angeles sorely lacks such powerful champions. Sam Lubell asks who will step up for L.A.

February 7 - The Architect's Newspaper

The pending sale of historic industrial buildings in Alexandria is seen as crucial to spurring the Virginia city's waterfront redevelopment, and "fulfilling a new vision for the area."

February 7 - The Washington Post

Newark is pursuing an ambitious plan to revive its derelict Military Park, but that challenge is nothing new for Daniel A. Biederman, who was instrumental in transforming Manhattan's Bryant Park "from a forbidding drug haven to a jewel-box refuge."

February 7 - The New York Times

The District of Columbia is challenging the federal government on climate action, with lawmakers proposing to outlaw a local coal-burning power plant that powers Congress.

February 7 - The Washington Post

On Wednesday, President Obama introduced REI CEO Sally Jewell as his nominee to become the new head of the Interior Department. Philip Bump examines how her unconventional background makes her the perfect pick.

February 7 - Grist

Craig Chester describes the "unique partnership" between city leaders, local corporations and private developers that has helped transform Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood into "one of America’s greatest smart growth success stories."

February 7 - Smart Growth America

Planning for the $350 million Better Market Street project, which aims to transform downtown's main thoroughfare into a transit and people-oriented place, has expanded to encompass surrounding streets.

February 6 - San Francisco Chronicle

State and local governments across the United States are beginning to divert waste from landfills and promote organic composting.

February 6 - The Washington Post - Health & Science

This Big City reviews a new book by urban designer Julie Campoli that explores the elements crucial to creating walkable places. "Simply having shops, services and venues within walking distance is not enough."

February 6 - thisbigcity.net

Revitalizing downtowns requires appealing to all demographic and, specifically, age groups. Diversifying entertainment options will allow all groups to enjoy the activities associated with downtowns.

February 6 - Global Site Plans - The Grid

Two articles from non-profit organizations - a think tank and an advocacy group, seemingly arrive at the same conclusion: the future of the state gas tax is grim due to lack of political will to raise it. However, some states are bucking the trend.

February 6 - Stateline

With the opening last weekend of the city's first pilot parklet in the neighborhood of Eagle Rock, Los Angeles is hoping to join the ranks of cities hopping on the low-cost trend in public space creation.

February 6 - The Architect's Newspaper

Global leaders met last week in New Delhi to discuss climate change mitigation through sustainable development measures. For those on the front lines of climate change, the intransigence of the U.S. has sparked concern, reports Joanna Zelman.

February 6 - The Huffington Post

Charles Marohn derides the conflicted approach to creating "Safe Routes to Schools" in the United States. With new data linking transport to school to educational outcomes, is it time to rethink the federal government's popular program?

February 6 - Strong Towns

Howard Blackson's words of advice for San Diego's new administration are applicable wherever it is you call home. Neighborhoods first!

February 6 - PlaceShakers