The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Lessons on TODs for DOTs
A new report produced by Smart Growth America and the State Smart Transportation Initiative offers recommendations for how state DOTs can innovate to support economic growth and better link land use and transportation decision-making.
The 50-Foot Commute Takes Off Across America
Jeff Khau examines the rise in the teleworking population and what this demographic shift means for cities.
Will D.C. Stand Up for America's Cities?
In his column Urban Nation, Harry Moroz argues for deeper involvement from the federal government in urban policy in order to give American cities the fighting chance they deserve to be healthy and enjoyable places to live.
What Leads to Occupational Cliches?
In New York, occupational cliches such as the Irish policeman, or more recently, the Pakistani cab driver, have existed for generations. NPR looks at one current niche - Senegalese sidewalk vendors - to trace how such associations are established.
Why Aren't There More Women in Design and Development?
Amanda Hurley explores the gender imbalance present among women in architecture and the "male-dominated world" of development, and questions the societal and biological justifications that many argue are determinants for choosing professional roles.
Inventive Infographic Charts Improvements in Driving Safety
Hannah Fairfield charts two variables - miles traveled versus deaths per 100,000 population - over the last 60+ years, and notes key technological or behavioral breakthroughs, to offer unique insight into advancements in driving safety.
New Tools Promote Civic Engagement
Ben Schiller spotlights the four winners of a competition organized by the National Conference on Citizenship and the Knight Foundation to improve civic health by making civic data "more valuable and accessible to decision makers and the public."
Study Shows Smart Growth Reduces Automobile Usage
A new study shows that denser, more transit-oriented development will lead to an overall decrease in miles driven, reports Angie Schmitt.
Why We Shouldn't Let Architects Shape Our Cities
In an essay for <em>The Guardian</em>, Jonathan Meades laments the "cult" of architecture and argues why "[a]ppointing architects to conceive places is like appointing foxes to advise on chicken security."
How Andres Duany Envisions the Future by 'Translating' the Present
Rick Hampson explores the New Urbanist vision for how cities will be designed and planned over the next 30 years, as told by the movement's co-founder, Andres Duany.
China Plans Rapid Growth in Urban Rail Systems
Unlike its slowing economy, infrastructure projects across China continue to expand. Already home to three of the world's most-used transit systems, China plans to invest $127 billion in the coming decade to build dozens of new urban rail projects.
Popular Video Game Makes Planners Out of Schoolchildren
Not heard of Minecraft yet? Than you must not have a 10-year-old child in your house. Luckily, Sarah Goodyear does, and for our benefit, she describes the popular children's video game that explores real-world urban planning ideas.
Solutions to Fixing the Gas Tax Crisis
The Wall Street Journal published a 10-page energy section with the declining gas tax problem on page 1. Five solutions are offered: taxing the miles, taxing the roads, indexing the gas tax, taxing the oil, and taxing the cars. Each has challenges.
Should Citizens Be Enlisted to Document L.A.'s Sidewalk Shortcomings
Following up on a recent LA Times editorial arguing for a "citizens sidewalk brigade" to document the state of every one of the city's sidewalks, rather than a proposed $10 million three-year survey, columnist Steve Lopez registers his approval.
Safety in Numbers Leads to Less Bike Accidents in Philly
Despite more bicyclists on its streets, Philadelphia has seen a marked reduction in bike crashes and deaths. With double the amount of cyclists on downtown streets since 2002, the decline is being attributed to more visibility to motorists.
Architects Are Screwed
The American Institute of Architects has released the results of its 2012 Firm Survey. While the results won't likely come as a surprise, the numbers are pretty staggering: since early 2008 revenue has dropped 40% and employment has dropped 28%.
For DC and NY, Efforts to Improve Rail Stations Take Opposite Tracks
While the decades long effort to augment and improve New York's atrocious Penn Station have stalled, D.C. is moving ahead with plans to expand Union Station and redevelop the land above its tracks. Fred A. Bernstein looks at the two projects.
New L.A. Bridge Designs Reflect a City Intent on Serving People, Not Just Cars
Sam Lubell reports on the proposed designs for a new Sixth Street Viaduct in Los Angeles, which incorporate Angelenos' hopes for a more walkable and park-friendly future.
Art Competition Brings Urban Vitality and Civic Pride
Mark Stryker writes on Grand Rapids' ArtPrize, a citywide art competition that awards prize money based on public vote, and has been a boon to artists and the local economy. It is now inspiring other cities to host their own such events.
On Authenticity and 'Traditional-Style' Development
Scott Doyon takes on the oft-expressed gripe that Traditional Neighborhood Development somehow feels fake. Doyon sees value in incorporating the collective wisdom learned over generations, regardless of whether it's reminiscent of another time.
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.
