The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
NYC and Privatized Parking
NYC is asking private investment banks to submit ideas on how to privatize city assets.
Is There A Problem of Ethics in Transit Consulting?
Jarrett Walker writes that he doesn't think there is an "experienced transit planning consultant on the planet" who hasn't been in a situation where backroom, off the record political decisions are made "at the expense of transit outcomes."
Does London Have the Most User-Friendly Public Transit?
In preparation for the 2012 Olympics, the City of London has announced its plans to introduce a revolutionary ticketing system to allow easier access to its public transit network.
People Power Vs. Weeds
Gene Dunn, a 63-year-old resident of Ventura, California cuts weeds with his square shovel on public streets. City leaders would like to recruit an army of Gene Dunns.
Pocket Parks: Packed With Peanuts?
The Planters company has revealed plans to assist cities in designing and building urban pocket parks in underused land. In return, the parks will include branding from the company, including a Mr. Peanut statue sitting on a peanut bench.
FEATURE
Joyride: Pedaling Toward a Healthier Planet
Portland is known today as one of the nation's top bicycling cities, but it wasn't always thus. Mia Birk, the city's bicycle coordinator in the early 90s, explains how the city changed course to create an enviable bicycle infrastructure.
Food Markets are Booming
Angela Starita reports on the growing popularity of "haute food courts" -- high-end food markets -- and what they mean for cities.
Big Box Religion
Officials in DuPage County, Illinois are considering creating zoning tailored specifically at banning large religious facilities that they say are not in keeping with neighborhood character.
Using Color for Wayfinding
In Seoul, Korea, buses are color coded to indicate which direction they're going, and how quickly. John Calimente says the system "goes a long way towards solving the bus legibility problem."
Rethinking the Brick
The Brickstainable design competition challenges designers to find "solutions that exploit the thermal qualities of masonry construction in an urban building." Geoff Manaugh looks at some of the interesting ways designers remade the lowly brick.
El Paso Moving Forward
El Paso officials are working with consultants on envisioning a new master plan for the city, which could include turning an underused rail yards into a major park a la Millennium Park in Chicago.
To Stay Connected to Jobs, New Yorkers Need Better Bus Service
The new jobs in New York City aren't in Manhattan, but in the boroughs. For low-income workers to be able to access those opportunities, improved bus service will be necessary, says a new report.
Are Angry Crowds Still Crowdsourcing?
NYC's Deputy Mayor of Operations Stephen Goldsmith reflects on the value of listening to people, and talks about the new crowdsourcing projects the city is rolling out.
The Contradictions of Regulating Temporary Spaces
As popularity of "temporary urbanism" initiatives rises, there are increasingly efforts to regulate these sites. Jonna McKone of TheCityFix analyzes the trend.
St. Louis Loses People to Exurbs
St. Louis is reeling from the news that it lost 29,000 residents, or 8%, of its population since 2000. Bi-annual population estimates had led many to believe the city had finally turned a corner. Meanwhile, exurban counties posted 30+ percent growth.
House Committee Wants to Kill HUD, USDOT and EPA Programs
The House Appropriations Committee announced earlier this month a proposed elimination of HUD, USDOT and EPA sustainability programs, in addition to pulling already-awarded funding for TIGER grants.
A Look into Oregon's Population Growth
Between 2000 and 2010, Oregon jumped from the 28th most populous state to the 27th. This article from <em>The Oregonian</em> looks at what's behind the shift.
Road Rage for Pedestrians
Some researchers say that crowded sidewalks in cities like New York are contributing to "sidewalk rage".
The Challenge of Digital Video Billboards
Vancouver wrestles with the potent form of advertising and its impact on the public realm.
Rio de Janeiro Residents Protest Olympics Projects
As the city of Rio de Janeiro prepares to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, residents there say many of the projects underway are violating their rights.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
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.
