The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
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Peace, Love, Understanding, and Mobility
<div>On a day we remember how hate can be manifest into reckless slaughter, perhaps we can find a moment to also remind ourselves that the provision of mobility as a basic tenet of urban planning is one small but nonetheless fundamental way we can strengthen the brotherly ties between neighbors, nations, cultures, humanity. ~ian</div><div><br /></div><p> </p>
Report Finds Driving Down, Roads In Good Condition
A new report from <em>The Reason Foundation</em> finds that the nation's roads and highways are in the best shape of the last 19 years. The authors contend that this fact is largely a result of fewer people driving due to the recession.
Growth in the Hollywood of Michigan
Fueled by a generous tax incentive, Michigan has seen its film industry grow in recent years. Much of that growth is centered in Metropolitan Detroit, and is expected to continue its upward trend.
5 Major Factors Behind America's Strongest Cities
Derek Thompson reports on the twenty strongest metro areas and the major factors behind their success in recovering from the recession. He concludes that the country "did not experience an even, cross-country recession."
U.S. Infrastructure Funding is a Bit Fuzzy
The newest U.S. stimulus proposal is aimed at improving infrastructure but could go farther, says Jonna McKone from TheCityFix.com.
New Film Documents a Living Detroit
A documentary currently touring the country sets out to show that Detroit is not dead, highlighting the entrepreneurs, artists and activists that are currently reclaiming and rebuilding Detroit.
Voluntary Canadian Census Might be Seriously Flawed
An internal Statistics Canada simulation of a voluntary census -- conducted prior to the federal government's announcement that the mandatory long form census would be scrapped -- reveals serious concerns over potential inaccuracies.
Can Design Guidelines Fit On Two Pages?
Brookhaven, New York received a 43-page Design Guideline document from their consultants. The city asked to have it all boiled down to one sheet, front and back.
The Example of Miami, a Global City
Miami could be the next major American city, and one that other global cities should try to emulate, according to this interview with economist Saskia Sassen.
Mobile Devices Could Prompt Rise in City Living
This post from <em>The Atlantic</em> suggests that mobile devices and the ability to connect them with the Internet will help lure more people into cities.
Five Plans for Reviving the St. Louis Gateway Arch Park
Five finalists have been announced in a design competition to rethink the park near St. Louis' iconic Gateway Arch. Fast Co. Design takes a look at the contenders.
L.A.'s New Subway Not A Huge Traffic Solution
A new report from the Los Angeles transit authority shows that construction of a new subway connecting the west side of the city would cause only a small reduction in car traffic.
Freeway Teardowns: The Prudent Choice?
Efforts to tear down the Interstate-10 Claiborne Expressway, a 2.2 mile section of elevated roadway in New Orleans that many locals and activists have blamed for separating neighborhoods. Neal Pierce says teardowns might begin to grow in popularity.
Traffic Deaths at 60-Year Low
Traffic deaths are down almost 10% for last year- in fact, they haven't been this low since 1950. Why?
Recovery Through Open Data in Detroit and New Orleans
In Detroit and New Orleans, open data proponents are pushing local government to share public data in ways that help citizens in these struggling cities to improve their communities.
Street Art Inspired by the Cityscape
<em>Urban Omnibus</em> talks with Swoon, a Brooklyn-based street artist whose work is intended to engage constructed environments.
The Urban Impact of Richard Daley
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, who recently announced he would not seek re-election, has had a major impact on the city and its urban form, according to this review.
Developing Detroit's New Comprehensive Plan
The city of Detroit is looking to create a comprehensive plan for rethinking the struggling city. <em>Next American City</em> talks with the officials heading the effort about the challenges they face.
Backing the Infrastructure Bank
The <em>Los Angeles Times</em> is standing behind President Barack Obama's recently announced infrastructure bank proposal, but not just because it could boost transit in L.A.
Does Transportation Funding Violate the Civil Rights Act?
The Great City blog argues that Washington State's 18th Amendment "violates the United States Civil Rights Act of 1964, perpetuating discrimination in the state's transportation system."
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Portland
City of Laramie
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.
