The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
The Bust Belt
How exurban expansion paves the way for the next housing crisis.
Can New York's Transit System Stave Off Financial Disaster?
The first public hearing on how to shore up the MTA's finances was held on Monday. Congestion pricing was widely mentioned as part of the solution, but more will be necessary to maintain and expand the nation's largest transit system.
Roadmap to a Green Economy
A new report from the Center for American Progress recommends a 'green' economic overhaul for the U.S. that would create a "comprehensive clean energy transformation" for the country.
Chinatown Debates Gentrification, as Hipsters Descend
New York's Chinatown has been impenetrable to non-Chinese entrepreneurs for a century, but new glitzy bars and restaurants are beginning to push through. In a neighborhood that has suffered since 9/11, locals debate the merits of outsider investment.
Scraper Bikes: Urban and Internet Phenomenon
Scraper bikes, tricked-out bicycles adopted from scraper cars (with wheels so big they scrape the inside of the wheel well), have become increasingly popular among carless teens in Oakland, CA.
Planning for NYC's Seniors
A predicted upsurge of seniors living in New York City within the next 20 years poses new challenges for the city. According to a report by the New York Academy of Medicine, however, good design and planning may be part of the solution.
Cheap Sicilian Villas, Some Strings Attached
In Salemi, Italy, 3000 villas ravaged in a 1968 earthquake are now on the market for about U.S.$1.41. However, interested buyers must adhere to a number of stipulations, including a two-year deadline for development.
Loan Program Brings Independent Grocery Stores to Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative (FFFI) has provided $42 million in grants and loans to finance 58 locally-owned grocery stores, combating fresh grocery shortages in areas of rural and urban Pennsylvania.
The Future Of The Car Is The Present
GM will soon unveil its SUV of the future – the 'plug-in' hybrid known as the Volt. Mitsubishi's new mini, all-electric car will soon go to market in Japan. The days of the gas-powered car are numbered- or are they?
Baghdad's Troubling Real Estate Resurgence
Property values are up in Iraq's capital, but realtors there point out that sectarian divisions are the main reason why certain areas have become desirable.
Art, Beauty and Land Use in Detroit
Arts and Culture editor Rebecca Mazzei looks at public art - both official and unofficial - across the landscape of Detroit, and advocates for a bold new public art fund for the city.
Texas Coastlines May Remain Unbuilt
In parts of Texas, state officials and local communities are in a tug-of-war over post-Ike coastline rebuilding efforts.
Going Solar in Berkeley
Berkeley, CA has just launched a loan program for property owners who wish to install solar panels on their roofs. Despite a frail economy, the city council is optimistic about the program's success.
The 'Third Place' Corner Store
Convenience stores in lower income neighborhoods are notorious for their unsightliness and for carrying unhealthful foods. This article highlights one project that aims to help the corner store evolve into a healthy, community-oriented place.
Can Technology Keep Aging Drivers Safe?
A new report looks at what cities and automobile manufacturers can do to help keep the growing population of older drivers behind the wheel.
Battle in SF Over the Meaning of the Word 'Meal'
In order to get more retailers to set up shop in one San Francisco neighborhood, the definition of "meal" must be established to keep out new places that can't serve one.
Disabled Protesters Take On HUD
About 500 disabled Americans have erected a tent city just outside of HUD's Washington, DC office. The group has staged the sit-in to protest housing costs that cannot be met with the incomes of many disabled citizens.
Big Boxes Heading Downtown
With growth controls making suburban properties less attractive and wealth becoming concentrated in older centres, Canada's big box retailers are looking downtown for new locations.
Location Efficiency and the Metric of Affordability
On this episode of <em>Smart City</em>, Scott Bernstein of the Center for Neighborhood Technology discusses the Housing and Transportation Affordability Index.
Beautification Not Enough to Create Italy in Inverness
Using Milan as a model, Inverness, Scotland has lofty plans for its Old Town. To achieve them, asserts one local historian, the city must get creative--and more optimistic--in meetings its challenges.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
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.
