The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Current trends indicate that pedestrian- and transit-oriented developments are becoming more and more attractive, especially to younger people. This smart growth is also turning out to be a profitable investment.

July 11 - CNN

Los Angeles' recent decision to provide over $300 million in public assistance for a new convention center hotel complex doesn't help the city or the taxpayer, says Joel Kotkin.

July 11 - The Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles City Controller issues a 235-page audit of the city's Department of Building and Safety. While the report appears to be highly critical, a close reading indicates most problems result from chronic understaffing.

July 11 - Los Angeles Business Journal

National Public Radio's Chris Arnold tracks how the green building movement is sweeping the construction industry in the United States.

July 11 - Weekend Edition Sunday, National Public Radio

FEATURE

July 11 - Lainie Herrera

Two leaders of the smart growth movement, former Maryland Gov. Perris Glendening and former New Jersey Gov. and EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman, highlight some of the lessons learned from other states.

July 11 - The Hartford Courant

King County, Washington, offers permanent apartments for "chronic public inebriates" who are allowed to drink in their new homes.

July 11 - The New York Times

In Reason magazine's Joel Miller examines the ways the government causes increases in the price of owning a home. He finds that permit delays "of six months can add nearly $7 per square foot to the price of a house.

July 10 - Reason Magazine

The wealthy, reclusive owner of the Santa Barbara News-Press rebukes editors for coverage of an article about actor Rob Lowe's petition to build a mega-mansion. It's the latest in a series of problems that leads to an 'editorial bloodbath'.

July 10 - The Santa Barbara Independent

The new website provides information and a forum for residents to give feedback on transportation funding.

July 10 - The Chicago Tribune

Maryland's eastern shore is trying to cope with new growth spreading out from Washington and Baltimore.

July 10 - The Baltimore Sun

A recent opinion article rejects the promise of plant based fuels, and calls for a strategy of conservation and sound urban planning as a remedy for the nation's energy problems.

July 10 - The Denver Post

A case in New York has reasserted a centuries-old law allowing a user of someone else's land to acquire title without paying for it.

July 10 - The New York Times

Figures show change in growth trends across the sun belt with shifts from large cities to outlying communities.

July 10 - USA Today

FEATURE

Using Wrights & Sites new "A Mis-Guide To Anywhere", city dwellers around the world can unlock a "mental toolkit" that will help them discover the extraordinary in the seemingly mundane urban experience, writes author Phil Smith.

July 10 - Phil Smith

Caltrain's ridership has increased since it began its express service, but several cities looking to encourage TOD development are calling for restored local service to all stations.

July 10 - San Francisco Examiner

Several non-profit organizations around the country are using prizes to help motivate the poor to improve their lives.

July 10 - The Wall Street Journal

Say goodbye to garish golden arches. McDonald is transforming its cookie-cutter architecture to catch-up with a broader cultural shift.

July 9 - The Los Angeles Times

Developers in Palm Beach County didn't even have to twist any arms to get the county zoning commission to drop its affordable housing requirements.

July 9 - South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Many houses in flood-ravaged New Orleans are currently selling for more money than before Hurrican Katrina.

July 9 - The New York Times