The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Expansion Planned for Atlanta Streetcar
A proposed expansion of Atlanta's beleaguered downtown streetcar could turn the 'novelty' line into a truly useful transportation option in the car-centric city.
Census: U.S. Population Growing Slower Than Any Point Since the Nation's Founding
The pandemic has added increased mortality to decreasing birth rates and decreasing international immigration.
BLOG POST
Good Planners: Bad Outcomes. How Structural Biases Can Lead to Unfair and Inefficient Results
Some planning practices are structurally inequitable. They can result in unfair and wasteful outcomes, such as destruction of vibrant, accessible, minority urban communities for the benefit of more affluent suburban motorists. We can do better!
Alexander Garvin, Famed Planner, Author, and Teacher, Dies at 80
Alexander Garvin passed away in New York on December 17, 2021.
Reimagining Homelessness and Mental Health: 'Radical Hospitality' in Trieste, Italy
Kerry Morrison, founder of Heart Forward LA, shares her journey researching the “failures” of the U.S. mental health system, and what L.A. could learn about radical hospitality from a city with a robust community-based approach—Trieste, Italy.
Opinion: Los Angeles Must Prioritize Bikes and Buses
L.A. has a plan for improving mobility. Why are city leaders ignoring it?
Federal Memo 'Gently' Discourages Highway Construction
The Federal Highway Administration is urging states to prioritize climate-friendly projects and put federal funds toward repairs and active transportation infrastructure.
BLOG POST
Build Back Almost: Historic Legislation Falls One Vote Short
A roundup of news on the planning-related consequences of the reported demise of the Build Back Better Act—a $2 trillion social spending bill intended to accompany the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act approved earlier this year.
Study: D.C. Region Must Take Aggressive Steps To Reach Climate Goal
To achieve its stated emissions reduction goal, the Greater Washington area must sharply reduce driving and speed up the adoption of electric vehicles.
Biden's New Tailpipe Emissions Rule Resets to Obama Administration Standards
The Biden administration finalized greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks that almost fully erased changes by the Trump administration that, in turn, erased a rule finalized by the Obama administration.
FEATURE
Year in Review: Urban Planning in 2021
Part one of two of Planetizen's review of 2021—re-assessing failed predictions and daylighting the biggest planning stories of the year.
What States Can Learn From the Success of Maine's Downeaster Train
As Amtrak gears up to plan expansion projects supported by new federal funding, states can take some advocacy lessons from Maine's popular Downeaster train.
U.S. Supreme Court Upholds New York State Vaccine Mandate
Health care workers in New York will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 after the Supreme Court voted 6-3 to reject hearing an appeal brought by workers who had sought a religious exemption. Also, an update on the federal vaccine mandate.
California Bill Could Ban Freeway Expansions in Underserved Neighborhoods
A proposed bill in the California State Legislature would bar the state from funding road construction in communities at risk for displacement and health impacts.
How Rail Transit Ridership Changed During the Pandemic
Almost all heavy rail transit stations lost riders in 2020, but some stations lost far fewer riders than others. The data reveals lessons for transit planning beyond the end of the pandemic (whenever that happens).
Pittsburgh Riverfront Development Could Include a Massive Ferris Wheel
A proposed mixed-use development on the Ohio River would enhance connections to the river and feature a Ferris wheel in tribute to the ride's inventor.
'Demodelphia' Hiring More Preservationists
To protect more historic properties from rampant demolition, Philadelphia is staffing up its historic preservation department.
New Supertall Planned for Grand Central Station-Adjacent Property
A new supertall skyscraper will rise at 175 Park Avenue, rising next to famous neighbors on a prime block in Manhattan.
Place-Based Initiatives Would Win Big With Build Back Better Act
The Build Back Better legislation could bring much-needed support to place-based economic development programs.
Replacing Houston's Missing Ghost Bikes
A Houston couple is asking for help installing 'ghost bike' memorials, a stark reminder of the dangers of unsafe roads to cyclists.
Pagination
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
Eagle County Government
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.