The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Report: LA Construction Permits Fell 40% After ‘Mansion Tax’
New housing permits fell sharply for both single-family homes and multifamily buildings after the city enacted a tax on property sales over $5 million.
100 Years ago, Zoning Changed how US Cities Grow. Today, it is Ripe for Reform.
Euclidean zoning was enshrined in U.S. town planning by a 1926 Supreme Court decision. Cities are recognizing it’s time for some drastic changes.
Baltimore Pushes ‘Whole Block’ Redevelopment Plan for Vacant Properties
The city will incentivize developers to take on projects that will renovate or redevelop unused city-owned properties.
Decades of Curbed Archives are Gone
The urban-focused publication amplified important voices discussing urbanism and development. Many of those articles are now unavailable.
Study: LA Could Get Rid of Almost Half its Pavement
Researchers say nearly half of the county’s paved surfaces could be redesigned to cool neighborhoods, manage stormwater, and improve public health.
DHS Waived 28 Environmental and Historic Protection Laws to Expedite Building of South Texas Border Wall
The barrier would run through Big Bend National Park, raising alarms among environmentalists who say it will harm wildlife in the region.
Trump’s Canada Bridge Threat Could Kill a Rare International Bikeway
The President says he won’t allow the new Gordie Howe International Bridge to open “until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given” Canada.
BLOG POST
In Defense of Car-light Planning
By framing car-free as the only way forward, we have made the perfect the enemy of the good. It’s time we emphasize — and promote — small progress.
Historic Bank in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to Become Mixed-income Housing
The bank redevelopment project is part of a $140 million state affordable housing initiative.
BLOG POST
Dear Trump: the Future Belongs to the Efficient
Trump abandoned climate protection goals claiming that cheap fossil fuel helps consumers and the economy. A mobility-focused analysis shows that he is wrong: resource efficiency is the key to health, economic success and happiness.
LA Considers Reviving Zoning Rule That Would Prohibit ICE Facilities for Children
A 2019 proposal would bar private detention facilities from contracting with federal agencies to detain minors.
Utah State Bill Could Force Removal of SLC Bike Lanes
If state lawmakers have their way, the city could be forced to remove several bikeways.
Memphis Plans to Build 10,000 New Homes by 2030
The city plans to liberalize zoning codes to create better incentives for housing production.
Atlanta to Launch Autonomous Electric Shuttle
The half-mile system will be California-based Glydways’ first self-driving shuttle system.
USDOT Wants to Require 100% American-made Materials for EV Charging Stations
The proposal comes after a judge ruled against the agency’s attempt to rescind federal funds for electric car charging projects.
Oakland Mayor, City Council Offer ‘Radically Different’ Plans for Reducing Homelessness
Mayor Barbara Lee wants to reduce encampment sweeps and focus on improving sanitation while city council members want to increase enforcement, particularly against illegally parked RVs.
DC Installing Public, Curbside EV Chargers in All Wards
DDOT hopes the pilot program will make EV charging easier and more accessible for residents in denser neighborhoods and apartment dwellers.
FEATURE
The City Where Free Buses Changed Everything
New York’s new mayor Zohran Mamdani has said he’ll make every bus free to ride. This French city did just that — and is reaping the rewards.
Massachusetts Governor Says Safety Funds Won’t be Tied to MBTA Communities Compliance
Gov. Healey faced backlash for requiring local fire departments to confirm compliance with the zoning law to receive state funds.
Super Bowl and Seahawks Victory Parade Break Transit Ridership Records in Bay Area and Seattle
Roughly 20 percent of Super Bowl attendees arrived at the stadium by transit.
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
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.
