The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Florida Concedes to Kotkin: 'You Were Right'
In a stunning turnaround, longtime advocate of the importance of urban economies Richard Florida has reversed his stance on the suburbs, finding them as economically essential and appealing as urban theorist Joel Kotkin always said they were.
Kotkin Concedes to Florida: 'You Were Right'
In a stunning turnaround, longtime sprawl apologist Joel Kotkin has reversed his stance on Richard Florida's "Creative Class" theory, finding it to be a true example of the way clusters of creative people can synergize and catalyze a vibrant economy.
IMF: Cut Subsidies to Cut Emissions
A new IMF report recommends cutting energy subsidies globally to reduce overall fossil fuel emissions, reports Brad Plumer.
10 Hot Urban Careers
Cities are cool again! The increased interest in urban issues, and rapidly evolving technological landscape, have multiplied the ways in which professionals can create more livable places. Nicole Ferraro looks at ten such positions.
Is a New Cobblestone a Better Cobblestone?
In Brooklyn's Dumbo neighborhood, NYCDOT is looking to replace the area's historic cobblestones with artificially aged new ones to improve accessibility and bike-friendliness. Preservationists and residents are aghast at the "phony urbanism."
Is This America's Next Great Train Station?
Remember this past week when we asked where America's next generation of grand transit hubs would be built? It turns out one may be destined for San Francisco.
Canada's 'Slab Farm' Blind Spot
In Canada, more people live in suburban high-rise apartment buildings than any other housing type. Doug Saunders looks at the country's belated recognition for its "elevator suburban" identity.
Santa Monica Battles Itself, and Consultants, Over Parking
In this supposed progressive paradise, the recent removal of a transportation consultant reveals the conflicting agendas of residents that want to reduce congestion and those who want to build more parking. Then there are those that want both.
Obama's Misplaced Urban Affairs
Did you know the White House Office of Urban Affairs still exists? Neither did we, nor did the many urban leaders who haven't interacted with it in years. Ryan Holeywell examines what happened to the initiative that began with so much promise.
Reasons to be Optimistic About Architecture's Emerging Voices
More grounded, more connected to the city and pressing contemporary challenges, and more relevant to the culture; Alan G. Brake takes the pulse of the Architectural League's Emerging Voices for 2013 and likes what he finds.
Reducing Historic Tax Credit Could Curb Development in St. Louis
A successful tax credit that boosts development and preservation in St. Louis's historic urban core is under legislative attack in Missouri.
Mired in a Sea of Parking, Dodger Stadium Architects Design a More Urbane Experience
In renovating Dodger Stadium to enhance the fan experience, the baseball team's ownership brought together a team of architects and planners known for integrating stadiums into the urban fabric of their surroundings.
Friday Funny: Boston Plays at Being a Big City
Where would our weekly look at the humorous side of planning be without The Onion? Earlier this month, the newspaper set their satirical gaze on quaint Boston's daily "role-playing adventure" as a major American metropolis.
Amended Virginia Transportation Bill Backtracks on Prius Tax
In signing the funding bill that eliminates the state's 17.5-cent gas tax, Gov. Bob McDonnell reduced the new registration fee on hybrid vehicles to $64. While environmentalists remained disappointed, Moody's bond rating agency praised it highly.
Can Gamification Bring New Voices to the Planning Process?
A new Internet-based game hopes to expand the allure of civic engagement by making planning playful. Trial runs in Detroit and Salem, Massachusetts have already shown promise in attracting new voices to the planning process.
Gilbert Doubles Down on Downtown Detroit With Ambitious Placemaking Plan
Rather than succumb to the negative news surrounding Detroit's dire financial situation, businessman and booster Dan Gilbert is doubling down on his extensive investment in the city with an ambitious effort to enliven downtown's public spaces.
Obama Pushes Ahead With Major Air Pollution Initiative
After 15 months of 'regulatory limbo,' a proposal to require lower-pollution vehicles and cleaner gasoline nationwide (matching a standard already in place in California) is being advanced by the Obama administration.
America's Hottest Cities May Be Its Most Sustainable
Everything you've thought about climate control may be wrong. And for that realization, you've got Michael Sivak to thank.
Why S.F.'s Parking Requirements May Cause Your Building to Crumble in an Earthquake
1960s and 70s era Dingbat buildings, which are common in many California cities, may be hazardous to more than just your design sensibilities. Their much-loathed parking-oriented designs can make buildings especially vulnerable to earthquakes.
A Cultural Mecca Grows in Brooklyn
With the Bloomberg administration's investments in transforming the area around the acclaimed Brooklyn Academy of Music finally bearing fruit, the emerging cultural district is earning comparisons to the city's premier arts hub - Lincoln Center.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
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.
