The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Design to Support the Homeless
How might planners advance the dialogue with politicians and citizens for design that supports the 633,782 homeless people in the US? Howard Blackson offers some insights for San Diego, the 3rd largest population of homeless among US cities.
Blumenauer Proposes VMT Legislation
Vehicle-Miles-Traveled (VMT) fees have been ruled out by the president, and while studied and even implemented (on a trial basis) at the state level, have been hampered by the privacy issue. But Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer is not dissuaded.
Constructing the Perfect Gift List for Architects
Having a hard time finding the right set of t-squares or owlish black eyeglasses for the Howard Roark in your family? Check out the Holiday Gift Guide that Vanessa Quirk has assembled for ArchDaily.
Under Pressure, EPA Tightens Soot Standard
In what could be viewed as a classic environmentalist vs. business showdown, the EPA tightened by 20% the annual standard for soot over the objection of industry and some in Congress who fear it will dampen economic growth.
BIDs: Big Brother or Benevolent Boosters?
Should a business improvement district have an expiration date? That's the question some property owners in downtown Los Angeles are beginning to ask as they chafe at the "aggressive cleaning up" and additional tax assessments that fund them.
The Top Private Sector Trends Changing Our Cities
Max Nisen discusses how cities like Boston and Edmonton are successfully applying popular trends from the private sector - on topics such as mobility, engagement, big data and innovation - and changing the way we live.
What Role Does Density Play in Gun Violence?
In the wake of what is becoming an all too common occurrence in the U.S., Richard Florida examines whether gun violence, and especially mass killings of the kind that took place last week in Newtown, is an urban or suburban/rural plague.
The Science, and Art, of Navigating a Crowded Sidewalk
Like a school of fish navigating the ocean depths or a mass migration of wildebeests, pedestrians follow fundamental laws of swarm behavior when making their way through crowded sidewalks. Alexandra Horowitz explains the laws of the herd.
Just One Obstacle for Portland Bike-Share: Who'll Pay?
Notoriously bike-friendly city; home to country's leading bike-share operator; a latecomer to the bike-share bandwagon. What's working with this picture of Portland, Oregon?
Obituary: Jane Holtz Kay, Architecture Critic for 'The Nation'
"The Nation’s" longtime architecture critic and author of the classic, "Asphalt Nation: How the Automobile Took Over America and How We Can Take it Back" passed away Nov. 5. In her obituary, Preston Shiller contrasts her with another "Jane" - Jacobs.
Creative Corridor Plan Puts Little Rock on the Urban Design Map
Lindsey Millar reports on a proposed Creative Corridor plan for Little Rock, calling it “vivid and grandiose, full of all the sorts of things New Urbanists salivate over - a pedestrian promenade, rain gardens, street furniture, [and] LED lighting.."
Brooklyn to Apply Lipstick to Elevated Expressway Pig
Nicole Anderson discusses plans to create a "funderpass" to "ameliorate the awkward neighborhood divisions caused by the BQE." Are a catchy name and new amenities enough to mend the tear in the city fabric caused by the elevated expressway?
Wilmington NC Lives Outdoors
When a city's tightly-gridded, walkable streets are developed with connected, convivial, complete neighborhoods, the temptation to walk, bike, and run overcome the lethargy of our modern lifestyle. See an inspiring photo essay from Wilmington, NC.
The Costs of the Higher Education Building Binge
After a decade-long construction arms race at the nation's institutions of higher education, The New York Times looks at what happens when the creditors come calling.
Apps for Hailing Cabs Cause Controversy in NYC
NYC's Taxi and Limousine Commission approved a pilot program for apps that will allow users to request a yellow taxi ride on their smartphones rather than having to “raise [their] arms toward oncoming traffic” the old-fashioned way.
Municipal Services on the Menu at Boston's Newest Food Truck
Boston City Hall is taking its show on the road. Its new food-truck-inspired 'City Hall To Go' is bringing government to the people.
Next Stop for Kansas City Streetcar: Construction
Funding for a $100 million two-mile downtown streetcar system has been approved by voters in Kansas City, according to results announced this week.
Even 'Starchitects' Need a Good Pitch to Win
'Starchitects' compete for prime real estate in New York City, and selling their stuff isn’t as easy as one might think. See four famous architects in action as they pitch designs for a new office tower on Park Avenue.
Friday Fright: Driving in Russia
You know what they say about not being able to turn away from an accident? Well what about 13 minutes of accidents? We can't help but laugh at some of the insane (and frightening) driving on display in this compilation of Russian accident videos.
With Innovative Plan, L.A. Says Adios to Parking Requirements
Yesterday, the Los Angeles City Planning Commission approved a landmark specific plan that is notable as much for what it doesn't include as what it does.
City of Clovis
City of Moorpark
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.
