The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
George Washington Bashes America's First Starchitect
A letter written by George Washington that is set to be auctioned by Christie's details the founding father's conflicting views of Pierre Charles L’Enfant, diva designer of the District of Columbia.
Invest in Public Transit to Slow Climate Change
Reflecting on the significance and impact of Superstorm Sandy, Bill McKibben and Lawrence J. Hanley propose a 3-step process focused on mass transit that America should pursue to promote community development, public health and the environment.
California's Alternative Energy Strategy, or Lack Thereof, Heads for a Reckoning
California has set a deadline of 2020 to rely less on fossil fuels and more on alternative energy, but a report finds this strategy could end up emptying ratepayers' pockets and damaging the state's environmental resources, reports Julie Cart.
Bloomberg Backs Beachfront Rebuild
In a speech Thursday, Mayor Bloomberg laid out his strategy for rebuilding a stronger, smarter New York in anticipation of future natural disasters.
Bicyclists, Not Drivers, are the Better Consumers
Familiar with the perception that bicyclists are generally kids with no money and too much time? Emily Badger discusses the findings of a study that shows riders out-consume drivers over the course of a month for all businesses except grocery stores.
Energy Fuels Growth in Zoning-Free Houston
The oil and gas companies clustered south of the central business district and in the Woodlands account for 3.4 percent of the city's employment, but the concentrated energy sector helps spread the wealth to other sectors in zoning-free Houston.
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Green Building in Affordable Housing Reaches Critical Mass
Green building has become a fundamental element of many states Qualified Allocation Plans (QAPs), which guide the distribution of the Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.
NASA Gives Light to the Globe at Night
This week, scientists unveiled unprecedented images of the Earth at night, as captured by a new NASA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellite.
Sand Dunes Prove Their Worth Along the NY Shore
Surfers, local businesses and residents alike rallied against kicking in $7 million for an Army Corps of Engineers plan to elevate beaches and erect sand dunes in Long Beach, NY six years ago. Post-Hurricane Sandy, most regret this choice.
Unlocking Ideas for Re-Purposing America's Prisons
The good news - America is closing its prisons. The bad news - America is closing its prisons. Emily Badger asks how "all these empty, peculiar and often isolated buildings" can be reused.
A Tale of Two Detroits
It's a baffling time in the history of Detroit. For optimists, one can look to the rise of downtown and proposals for mega-development projects. For pessimists, there's the messy reality of impending municipal default. In Detroit, "paradox rules."
NYC's Real Estate Market Continues to Feel Sandy's Effects
Alexei Barrionuevo looks at how New York's real estate market has been impacted by the severe blackouts and flood damage from Hurricane Sandy. How long will the market for certain areas continue to feel Sandy's effects?
Should L.A. Merge Its Planning and Building & Safety Departments?
At a recent AIA breakfast brainstorm, Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson asked attendees to weigh in on a controversial proposal to merge the Department of Building and Safety with the city's Planning Department in order to cut costs.
Re-imagining the Fiscal Architecture of Our Cities
For Michael A. Pagano, local municipalities went awry in designing fiscal systems during the 20th century by fabricating what he refers to as “a crazy quilt of local revenue.” He proposes some possibilities for getting cities back on track.
Sound Solutions for Tackling the Affordable Housing Crisis
As part of a series of editorials outlining the priorities President Obama should tackle in his second term, The New York Times looks at how the federal government could help support the increasing number of American's in need of housing assistance.
NYC Mayor: Bring Payphones Into the 21st Century
With 11,000 payphones scattered across New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg is asking techies to design a payphone that will meet modern communication needs.
Master Architect Oscar Niemeyer Dies
Brazil's legendary artist, who spanned the 20th century's major architectural movements with a timeless style that infused the geography and culture of his native country with European modernism died Wednesday at the age of 104.
How the Feds are Supporting Local Planning and Growth
We've heard a lot about how local communities are becoming more creative in financing their key initiatives, as a gridlocked and debt-burdened federal government withdraws its assistance. One federal program, however, is providing valuable support.
CA Dems Whittle Away at Landmark Property Tax Cap
For the first time since 1933, one party has 'supermajority' (greater than 2/3) control of CA's assembly and senate, and the governor's seat, except this time it's the Democrats. Legislators have their eyes on loosening the Proposition 13 leash.
As Economies Return, So Does Frightening Asian Air Pollution
New studies are raising alarms about the growing threat of harmful air in Asia's cities. One recent report warns that air pollution could become the biggest environmental cause of premature death by 2050 if action is not taken.
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.
