The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
How Driving Less and Renting More May Change Our Economy
Two <em>Atlantic</em> editors investigate why the younger generation is not only driving less but also less likely to purchase homes than their baby boomer parents. Is it temporary, a result of a bad economy, or are these behaviors a permanent shift?
Syrian Uprising Threatens Survival of Treasured Historic Landmarks
Christian Sahner reports on the devastating destruction of historical sites that has befallen Syria since the beginning of the opposition uprising 18 months ago, and urges international communities to take action to protect them from further harm.
Imagining an Alternative History for the Planning Profession
In Amanda Erickson's explanation of the history of urban planning, the profession as conceived at the start of the 20th century confronted a choice between creating beautiful people or beautiful cities. Why couldn't planners have created both?
Do Commute Times Create an Inherent Limit to Sprawl?
Charlie Gardner parses the data on mean commuting times recently released as part of the 2010 ACS estimates for metropolitan statistical areas, and wonders what the maximum mean travel time suggests for the urban form of America's cities.
New Legislation Cracks Down on Intercity Buses
Intercity buses face new regulations as they continue to expand their services and compete for ridership, reports Susan Stellin.
Sewer Shortage Pits Developers Against Residents on Long Island
Plans to develop eastern Long Island as a thriving tech hub with "bustling downtowns and new apartments for young families" are facing a messy obstacle, the absence of "a basic element of a modern civilization: sewers."
New Orleans Prepares for Biggest Test Since Katrina
Seven years after Katrina made mincemeat of the city's flood protections, Hurricane Isaac is bearing down on the Crescent City. Ingrid Norton looks at what's different this time around.
Should the Army Decide What Projects are Right for Your Neighborhood?
In an opinion piece for <em>Bloomberg View</em>, Edward Glaeser argues that the Army Corps of Engineers' influence on development in local communities is too far-reaching.
Year's Best in Landscape Architecture Announced
The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has just announced the winners of its 2012 Professional and Student Awards.
EPA to Announce Strict New Fuel-Efficiency Standards
By requiring the U.S. auto fleet to average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025, the standards announced today by the Obama administration will significantly cut U.S. oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, reports Juliet Eilperin.
San Francisco Looks for the Next Big DIY Thing
With the global success of the city's homegrown "parklets" program firmly established, the Gray Area Foundation for the Arts is hosting a series of "urban prototyping" festivals in S.F. in the hopes of finding the next DIY superstar.
Meeting on Common Ground: Community Development and Health Philanthropy Working Together
Often times, the community development field and health philanthropy have worked in the same neighborhoods, but separately. This is changing, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s (RWJF) Marjorie Paloma told Shelterforce how.
Refugees Find Sanctuary in Urban Gardening
Melanie Eversley writes on the healing power of urban gardens and farms for refugees new to the U.S. who are looking for a taste of home.
New York Fails to Document Parks Inequality
A law passed unanimously by New York's City Council just four years ago requiring the Department of Parks and Recreation to document "how much money was flowing into different parks across the city" is being neglected, reveals Jacob Hodes.
Are Urban Bohemian Enclaves Becoming Extinct?
Will Doig discusses the increasing speed at which urban bohemias are colonized, popularized, and gentrified. Does the rapid transformation of urban subculture into mainstream culture, mark the end of urban bohemia?
Mileage Tax the Newest Attempt at Addressing Traffic Concerns
Eric Jaffe reports that taxing vehicle-miles traveled (VMT) is getting a closer look in cities across America. But will concerns over privacy and government competence scuttle a promising path to reducing congestion and increasing revenue?
FEATURE
Young People's Fascination With Detroit is Only Part of the New Story for the City
Stories of Detroit’s nascent comeback often highlight the Rust Belt city’s attraction as a destination for America’s young hipsterati. Jay Walljasper explores the role that native Detroiters are playing in the city’s revival.
BLOG POST
NIMBY Zoning And the Tragedy Of The Commons
<!--[endif]---->Decades ago, ecologist Garrett Hardin wrote about the "tragedy of the commons"- when an action that is rational for one person becomes irrational when widely practiced. <p class="MsoNormal"> For example, suppose that there are a few dozen cattle ranchers near a pasture open to all.<span> </span>It makes sense for each rancher to let as many cattle graze as possible on the pasture, so that the ranchers can feed their cattle without buying additional land.<span> </span>But if every rancher lets as many cattle as possible graze, sooner or later the land will be overgrazed and the cattle may starve. </p>
Successor to CRA Takes Shape in L.A.
Carren Jao provides an update on efforts by the City of Los Angeles to replace its Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), which was dissolved by state mandate earlier this year.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
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
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