The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
The Rise and Fall of the Cul-de-Sac
In the 1930s, The Federal Housing Authority embraced the trend towards cul-de-sacs, decrying the standard street grid as monotonous and unsafe. Norman Garrick and Wesley Marshall have proven otherwise.
Historic Preservation Group Throws Wrench in U.K.'s Streamlining
The U.K. government is determined to "simplify and speed up" the planning process at all levels, but the National Trust is staking ground against the measures, saying they would result in "Los Angeles-style" development patterns.
Density in the Backyard
Vancouver is working to incorporate more density in traditional single-family neighborhoods by allowing additional dwellings in the backyard, adjacent to alleys.
Three Controversial Bills To Reform CEQA
The CA Environmental Quality Act: you either love it or hate it. The 1970 law either protects the environment or stifles smart growth, depending upon your perspective. Three bills lie on Gov. Jerry Brown's desk that address different aspects of it.
Another Look at Bicycle Advocacy
Blue argues that bicycle advocates need to consider the economic perspective of all individuals that use bicycles as transportation. Not all who bicycle do it by choice, says Blue.
Cemeteries: A Great Place to Play Frisbee?
Aaron Hanauer and Colleen Ayers explain that the "rural cemeteries", a form that began in the early 19th century, used to be a popular place for family outings. With land in cities at a premium, could they be so again?
Time's Almost Up for New York's Parking Meters
On Monday, Manhattan's last traditional parking meters will be uprooted and replaced by a sleek, solar-powered machine. This article contains a brief look back at the joys and pains of the meter as well as a glimpse forward.
Have We Reached "Peak Male"?
Elizabeth Farrelly poses that as we get more connected via the internet and social networking, the female traits of connectivity and relationship-building are ascendant and may mean a new feminine paradigm for city-building.
How Urban Design Influences Behavior
"There has been a long-standing thread of recognition that the way people live their lives is directly linked to the designed environments in which they live," writes Dan Lockton, reflecting back on his research.
Highway Dept. Going Broke Waiting for Federal Dollars
In Aberdeen, South Dakota, the Brown County Highway Dept. has overspent its budget maintaining flood-damaged roads and foresees running out of money before the end of the year. FEMA funds and other federal dollars are late in coming.
Posh Hollywood 'Hood Allowed Temporary Gate to Keep Out Partiers
Solar Drive, deep in the Hollywood Hills, is a ritzy block of expensive homes. But over the past year, an empty mansion was overrun by squatters and partiers. Permission for the gate is temporary, but hikers are upset by blocked routes.
How to Save Local Bookstores: Encourage Bicycling
Elly Blue at Grist suggests that a market for independent bookstores could be returning along with a rise in bicycling and walkable neighborhoods.
Would Jane Jacobs Approve of Janette Sadik-Khan?
With a new edition of The Death and Life of Great American Cities releasing this week, Sam Lewis looks at a handful of "planebrities" to see how they would measure up for Ms. Jacobs.
What do Californians Want From Government?
CA Speaker of the Assembly John Pérez discusses the current challenges faced by government in California, drawing particular attention to the struggle for consensus on how the State should support economic development at the local level. (VIDEO)
Bike Congestion Problems in Copenhagen
When the rest of the world is campaigning relentlessly for people to even consider using bicycles, the model city that started the movement is facing a unique problem of its own. Too many bikes during rush hour renders the activity dangerous to some.
Heightened Disparity on Park and 96th
The New York Times columnist Ginia Bellafante documents the inherent disconnect between the haves and the have-nots who reside literally side-by-side where the Upper East Side meets East Harlem.
Transportation Deal Reached
Had a deal with Sen. Tom Coburn not been reached on Friday, a shutdown of the Federal Aviation Administration would have begun Saturday morning. Coburn's issue, characterized by NPR as 'flowers vs. bridges', will be dealt with in final bill.
Friday Funny: Mode Share Confusion
So how would you count the mode share of this commuter?
Obama's Renewable Energy Blunder
The President went out of his way to support Solyndra's cutting-edge solar technology. When the company declares bankruptcy this week, Jon Stewart anticipates the gaffes by Obama's opposition in a very funny segment on The Daily Show.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
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.
