The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
What Happens When A City Bans Advertising?
<p>When South America's largest city banned billboards, neon signs, and all other forms of outdoor advertising, an unexpected cityscape emerged and previously unnoticed problems were revealed.</p>
'Tent City' For Oakland's Homeless
<p>City officials in Oakland, California, are proposing the creation of a "tent city" to provide temporary shelter to the homeless. Advocates say the private tents will be preferred to the city's existing barracks-style shelters.</p>
Chicago Lags In Transit Toilets
<p>Unlike the stations in many global cities, toilets in Chicago's main transit system are off-limits to most customers. However, plans are developing to install self-cleaning toilets in many of the system's stations.</p>
Law Requires Disaster Planning For Pets, Too
<p>Federal law requires cities to have evacuation plans that include pets. Many cities never knew about this law and don't have the resources to follow it, which could disqualify them from receiving federal disaster relief funds.</p>
City's 3D Model Is A New Planning Tool
<p>A virtual 3D model of parts of Glasgow, Scotland, has been completed and is now available for viewing online. Organizers of the detailed modeling effort anticipate it being a powerful tool for planners and the public.</p>
The Benefits of Global Warming
<p>Olaf Stampf argues that while global warming does have its drawbacks, it can also bring some significant benefits.</p>
FEATURE
Rent Regulation: The Right Tool for the Right Job
Far too many discussions about the 'failures' of rent control don't take into account what such regulation is really designed to do -- namely, provide housing stability and protect against displacement. Before allowing rent control regulation to wither in New York City and elsewhere, it's a good idea to consider how much residents and society overall benefit from these imperfect policies.
How Do You Rebuild A Town?
<p>The residents of Greensburg, Kansas can look to other communities resurrected from disaster for lessons of how to rebuild their town from scratch.</p>
Denver Should Promote Mixed-Income TODs
<p>Building housing for low- and moderate-income households -- who are most likely to use transit regularly -- should be a priority as Denver grows its light-rail system.</p>
City Officials Bank On Riverfront Redevelopment
<p>Officials in Knoxville, Tennessee, are looking to transform the city's industrial Tennessee Riverfront into the new place to be.</p>
Some Seniors Don't Want Free Rides
Free off-peak transportation on buses and trains in Connecticut has generated interest and support, but some seniors would prefer that greater funding be devoted to existing dial-a-ride services that are already in place across the state.
Jatropha: Not Just A Homely Weed
<p>The oil-rich plant is being trumpeted as a source for biodiesel by some nations and corporations that hope to cash in on it as 'the final solution.'</p>
N.Y. Hosts 'The Green Team' In Battle Against Climate Change
In its second meeting ever, a conference of mayors from 32 cities worldwide will meet in N.Y. to strategize on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Good Planning Demands Patience
<p>A recent editorial defends the City of Milwaukee's slow pace regarding the redevelopment of the Park East corridor -- a prime area of downtown real estate reclaimed from a demolished freeway spur.</p>
Pioneer Urban Affairs Journalist Dies
<p>Journalist Ray Hebert helped introduce the public to planning issues with his coverage of urban growth and mobility in the 1960s.</p>
Oregon Requires State Agencies To Reduce Energy Use
<p>Lawmakers in Oregon approved a bill to require state agencies to cut their energy consumption by 20% by 2015. Agencies will have to submit plans for how they will cut their energy use, which is expected to occur through facilities improvements.</p>
Open Borders Give Spain An Economic Boost
<p>With no restrictions on immigration, Spain is increasingly home to an immigrant-rich population. And while some feared the open policy would strain the country's public services, the economic benefit has far outweighed the cost in services.</p>
BLOG POST
Chinese urbanism and the scale of development
<p>SHANGHAI, CHINA--I've been a fan of New Urbanism for several years, but I've always considered myself an urban "pluralist"--someone who doesn't believe there is an "objective" or general urban form that is persistently successful over long periods of time. Indeed, Bob Bruegmann's thesis in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sprawl-Compact-History-Robert-Bruegmann/dp/0226076911/ref=sr_1_1/103-6037660-7039810?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1179060172&sr=8-1" title="sprawl: a compact history">Sprawl: A Compact History</a>, suggests that urban form changes and evolves over time, although generally in a less dense direction.</p>
The Larger They Come, The Harder They Fall
<p>Preference for smart growth features are on the rise, while demand for large lot housing types falls.</p>
Retired Urban Planner Saves Los Angeles On Hit CBS Show
<p>A team of FBI agents attempt to stop a terrorist attack on Los Angeles in a recent episode of CBS's hit show, Numb3rs. But it's the FBI agent's father -- a retired city planner -- who saves the day.</p>
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