The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Adirondack Mountain Town Rejects Wal-Mart Supercenter
By a 3-2 vote, the Village of Saranac Lake in the Adirondack mountains of New York decides not to complete an environmental review for a Wal-Mart store.
'Out of Proportion' Security Measures Damaging Nation's Capital
Plans for a massive new Pentagon-sized Homeland Security complex threaten to ruin one of the finest vistas in Washington, D.C.
New Orleans 64% Smaller
A new report from the Census Bureau documents Hurricane Katrina's effect on demographics throughout the Gulf Coast region.
Great Lakes Wind Turbines Pose Formidable Risks, Enticing Rewards
The Great Lakes represent an excellent source of untapped wind energy, but the hurdles would be formidable, particularly the "visual pollution" aspect presented by the 400 foot machines.
India's 'Green Building' Revolution Gathers Momentum
India's "green building" pursue U.S. LEED (Leadership in energy and environmental design) certification.
Chinese Government Publishes Review Of Recent Environmental Policies
The State Council Information Office publishes a white paper entitled "Environmental Protection in China (1996-2005)", which "gives a systematic introduction to the unremitting efforts made...in environmental protection over the past ten years."
'Landmark' Bill To Allow Sale Of Public Land To Finance Development
Growth advocates applaud a bill to sell public land to finance local projects but conservationists are worried about what they consider a dangerous trend that benefits only developers.
Restricting Suburbia's Popular Cul-de-Sacs
Many suburban homeowners find the tranquility of living on a cul-de-sac the ideal choice. However, thanks to a rapidly growing group of critics, hundreds of cities across the nation are changing laws to ban or restrict future cul-de-sacs.
House Passes Transportation, Housing, And Urban Development Budget
The new bill approved by the House Appropriations Committee "Provides for Smarter, More Efficient Amtrak Operations"; "Supports Aviation"; "Addresses Critical Housing Needs"; and "Funds Highway Spending", while cutting some critical programs.
Local Municipalities Voice Concerns, Sue, Over U.S. Emissions
From the Inuit to the City of Portland, a chorus of local entities are fed up with the lack of environmental initiatives and standards set at the national level, especially as pertaining to transportation-caused pollution, and many have begun to sue.
World's Desert Cities 'May be Living on Borrowed Time': UN Report
A new United Nations report states that while the world's desert cities are threatened by climate change and water depletion, they may also benefit from new investments in solar energy projects.
Coal Exports Devastate Oldest Colombian City
Colombian exports of coal have been great for the national economy but a disaster for its main port and oldest city, Santa Marta. Air quality, the fishing and tourism industries, and the marine environment all suffer the effects of exporting coal.
New Orleans 'Death Traps' Sinking Faster Than Expected
Ground subsidence near levees is reported to be much more drastic than previously thought, according to a University of Miami study.
Cheaper To Provide Permanent Housing For Homeless People?
Many cities provide free permanent apartments first, then offer services and job training, to chronically homeless people. Eventually, formerly homeless people earn enough to afford the modest rents.
Study Finds Alarming Air Pollution In India
Study by an environmental group finds high level of air pollution in Inda and inadequate mechanisms to track and regulate toxins.
Housing Demand Booms -- In South African Shantytowns
The rabid market for housing has spread from upper- and middle-class neighborhoods to the shacks of impoverished slum townships, with tens of prospective buyers for every property.
Dramatic Changes In India's Vast Retail Market
Multinational corporations eye India's large retail market as Indian superstores expand.
Server Farms: The Hot New Land Use
The Washington farmland town of Quincy has signed deals with Yahoo and Microsoft to house huge new Internet data centers -- server farms -- and land prices are spiking. Low power costs and high connectivity can create a 'technology gold rush'.
'Banking' On Open Space In Florida
Bedroom community Maitland wants to convert its strip commercial core to a downtown, but guidelines mandate open space. Redefining 'open space' has opened a door to greater intensity -- and controversy.
Sprawling Calgary Faces Increased Pollution, Car Dependence
With a footprint as big as New York City but with a tenth of the population, and with no natural limits on growth, Calgary struggles to rein in suburban sprawl.
Pagination
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.