The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Do Industrial Development Agencies Work?
Only a third of the projects supported by six Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs) around New York met their job creation goals, according to a report by the state comptroller's office. Is this another nail
Top Five Road Rage Cities
Often thought to be more relaxed, sunshine state cities make three of top five for road rage.
A 'Soft Landing' In Southern California?
The median home price in the six-county Southern California region rose a modest nine percent during the last 12 months, compared to the muscular 26 percent climb on a year-over-year basis at the market's peak in Spring 2004.
Seven County Central Florida Region Initiates Long-Range Planning
With the seven-county Central Florida region projected to double its population by 2050, coordinated planning is critical. The think tank myregion.org will start a 15-month visioning process with a meeting May 17th.
Chicago Goes Green And Stimulates Growth
The "City in a Garden" lives up to its motto, using tons of versatile mulch to promote sustainability and improve quality of life.
Neighborhood Covenants Can Legally Prevent McMansions
A neighborhood homeowner's association in Denver rejected a proposal for an out-of-scale home redevelopment, and the decision was upheld by a District Court judge.
A West Coast Voice Bids Farewell To Jane Jacobs
Jane Jacobs wrote little about Los Angeles, a city that might make her shudder, but she is still fondly remembered there. Sam Hall Kaplan presents his personal account of one of the 20th century's greatest urbanists.
Is Ethanol Really A Green Fuel?
Pete Letheby laments the path that ethanol production has taken in the U.S., arguing that it does not hold the promise of being the "green fuel" it was once thought to be.
California City Calls Time-Out To Reduce Stress
Poway, California, wants to take the afternoon off on May 22. In an attempt to reduce community stress and bring families together, the town will celebrate Family Focus Night between the hours of 5 and 9 p.m.
Tower Planned For Chicago's South Shore
Proposed 20-story tower could be first new high-rise in three decades for Chicago's South Side area.
Does Wal-Mart Increase Poverty Rates?
A new study claims that Wal-Mart raises poverty rates in the counties where its stores are located.
California Misses Conservation Needs On Infrastructure Ballot Initiative
While praising California's long ethos of conservation, which separates it from most of the country, Sacramento Bee columnist Peter Schrag laments that conservation was not included in the $37 billion bond issue scheduled for the November ballot.
Fast-Growing Florida County Approves Controversial Long-Range Plan
After months of discussion, St. Lucie County Commissioners approved a controversial amendment to their long-range plan. The "Towns, Villages and Countryside" plan limits growth to towns or villages instead of subdivisions, and mandates open space.
A New Look At Nuclear Power
Long viewed as a scourge by the environmental movement, prominent environmentalists, including Greenpeace founder Patrick Moore, now believe the time has come for nuclear power, as global warming has presented the newest menace to the environment.
Small, New, Ubiquitous Design Elements Of The 2006 City
Scattered throughout the urban landscape, new design elements have emerged that identify our times.
San Francisco Studies Effectiveness Of Congestion Pricing
While congestion pricing has proven effective in London, and now Stockholm, will it work in San Francisco? City Supervisor Jake McGoldrick, who also presides over the San Francisco Transportation Authority, suggests doing a study first.
The Decline And Fall Of Landover Mall - Who's To Blame?
The Landover Mall, located next to a Capital Beltway interchange in Prince George's County, Maryland, and owned by Lerner Enterprises (a firm that has managed many successful mall centers, including Tysons Corner) has long been considered a blight.
New York City To Add Wi-Fi To Parks
In order to compete with other technologically advanced cities, New York City will add free wireless internet service by July, with other large City parks to receive the technology soon thereafter.
Why Not Tell The Truth About Rising Gas Prices?
The policy director of Climate Solutions (based in Washington state and British Columbia) opines that rising gas prices have beneficial effects on the environment, and consumers need to be given the truth so as to make real changes in lifestyle.
Al Gore's 'Slide Show' Clicks With Audiences
Al Gore's new documentary about global warming is expected to have an impact on public consciousness.
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
