The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Urban Greening: A Solution to Blight and Toxic Stress?
The economic consequences of urban blight are obvious: depressed property values for individuals and increased maintenance costs with reduced tax revenue for local government. What is less recognized is that urban blight is making residents sick.
Greenfield Developments Suffer Amid California Drought
The building industry has identified a culprit in the California affordability crisis: the drought.
Bikeshare Finally Coming to the City that Made Bikes Famous—Portland
Still without a corporate sponsor, Portland is moving ahead with a bikeshare proposal that will add 600 shared bikes to the city's streets.
Women in Architecture Awards Announced
The Architectural Record recognizes five women for their contributions to the study and practice of architecture.
The Pioneers of Huntsville, Alabama
For some STEM-intensive firms, the cost of living in Silicon Valley is a deal-breaker.
$36 Million Affordable Housing Scam Exposed in Miami
Two prominent developers have plead guilty to federal fraud charges for stealing millions of tax-payer dollars intended for low-income housing developments.
Deepening the Alliance Between the Planning and Public Health Professions
The Plan4Health program has provided an avenue for chapters of the American Public Health Association and the American Planning Association to fund and complete projects that improve the public health outcomes of the built environment.
Atlanta's Transit System to Add Cell, WiFi Access
"Cool, cool, cool, cool, in every way," is Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority CEO Keith Parker's assessment of a proposed deal to install cell phone and WiFi access in transit stations and tunnels.
Dallas Puts New Downtown Light Rail Line on the Fast Track
The Dallas City Council has given preliminary approval to a proposed light rail line, currently called D2, which would add service capacity to the downtown core.
The Not-So-Public Legacy of New York's Privately Owned Public Spaces
More and more often, barriers have been erected between the public and POPS, as privately owned public spaces are known.
A New Algorithm to Predict Train Delays
An algorithm developed in Sweden adds an extra layer of reliability for rail commuters.
Tech Shuttle Pilot Might Stick Around San Francisco
They're hated by many, blamed for the city's gentrification, but are an integral part of regional transportation, enabling tech employees to work on the Peninsula and South Bay while living in the city. A city-approved pilot may become permanent.

Reinventing a Storied Thoroughfare in Mexico City
A team of designers will convert one Mexico City's most dangerous highways into an urban oasis.

Olympic Hopes Move the Finish Line for Los Angeles Rail Plans
The city of Los Angeles is leveraging its hopes as the U.S. candidate to host the 2024 Olympics to ramp up rail construction to an "extremely aggressive" timetable.
19 Progressive Recommendations for Seattle's Housing Crisis
The Urbanist chose 19 of the progressive recommendations from a total of 65 put forward by the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda Advisory Committee (HALA) committee.
Rail Crossings Exacerbating Traffic Concerns
As the city of Houston is growing, car traffic and rail traffic are also growing. The conflict between the two will be very expensive to resolve.
Sprawl Connected to Traffic Fatalities in Louisville
A Louisville case study of the findings and recommendations of the World Resource Institute's "Cities Safer By Design" report.

What Makes a Park Great?
One of the country's most passionate supporters of parks writes a review of a book that explores the characteristics and qualities of great parks.
'ManyCities' Uses Mobile Phone Data to Visualize Human Activity
A new online visualization tool makes it easier to read and understand data about mobile phone usage in four cities around the world, including Los Angeles and New York.
Cambridge Looking to Value Capture Transit Funding
The city of Cambridge is proposing a new transportation enhancement fund that would charge developments to fund upgrades Red Line’s Kendall/MIT Station or enhanced bus service.
Pagination
Borough of Carlisle
Smith Gee Studio
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
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.