The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

"The inaugural Guardian Cities brand barometer ranks world cities on everything from transport and weather to crime and social 'buzz.'" Guardian Cities released a trio of posts in connection with the rankings.

May 7 - Guardian Cities

Impact investing isn't just a new source of funding for nonprofits from the private sector. The government can (and should!) be a catalyst in shaping the market through policies that support investments with a greater social impact.

May 7 - Shelterforce

According to an opinion piece by Mimi Zeiger, "urban magistrates are appearing more frequently as personas on the architectural scene as designers tackle questions of the fate of the city." What can design-savvy mayors offer architects?

May 7 - Dezeen

BLOG POST

Resiliency is rapidly influencing urban sustainability and hazard mitigation planning. Global Green has identified key questions and findings through Sustainable Neighborhood Assessments in four communities impacted by Hurricane Sandy.

May 7 - Walker Wells

BLOG POST

A "Race to the Top" proposal for HUD to help off-set the difficulties of delivering affordable housing in high-priced, high-mobility metros.

May 7 - Shane Phillips

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the details of the "Housing New York" plan this week. The plan will guide the de Blasio Administration toward its goal of creating 200,000 affordable housing units in the city.

May 7 - New York Times

A pair of articles from the Dallas Morning News examine the inequities of property tax rates in Texas. Under the current system, commercial property owners in Dallas County "shaved more than $4.8 billion off preliminary tax appraisals."

May 6 - Dallas Morning News

For the third time since 2000, the federal government has issued a National Climate Assessment, as mandated by Congress in 1990, to “understand, assess, predict, and respond" to climate change. The report was approved by President Obama on Tuesday.

May 6 - The New York Times

A new study analyzes thousands of MTA 'electronic alerts' to identify trends. One finding in particular jumps out: the number of alerts has increased 35 percent in two years.

May 6 - Capital

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently released its 2012 Agriculture Census. The census provides data like how much wheat the state of Kansas produced and the average age of U.S. farm operators.

May 6 - Circle of Blue

Two primary strategies will help to achieve affordable living: Reduce household transportation costs and support smaller living spaces.

May 6 - Better! Cities & Towns

To address the growth of commute traffic to the Google campus and neighboring tech companies in the north (of Hwy. 101) part of this city of 74,000 in Silicon Valley, the city council is proposing a toll on all three road entrances to the area.

May 6 - Mountain View Voice

Locations around St. Louis are testing new parking meters, leading to confusion and tickets. The changes are part of an ongoing test of new systems that will eventually yield an overdue overhaul of the city's parking technology.

May 6 - St. Louis Post-Dispatch

In the celebratory spirit of Cinco de Mayo, Scott Doyon invites you to let your freak flag fly.

May 6 - PlaceShakers

FEATURE

The idea of cars that would drive themselves has only recently moved from science fiction to reality. In this feature, Antonio Loro explores the feasibility and implications of automated vehicles, especially self-driving taxis.

May 6 - Antonio Loro

Buffalo recently released the draft of its new Green Code, which includes a Land Use Plan, Unified Development Ordinance, Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, Brownfield Opportunity Areas, and Urban Renewal Plans. Mark Sommer reports.

May 6 - Buffalo News

A growing population and drought across the West is leading some experts to call for changes in the way governments and utilities charge for water. The difference between the way Tucson and Phoenix, for instance charge for water, is striking.

May 5 - Cronkite News

Data in Virginia shows that more young families are choosing to stay in urban areas to raise their children. This is causing a rapid increase in school enrollment and fueling the fastest growth Virginia's urban areas have experienced since the 1950s.

May 5 - University of Virginia Center for Public Service

Transit authorities often push cuts on the people most dependent on public transit, sometimes called "captive riders." Instead, they focus resources on luring tourists and "choice riders" out of their cars. An article by Samantha Winslow explains.

May 5 - Labor Notes

Residents in Dallas are concerned about the short hours of service for a forthcoming streetcar line connecting Dallas Union Station to Methodist Dallas Medical Center.

May 5 - RailwayAge