The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
The Evidence for Houston as a World Class City
Houston is famous among urbanists for many reasons: its lack of traditional zoning, its perpetual growth, and its position in the oil industry are just a few examples. Here, Wendell Cox argues that the city is still under appreciated.
How Equitable Infrastructure Investments Benefit Everyone
A call for the country to focus its infrastructure investments to the most vulnerable and neglected populations—and watch the benefits compound.
New Pittsburgh Tenants Union: 'A Long Time Coming'
A new citywide tenants union, designed to provide an umbrella for smaller organizations and new levels of education and access to renters, is taking shape in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Uber Hemorrhaging Money in 2016
The future of transportation network companies is far from settled. While influential in the popular consciousness, companies like Uber haven't figured out how to make money.
Ten of the Best New Skyscrapers From Around the World
Dezeen presents a not-so-humble list of the ten best skyscrapers opened to the public in 2016.
Arguing in Favor of Fargo's Embattled Flood Management Project
The Red River Diversion project, also known as the Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Management project, has full federal approval but was recently denied a critical permit by the state. This op-ed questions the wisdom of the state's action.
A Guide for Everyday People to Activate a City's Waterfront
One community advocate's step-by-step guide to activating hidden public waterfront space.
Principles of Housing Finance Reform: The Imperative of Rebuilding the System
In a new article, Penn IUR Fellow Joseph Tracy and Penn IUR Co-Director Susan Wacther write about the imperative of rebuilding the housing finance system.
FEATURE
A Grid Balancing Act for Vibrant, Varied, and Sustainable Places
An analysis of three essential attributes of urban grids reveals a preferred layout for the desired effect of a vibrant, active community.
Another Attempt at California's By-Right Affordable Housing Proposal
The new streamlining bill for affordable housing will not have the governor's name, but that of freshman Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener, who made a name for himself as a tenacious housing advocate while San Francisco County Supervisor.
Low Cost Housing Units Disappearing from Philadelphia's Gentrifying Neighborhoods
Researchers from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia find evidence of displacement in Philadelphia's gentrifying neighborhoods.
A Culture Change Takes Hold at the Detroit Planning Department
For all its troubles, Detroit has undertaken some of the greatest urban success stories of recent years. New leadership at the city's Planning Department is hoping to expand those narratives to long-neglected parts of the city.
Minneapolis Pulls Out of its Regional Economic Development Partnership
The Minneapolis Saint Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership (Greater MSP) will now longer have funding support from the city of Minneapolis.
D.C. Streetcar Working in Harmony with Overlapping Bus Lines
The D.C. Streetcar wraps up 2016 with positive news for its ridership numbers, as well as a positive effect on the nearby transit system.
FEATURE
The Most Popular Planetizen Posts of 2016
No Electoral College needed: these were the most popular Planetizen posts from the year 2016.
Embracing Rivers as a Vehicle for Urban Revitalization
A new study includes urban rivers as a potential powerful amenity for economic development and revitalization. The city of Chicago has already taken note.
Portland Takes Another Step Toward Multi-Modalism
The city of Portland will take the momentous step of estimating person trips, rather than car trips, when estimating the impacts of new developments. The decision is another step toward ending the systems of car-centric planning.
Additional Study Necessary for Seattle to Pass Accessory Dwelling Units Legislation
A recent ruling by the City Hearing Examiner is a setback—but not necessarily a permanent one—for the city's efforts to loosen regulations on accessory dwelling units.
Casting Doubt on Yield-to-Transit Laws
Austin planners are considering a law designed to ensure bus service performance by requiring drivers to allow buses to merge after making a stop, but transit advocates point to a body of research that casts doubt on the efficacy of such laws.
An Annual, Irreverent List of Architecture Awards
Critics Alexandra Lange and Mark Lamster hand out their annual awards for architecture and design, with welcome focus and studied opinions on what make great cities great.
City of Mt Shasta
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)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
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.
