The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Calling for a Moratorium on Skywalks in Spokane
Despite declining use of existing skywalks in the city and a new appreciation of the importance of a pedestrian-friendly streetscape, developers are moving forward with several plans to add new skywalks around downtown Spokane.

A Dissenting View of the 'Build Baby Build' Agenda in Boston
The Boston Globe casts doubt on the idea that large amounts of new housing in Boston will be able to reduce already high housing prices in the city.

Domino Sugar Redevelopment Granted Catalytic Status on Williamsburg Waterfront
Crain's New York Business surveys the development investments that have followed the Domino Sugar Refinery redevelopment to the Williamsburg waterfront.
Los Angeles City Council Approves LAX Northside Plan
340 acres of vacant property, granted by the Federal Aviation Authority in the 1970s and 1980s, has a new vision for the future.

Report Finds Increasing Popularity of 'Walkable Urban Places'
The Foot Traffic Ahead 2016 report, by Smart Growth America and The George Washington University’s Center for Real Estate & Urban Analysis ranks cities based on their walkability.

Street Paving, Bike Improvements on Different Paths in Cincinnati
Cincinnati's recently launched, $109 million capital investment plan will leave the vision laid out by the city's 2010 Bicycle Transportation Plan in the dust.

More Bad News for Coal: U.S. Supreme Court Won't Block Mercury Emissions Rule
For a second time, the U.S. Supreme Court chose not to hear from 20 states that sought to block implementation of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rule on mercury and air toxins that largely affects coal-fired power plants and public health.

660 Acres Donated to Pittsburgh to Become City's Largest Park
The city of Pittsburgh is celebrating the conveyance of 660 acres of property known as Hays Woods. The property will one day become the largest park in the city.

More Common Ground Sought for the 'Future of Suburbia'
A review of the recent "Future of Suburbia" event held at the Center for Advanced Urbanism at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Comparing Property Tax Rates for 100 U.S. Cities
The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy has released its annual comparison of property tax rates around the country, adding new wrinkles of analysis for this year's edition.

7 'Smart Cities Challenge' Proposals
The Washington Post details each of the seven proposals competing for $40 million in the U.S. Department of Transportation's Smart Cities Challenge.

On the End of Big Infrastructure
Repairing civil infrastructure might require rethinking the traditional approach to building infrastructure.

To Save the Environment: End the Philosophy of Dominion
An editorial in Pacific Standard says the earth and our own bodies can be improved if humans form a new relationship with the planet.

State Bill Could Spread the Supertall Buildings Around New York
A package of bills making their way through the New York State Legislature could usher in an era of new height in parts of New York City.
Tough Road Ahead for Dallas Bikeshare
A bikeshare program in Downtown Dallas is a non-starter unless it's entirely funded by private money.
Denver Approves Short-Term Rentals for Primary Residences
A new ordinance approved by the Denver City Council yesterday grants legitimacy to an "already flourishing vacation rental market."

The Tough Legal Path to ADA Compliance
Next City examines the fruits of a Department of Justice effort to force cities to bring their sidewalks and other public spaces into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Why It Makes Sense for Developers to Go to the Ballot Box in California
It may seem understandable for developers to resort to the ballot box after encountering difficulty with a planning commission or city council, but in California it makes sense even for cities like Moreno Valley that are friendly to new development.

A New Era in the U.S.: More Carbon Emissions from Transportation Than Utilities
Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that the total carbon emissions of the transportation sector is now greater than the carbon emissions of energy utilities.

On the Bay Area's Peninsula: A Reborn Tenants' Rights Movement
A resurgent tenants' rights movement has found a home south of the traditional progressive capital of the Bay Area.
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.