The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

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Which Suburbs Have Futures?
The suburbs most likely to prosper are those with wealth and/or walkability.
Alejandro Aravena: First Chilean Architect to Take Home the Pritzker Prize
The awarding of the Pritzker Prize to the 48-year-old Alejandro Aravena sends a strong signal about the architecture world's focus on social responsibility.
Lack of Congressional Support Kills Landmark Klamath River Deal
There might not be a drawing board to go back to after an agreement that would have removed four dams along the Klamath River died in Congress.
'Homeowner-Friendly' Zoning Changes Proposed in Staten Island
Proposed zoning changes would allow residents to build "as-of-right" in Staten Island's "natural" districts.
D.C. Inclusionary Zoning Tweaks Would Serve Lower Income Households
The D.C. Zoning Commission will be the first to consider staff recommendations for adjustments to District's inclusionary zoning policy.

Study Finds Strong Evidence that Parking Causes Driving
A new study presented at the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting builds a strong case that parking causes driving.
Providence Scraps Streetcar Plans in Favor of an 'Enhanced' Bus Line
Citing the drastically reduced costs of a bus line, the city of Providence is hoping to replace its proposed streetcar line with the Providence Enhanced Bus Circulator. The new proposal requires federal funding to display a similar flexibility.
Expanding Car-Sharing to New, Car-Centric Markets
Zipcar is a newcomer in Tampa Bay, but the efforts to expand its business in the next few years will provide a case study in how less dense cities can expand alternative transportation options.
How the Internet of Things Helps to Bridge the Digital Divide
Internet access and digital skills unlock the Internet of Things (IoT). Applications such as telecommuting, virtual meetings, app-enabled public transport, smart cars, and smart logistics can curb emissions and create sustainable growth.

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Let's Talk Water
Water has been an integral part of the designed landscape for centuries, but is it time to reevaluate its relevance?
Wisconsin Considering Local 'Pothole Tax'
Though the governor's office remains staunchly opposed to new taxes, the Wisconsin State Legislature is searching for politically viable ways to fund transportation infrastructure improvements at the local level.
Struggling Coal Companies Might Stick States With Clean Up Costs
The practice of self-bonding, or allowing coal companies a "pass" on setting aside funding for mine clean up, is coming back to haunt some states as the coal industry struggles.

The High Cost of 'Motorcycle Freedom'
Michigan's mandatory motorcycle helmet law was repealed in April 2012. It only took a week for Dr. Carlos Rodriguez to notice an increase in patients not wearing a motorcycle helmet in his trauma unit in Grand Rapids, so he launched a study.

Bandwagon Residents: Does a Winning Football Team Fuel Urban Growth?
Some residents of Tuscaloosa, Alabama believe the University of Alabama football team's success on the field has directly contributed to the region's growth.

Oregon DOT Plays its Trump Card to Remove Portland Bike Lanes
A bike advocate tells the story of the how the state department of transportation convinced local officials to remove a popular bike lane in Portland.
Step Aside San Francisco: The Tech Industry Still Calls the Silicon Valley Home
You wouldn't be alone if you thought the tech industry had shifted its base of operations from the Silicon Valley to San Francisco. A new study of the tech industry's real estate footprint, however, reveals the South Bay's entrenched dominance.

What's So Urban About the Suburbs?
A new book makes the case for suburban urbanity.
Proposed Blight Solution: Shift Subsidies from Rent to Ownership
Pittsburgh mayor Bill Peduto thinks Section 8 housing subsidies could get two birds with one stone: help low-income households find affordable housing and reduce blight.
Study: Cities Gaining Post-Recession Economic Clout
As the dust settles from the Great Recession—evidence is growing to support the growing relevance of urban areas in the overall economic picture of the United States.
An Era of Innovation for Park Design
Next City surveys the most ambitious examples of park design from a year of ambitious projects.
Pagination
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
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.