The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Supreme Court Upholds 'Disparate Impact' in Key Fair Housing Decision

A highly anticipated Supreme Court ruling on the concept of "disparate impact" at the heart of the Fair Housing Act.

June 25 - CityLab

Use Positive Storytelling to Change the Message for Alternative Transportation

Until advocates and agencies find positive stories to tell about multi-modal decision-making the car will continue to dominate the messaging and branding of contemporary culture.

June 25 - Greater Greater Washington

To Auction or Not? Philadelphia Proceeds with Tax Lien Auction Despite Criticism

In an ongoing effort to turn around its stock of vacant, tax delinquent properties, the city of Philadelphia will send some 1,400 liens to auction.

June 25 - NewsWorks

Senate Committee Will 'DRIVE' Transportation Reauthorization

The Senate's DRIVE Act is shaping up to be the first six-year transportation reauthorization bill since 2009. Notwithstanding the acronym, it's not all that bad, writes Tanya Snyder of Streetsblog USA. Finding funding for it is another story.

June 25 - National Journal

Pope Goes Global: Let's Talk Local

Pope Francis, sticking to his job description, is out to save the world and all its creatures. Maybe we can help in our own little universes, where we can influence planning and design that makes for swell places and for reduced contributions to GHG.

June 25 - PlaceShakers


Photo of google sign outside of google cafeteria

Why Google's 'Sidewalk Labs' Is Such a Big Deal

Earlier in June, Google announced the creation of an "urban innovation company" called Sidewalk Labs. One writer explains the genesis of the company as well as its potential for the future of how cities operate.

June 25 - Pacific Standard

11 of the Most Endangered Historic Places in the United States

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has announced the 2015 edition of its annual list of the most endangered historic locations in the United States.

June 24 - Next City


Seattle Mayor to Create New 'Office of Planning and Community Development'

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray announced the creation of a cabinet-level Office of Planning and Community Development to address the city's explosive growth.

June 24 - The Urbanist

Construction

Harvard Report: U.S. Housing Recovery Losing Momentum

The State of the Nation's Housing, a closely watched report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, was released to the public today.

June 24 - Joint Center for Housing Studies

University of Cape Town

BLOG POST

UN-Habitat Launches University Network Initiative

UN-Habitat's University Network Initiative (UNI) has launched a new web portal.

June 24 - Bruce Stiftel

A Small Hike in Oregon Gas Tax to Come at High Environmental Cost

Oregon may end its low carbon fuel standard, one of two in the nation, to increase the gas tax by four cents and implement a bevy of clean fuel alternatives to replace the three-month-old clean fuels program.

June 24 - The Oregonian

Is Boston Ready for Gold Standard Bus Rapid Transit?

Gold Standard is the term used by the Institute for Transportation & Development Policy to define world-class BRT service. A recently released ITDP study, underwritten by the Barr Foundation, argues for more Gold Standard service.

June 24 - The Boston Globe

Hospitals Scaling Up Along With Houston's Population

Houston's status as one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country has not gone unnoticed by the healthcare industry.

June 24 - Houston Chronicle

Detroit's M-1 Rail Line Credited for Delivering Investment—A Year Before Opening

The 3.3-mile M-1 Rail line in Detroit has been described as a boondoggle of unparalleled proportions. Boosters of the project, however, have gathering evidence of investment in neighborhoods along the route.

June 24 - The Detroit News

Pittsburgh's Plan to Promote Diversity and In-Migration

Seemingly on the rebound after a 55-year decline in population, Pittsburgh is ready to move into a new era as an attractive destination for immigrants and a diverse population of residents.

June 24 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Philadelphia Rowhouse

Philadelphia's Rowhouse Remedy for Gentrification

Blessed with an innate resilience, Philadelphia's brick rowhouses risk disrepair and redevelopment. Local nonprofits are looking for ways to keep this resource equitable.

June 24 - Next City

One Way to Vision Zero: Reward Good Behavior

A simple, innovative idea behind Seattle's Vision Zero initiative: good driving behavior should generate more positive outcomes.

June 23 - CityLab

Cleveland Clears the Way for its First Parklet

Cleveland will soon have its first park let—thanks to the leadership of the nonprofit Historic Gateway Neighborhood Corp., the collective generosity of Cleveland Collectivo and more, and the approval of the Cleveland Planning Commission.

June 23 - The Plain Dealer

Columnist Reacts as Complete Streets Come to Lawrence, Kansas

A local columnist wonders if complete streets upgrades like the one on 31st Street in Lawrence, Kansas are the new future of roads.

June 23 - Lawrence Journal-World

School Sprawl

The Hidden Costs of Locating Schools on the Outskirts

St. Cloud, Minnesota is considering the question of whether to renovate or rebuild—and where to rebuild—a local high school.

June 23 - SCTimes

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A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.

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.