The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
A Plea to Finance the National Housing Trust Fund
"[A]ffordable housing remains one of America’s most vexing problems," states an editorial published last weekend in The Times. To help address this problem, the editors challenge the new Congress to finally finance the National Housing Trust Fund.
FEATURE
Who Teaches Planning?
What role does the background of planning faculty, and the institutions from which they earned their degrees, have on the training of future planners? Tom Sanchez examines the profile of the nation’s planning faculty to help advance this discussion.
BLOG POST
Hold off on Zipcar’s Eulogy: Planners are Key to Carsharing’s Next Act
The recent purchase of Zipcar by Avis is just the latest sign that carsharing is in a period of flux. As shared-mobility evolves in the next few years, planners can play a crucial role in ensuring that the industry serves those in need of alternatives to car ownership, generates revenues for municipalities, integrates with public transportation, and delivers wider benefits.
New Map Shows How to Traverse California via Public Transit
For those that dream of traveling the length of the Golden State without getting behind the wheel of an automobile, a new map shows the interconnected system of trains and buses that can get you from San Diego to Eureka and in-between.
How Can Bike Share Better Serve Those Who Could Benefit the Most?
Across the United States, bike-share systems have struggled to provide access to those with fewer transportation options. Darren Buck looks at what some cities are doing to expand their reach.
Can We Still Create Beautiful Cities?
Edwin Heathcote looks at "fumbling attempts at creating new forms of urbanity" and "new ideals of beauty" in cities like Milton Keynes, Rotterdam, and Dubai, and asks if we can still create urban beauty, or if it's even desirable in the first place.
Developer Dreams of Turning Detroit Park Into Free Market Utopia
A suburban Detroit developer is promoting an alternative vision for Detroit's Belle Isle: transforming the island park into a commonwealth free market utopia for the elite.
L.A. Mayoral Candidates Tackle City's Housing Troubles
At a forum held last week, candidates to become L.A.'s next mayor outlined their approaches to tackling the city's most daunting housing challenges - from homelessness to the need for more affordable housing.
Are Apps the Answer to Oakland's Problems?
Azeen Ghorayshi looks at how Oakland's civic hackers are trying to change the city through technology -- giving people greater access to data, increasing transparency, and keeping people better informed -- all with minimal investment by the city.
Impacts of Climate Change More Dire Than Previously Predicted
The draft of a new report issued last week by the U.S. government concludes the impacts of climate change are spreading faster than previously predicted.
Paying by the Mile - Not a Question of "If" but "When and by How Much"
Justin Hyde is firmly in the camp that 'Vehicle-Miles-Traveled' (VMT) fees are coming - and the release of a GAO report last month may support that contention. Privacy concerns from GPS and collection costs are challenges that were considered.
Can Small Mixed-Use Projects Succeed?
Amanda Kerr reports on a trend in small mixed-use developments in southeastern Virginia. Can such projects succeed while larger mixed-use developments in the region struggle?
Could the Bloom be off D.C.'s Boom?
Annie Lowrey looks at how the taxpayer funded expansion of private contracting for the federal government turned D.C. from "national embarrassment" to creative class hot spot, and why those boom days may be coming to an end.
Japan Perfects the Art of Delicate Demolition
John Metcalfe looks at how one Japanese company is advancing a more quieter sensitive method for demolishing high-rise buildings, floor by floor.
Kresge Pledges Additional $120 Million Toward Detroit Revitalization
Detroit has received a significant showing of confidence from its benefactor, The Kresge Foundation (based in Troy, MI) after it unveiled its new strategic plan known as Detroit Future City. As the city downsizes, the challenges are significant.
Reviewing a Smaller Year in Taller Buildings
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat has released its annual report on the state of skyscraper construction. Worldwide, 2012 witnessed the completion of 66 buildings taller than 200 meters, including the second tallest in the world.
Marching Towards More Walkable Communities
Richard Florida interviews Jeff Speck about his new and highly praised book "Walkable City." The two authors discuss why cities should become more walkable to meet the needs of the "Walking Generation."
Mapping Chicago's Growing Cornucopia of Urban Gardens
In Chicago, like in many cities, local food production comes in many forms, from small backyard crops to community gardens. Researchers are now using Google Earth to paint a more accurate picture of food production at different scales.
How Art Inspires L.A.'s Public Transit Commuters
As the L.A. metro continues to expand, so do opportunities for artists to showcase their art. For transit riders, this adds an important element to their daily journey, making the commuting experience all the more memorable.
EIR Lawsuits Target Infill Locations
Most California lawsuits challenging environmental impact reports have their sites set on infill projects.
Municipality of Princeton
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
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.
