The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Obama Urges States to Spend Transpo Funds
"Use it or lose it" is the message being delivered to states by an Obama Administration eager to put people to work improving the nation's transportation infrastructure. $473 million is up for grabs, reports Alex Goldmark.
In L.A., Pollution is Down Dramatically but Bad Air Remains
A new study by NOAA scientists and colleagues shows a stunning reduction in vehicle-related air pollutants in the Los Angeles basin over the past several decades. Despite the gains, unhealthy air remains.
Do Big Events Mean Big Bucks?
In the quadrennial competition to secure mega-events such as the Olympics and political conventions, the economic benefit to host cities is regularly flaunted. Carl Bialik looks at why big events may not mean big bucks for their host cities.
Can Bid for NID Save Hudson River Park
Running out of options to help pay for spiraling maintenance costs at the park that runs along Manhattan's western waterfront, Friends of Hudson River Park (FOHRP) have begun floating the idea of establishing a Neighborhood Improvement District.
Help Slow in Coming for Atlanta's Pedestrians
With pedestrian deaths on the rise in Georgia, despite falling automotive fatalities, Andria Simmons and Jeremiah McWilliams look at what is being done to make the Atlanta region's streets safer for those on foot and in wheelchairs.
High-Speed Rail May Bring New Station to Philly
Amtrak is considering where to build stations in Philadelphia for high-speed rail. One of the options is a new station in Market East, an underdeveloped part of downtown. Leadership sees the project as a potential catalyst for new building.
Apartment Building Boom In Portland - Without Auto Parking
OPB investigates the flood of new apartment buildings going up in downtown Portland and finds that two-thirds lack any motor vehicle parking - which is great for renters without cars seeking affordable housing, but can anger the neighbors.
Indian Town Struggles to Balance Architectural Heritage and Living Heritage
Recent events in the southern India town of Hampi, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, expose the struggle to balance the needs of historical tourist sites and those who make their livelihood from them, writes Rachel Proctor May.
Historic Drought Offers Historic Opportunity
Charles Fishman pens an opinion piece for <em>The New York Times</em> arguing that America's worst drought since the 1950s offers "an opportunity to tackle long-ignored water problems and to reimagine how we manage, use and even think about water."
What Canadian Towns Have to Teach us About Great Urbanism
When we think urbanism, we often think cities. But small towns embody many of the elements of walkability that are illegal in most places. This pictorial review offers some palatable insights.
Radiation Threatens Massive Bay Area Development Project
According to a new U.S. Navy report and other documents obtained by <em>The Bay Citizen</em>, radiation contamination on Treasure Island is worse than previously acknowledged. Will the findings alter plans for a massive 20,000 resident development?
Is the London Mayoralty Too Successful for England?
Kevin Meagher argues why the office of Mayor of London, "an astounding success" since its creation just 12 years ago, is bad for the rest of England, and should be abolished.
Massive Media Hub Could Transform Historic Brooklyn Navy Yard
The focus of a series of failed proposals, a 20-acre corner of Brooklyn Navy Yard known as the Naval Annex Historic Campus is set to be converted into a $400 million media, technology and film hub in a plan announced this week.
Can the Rescue of the Detroit Institute of Arts Serve as a National Model?
Arts programs across America have not been immune to the effects of the Great Recession. With institutions across the country struggling financially, Terry Teachout looks at whether the voter-approved bailout of the DIA can serve as a national model.
A Peculiar Chinese Take on Mixed Use
Architizer takes us to the Chinese city of Zhuzhou, where a project featuring residences atop a retail podium stretches the definition of mixed use.
Friday Funny: The Worst Parking Habits in the World
You may have heard of the Central Asian country of Kazakhstan for the "enlightened authoritarianism" of President Nursultan Nazarbayev, or as the world's largest landlocked country. It's now earning a well-deserved reputation for its parking habits.
How Tall Can They Crawl?
Nate Berg asks what the practical limit is to the seemingly endless quest to design and construct the world's tallest building.
Lessons from L.A. on the Benefits of Being Big
Back from a recent field trip to L.A., Sarah Karlinsky, Deputy Director of SPUR, the San Francisco Planning + Urban Research Association, explores the benefits and challenges offered by the region's size, and what lessons it can provide the Bay Area.
Delayed NYC Bike-Share Gets New Launch Date
After weeks of speculation after its supposed July launch date came and went, this morning Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that New York's much anticipated bike-share program will be seen on city streets beginning next March.
Increasing Urbanization and Climate Change Converge to Create Tsunami of Disasters
Stewart M. Patrick looks at the convergence of trends in natural disasters and urbanization in the developing world and sees a dire threat to the world's urban populations growing.
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.
