The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
New Report Examines Growing Practice of Tax-Increment Financing for Development
A new report from PIRG identifies problems in the practice of TIFs (tax-increment financing) and suggests ideas for reform.
TOD Landmark Still Can't Get People Out of Their Cars
Ten years ago, Orenco Station outside Portland, Oregon was the model New Urbanist, transit-oriented development community. And while the project has had great success in creating community, it still hasn't lured commuters out of their cars.
Eleven of the Best Urban Design Ideas in the World
From a penthouse dwelling above an air-raid bunker to an "inside-out" building where plants grow on the walls through rainwater irrigation, Wendy Goodman and Justin Davidson have asked design experts to compile their favorite urban ideas.
UK Launches Green Infrastructure Partnership
On Tuesday, the UK announced the creation of a green infrastructure program, intended to press planners and deveopers to infuse spaces with greenery. Writes Peter Walker, the benefits are beyond aesthetic--they're economic as well.
The 50 Most Fascinating Cities from Fiction
Complex Magazine picks the 50 "coolest" cities from fiction - not necessarily utopias or places you'd want to visit, but cities that are "...so thoroughly imagined by their creators, you forget they aren't real."
Masdar City Promotes Its Green Cred to Businesses
At the European Future Energy Forum (EFEF) 2011, Masdar City displayed business opportunities to companies in renewable energy and clean technology as well as service providers in that industry.
Streetcars On The Rise Once Again
The Obama Administration has decided to provide federal funding for a variety streetcar projects. Over the past few months, cities including San Antonio have proposed routes that will run through densely populated areas.
More Hybrid Cars Available, But Fewer People are Buying Them
2009 may have been the peak year for hybrid vehicle sales as a percentage of total sales, despite the addition of 23 models available to consumers, reports CNNMoney. The current price of fuel does not justify the premium price paid for these models.
The Science Behind Bike-Share Placement In NYC
The Atlantic examines the factors that create a successfully implemented bike sharing program, based on current plans scheduled to be implemented on New York streets by next summer.
Erie, Colorado Considering (Gasp) Urban Renewal
'Urban renewal' got a bad name for overusing eminent domain and ignoring the will of the people. Officials in Erie, on the other hand, see "a powerful economic development tool."
From Sprawl to Complete Communities
Galina Tachieva's new Sprawl Repair Manual creates a narrative and visual process for making suburbs more sustainable. The book's first chapter is available now online.
Via Verde: Housing Project for All!
Via Verde is a rebirth to a area that has been suffering economically for decades. The planners chosen for this project are placing a great deal of importance on aesthetics and quality design, not seen in other projects.
Top 6 Underused Airports In the World
"Build it and they will come," says Ysabel Yates. Unfortunately for these 6 large airports, they didn't.
Butane Storage Tanks Raise Concern
Even though the butane storage tank meets all state and federal regulatory requirements, residents do not feel safe with a 40-year-old tank that contains up to 25 million gallons of highly flammable butane. Residents fear a potential catastrophe.
Rahm Emanuel Expands Chicago's Commitment to Bike-Centric Development
Chicago's flat topography makes it ideal for bike riding. Now Rahm Emanuel and Gabe Klein's new public policies aim to grow their use. The city consistently scores as highly in bike-friendly rankings as New York, Austin, or Denver.
County Wants to Use Transit Funds to Repair Potholes
In Modesto CA, a portion of sales tax is used to support the Local Transportation Fund (LTF) which is used for dial-a-ride, trains, and other transit services. Instead, the county wants to use this money for road fixtures.
85 New Homes to be Built on Redeveloped Land in San Francisco Bay Area.
The New Home Company intends to build 85 homes on land that has become "dilapidated and vandalized." The land has been target for a redevelopment process which is located in Marin County.
Partisanship Stalls Infrastructure Investment, Says Blumenauer
Congressional support for transportation and infrastructure projects has traditionally been bipartisan. In an interview, Rep. Earl Blumenauer of Oregon discusses how political tantrums in Congress may handicap the US in the long run.
Rusty "Home of Tomorrow" Up for Preservation
A prefab steel home built in 1933 on the campus of Connecticut College as a futuristic "home of tomorrow". Today, although covered in rust, it is still standing and being prepped for historic preservation.
Bicycling in the City is Good for You, Despite Air Pollution
A recent study shows that bicyclists absorb more carbon soot in their lungs than pedestrians or drivers. But new reports argue that the benefits of the exercise far outweigh the downsides.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul 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.
