The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
CA Law Raises Renewable Portfolio Standard From 20% to 33% By 2020
The law signed yesterday by Governor Jerry Brown was touted by US Energy Secretary Steven Chu as "a model for other states."
The Synthesis of Creativity and Manufacturing
Tom Vanderbilt argues that manufacturing will never disappear from our cities, because the creative class will always seek small-scale industry to make their ideas a reality.
Planning and Childhood Health
Marissa Ramirez, a planner, biologist, and former cancer researcher, writes about the connection between the neighborhoods children grow up in and their health later in life.
New Study: Solar Panels Are "Contagious"
A new study out of Stanford University found that individuals are more likely to install solar panels if their neighbors have them.
Do It Yourself Urban Design
Gordon Douglas, writing for Good Magazine, explains that there has been an increase in the "unauthorized, creative alteration of public spaces for the common good" by enterprising citizens.
The Greying of the Suburbs
In the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri, the young people have mostly left and older folks have decided to "age in place." This worries city administrators, who see their tax base leaving the workforce.
Miami's Latest Boom: Bicycling
With the aggressive implementation of a new master plan, an expansion of grassroots organization-led rides, the Bike Miami Days ciclovia, and a new bike sharing system, Miami and its surrounding municipalities are finally embracing urban cycling.
When TODs Fail to Catch On
Two transit-oriented developments in Salt Lake City have struggled to attract tenants. Critics say this is evidence that the whole idea of TOD is wrong, while supporters say they're just getting started.
LISC's Secret of Success
Neal Peirce discusses the 30-year history of LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation), which he points to as a true success story in the struggle to provide affordable housing.
“Safe Passage” for Vulnerable Road Users
The City of Denton in Texas approved a traffic safety ordinance to assert the rights of the road for cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
Infrastructure Investment is the Answer to Recovery
New report out of Dartmouth College says America needs to build, to boost recovery and improve global competitiveness.
Best Cities for Small Businesses
Luring business has long been a major strategy among cities to stay prosperous. This ranking lists the cities in America that are best at bringing in and harboring small businesses.
Dubai Eyes Rail Expansion
Officials in Dubai have announced plans to extend the emirate's 75-km rail system to more than 250 km.
Inside the Nuclear Ghost Towns of Japan
This piece from<em>Der Spiegel</em> takes you inside the abandoned cities of Japan that were forced to clear out amid threats of nuclear meltdown.
Budget Cuts Take Bite Out of Urban Agenda
CNN is reporting on the budget cuts for 2011, many of which will affect America's cities, infrastructure and vulnerable populations.
Segregation Not Going Away in American Cities
Recent figures from the 2010 U.S. Census highlighted the fact that many cities remain racially segregated. This commentary argues that this situation is unlikely to change.
Libraries as Disappearing Public Spaces
With funding in question, the future of public libraries is uncertain. This slideshow explores how libraries function as a commons and public space in American cities.
'Streets are Never a Blank Canvas'
This essay from <em>Pop Matters</em> explores the connection between street art and urbanism.
Metro Job Generators
Regional business planning and cooperation at the metropolitan level is creating hubs of prosperity in the U.S.
Redevelopment Agencies' Debt Overshadows Revenue
California's redevelopment agencies have almost as much if not more debt than what they pull in from tax revenues, according to this investigation by <em>The Wall Street Journal</em>.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
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.
