The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Debating Subways in Chinese Cities
This debate from <em>China Daily</em> offers a point-counterpoint over whether Chinese cities should be embarking on major subway building projects.
Why do Republicans Hate Transit?
Yonah Freemark tackles the big question, as House Republicans deliver an agenda to reduce federal spending that proposes deep cuts to transit spending.
Walmarts in Miniature
Artist Tracy Snelling makes obsessively detailed miniature reconstructions of mundane landscapes like liquor stores, strip clubs, McDonalds and Walmarts.
El Paso Gets Transit-Centered
With a new plan called "Connecting El Paso", the Texas city is on track for a transit-oriented future. Kaid Benfield says the plan is "nothing less than a comprehensive guide to smart growth design and implementation."
The Rise of Mid-Sized Cities
The Boston Globe discovers that midsize towns across Massachusetts are ditching the mall and revitalizing their downtowns.
Not So Fast on Infrastructure Binge
The U.S. spends far less on its infrastructure than many other countries, which some say will hurt the nation's competitiveness. The U.S. needs to build infrastructure, but as Neal Peirce argues, with a few caveats.
Reviving the Waterfront -- and its Industries
Officials in New York are pushing a plan known as Vision 2020, which is aimed at restoring the city's waterfront areas and creating new public spaces. It also hopes to create preconditions for waterfront industries and businesses to grow again.
Developing a 'Smart Grid' in Chicago
Building owners in downtown Chicago are hoping to push forward a project aimed at creating a "smart grid" of energy-efficient and energy-producing buildings.
Military's Rail Mission in Afghanistan
The U.S. war in Afghanistan is also a broad infrastructure building effort, according to military officials who talk about a rail building effort known as the Silk Road Initiative
Parking Passes for Pregnant Ladies
Brookyln City Councilman David Greenfield is introducing legislation that would allow pregnant women special parking passes if they have a note from their doctor.
From Breadbasket to Food Desert
The rural Midwest produces much of our nation's food supply, and yet small towns in the heartland and around America are increasingly and ironically becoming food deserts - places where citizens have little access to fresh, healthy foods.
Can High Speed Rail Survive Conservative Politicians?
Scott Thill makes the case for high speed rail, and how it can contribute to a more sustainable future nationwide -- but conservative politicians at the state level appear set to derail it.
In Defense Of CA's Redevelopment Agencies
Redevelopment agencies are vital to job creation and necessary for central cities to stem suburban job sprawl, claims Gerald Metcalf, executive director of a SF urban think tank (SPUR), countering CA Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed elimination of them.
Food, Energy Shortages Loom
Peace and Security professor Michael Klare warns that we are entering a period of global resource scarcity and unrest.
Coworking is a Boon to Cities
With many scratching to make a living in a badly damaged economy, coworking is springing up to meet the needs of independent workers.
Debating San Francisco's Community Benefit Districts
There are 12 community benefit districts in San Francisco, which raise their own taxes to create funds for various local projects. But some argue they favor big businesses.
Against 'Ruin Porn'
The city of Detroit is increasingly characterized through imagery of its abandoned and decaying buildings. This piece from <em>The New Republic</em> says it's time to stop.
FEATURE
Enough With the 'Enough with Jane Jacobs' Already!
Was Jane Jacobs a NIMBY? Did she despise density? These sort of reevaluations of Jacobs' legacy are hot at the moment. Roberta Brandes Gratz explains why the naysayers are off base.
A Comprehensive Urban Agriculture Plan
A new project is seeking to create the first citywide, comprehensive urban agriculture plan for New York City.
City Leaders Push Back on Redevelopment Axing in California
A group of city leaders and activists gathered in Sacramento to protest Governor Jerry Brown's plan to close the state's redevelopment agencies.
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.
