The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Commuting, Happiness, and the Size of Your House
New studies show that long commutes are significantly detrimental to people's happiness. So why choose the bigger house outside of town over the smaller house? Jonah Lehrer talks about the "weighting mistake" theory.
Bringing the Creative Class to Wales
BBC News reports on a development touting itself as an 'urban village' that hopes to rejuvenate run-down High Street in Swansea, U.K. It features a series of courtyards with shops, offices, restaurants and apartments.
Ambitious Plan for San Francisco's Treasure Island
Plans for a re-envisioned Treasure Island are reaching the approval stage. John King takes a close look at the ambitious plan, which includes lots of protected open space and a 650 ft. tower.
Productivity Through Density
People naturally want to be near each other, which some suggest is one explanation for the increasing urbanization and densification of the world. Edward L. Glaeser argues that the information-based economy will push that trend even further.
Giving an Identity and Purpose to Governors Island
<em>The New York Times</em> takes a look at plans to redesign Governors Island, control of which was recently take over by the City of New York.
Salt Lake Suburb Pins Hopes On Downtown Revival
South Salt Lake is seeking to revive itself economically by creating a downtown entertainment district connected by a streetcar.
'49 Cities' That Made a Difference
"49 Cities" is a touring exhibition that looks at the relationship between urban design and the success or failure of cities, from Levittown to ancient Rome to Le Corbusier's Radiant City.
Smart Growth Worries School Board
The school board of Chicopee, Massachusetts is concerned that a proposed smart growth district would overwhelm the school system.
First Come, First Served for Water in Alberta
Under Alberta's present water allocation system, new and rapidly growing communities are unable to purchase new water licenses, as priority goes to historical users, not those with the greatest need. A persistent drought may force a change.
Future Cities of Australia
Australian architects imagine futuristic density, from jellyfish-shaped cities on the ocean to cactus-like desert structures.
Denver Area Considers Sales Tax Boost for Light Rail
Denver's transit agency is considering a plan to ask voters to make a further increase to the county's sales tax in order to fund the region's FasTracks light rail system.
Boston Proper Cheaper Than Burbs
A new report from ULI maps out the 'housing plus transportation' costs in all Boston neighborhoods. Turns out living in the heart of the city is cheaper than the outer neighborhoods.
A Parking Spot Nearby, But With a Price
A new service allows drivers in New York City to pay a fee to find an available parking spot in their vicinity.
Green Building Flourishes in New Orleans
With more than 500 energy-efficient homes with environmentally friendly features are being built in New Orleans. This rise in green building is being called one of the positive legacies of Hurricane Katrina.
Despite Growing Population, Number of Households Falls
The United States population is on the rise, but the number of households within the U.S. is falling. Many link the drop to the downturn in the economy.
Ahead of World Cup, Cape Town Shack Dwellers Relocated
Slum dwellers in the suburbs of Cape Town have been forcefully relocated to a shack housing complex out of town -- and out of sight of the hundreds of thousands of visitors expected to descend on the city for this year's soccer World Cup.
Growing Transit in Growing Cities
As urban growth continues, the role of public transit systems will escalate. Though some cities already have the infrastructure in place to adapt to this expected growth, many cities are starting to worry about what they'll do when the people come.
The Rise of Soft Infrastructure
Infrastructure is undeniably important to our cities and places, but a new kind of infrastructure -- soft infrastructure -- is becoming increasingly important.
Binghamton's "War Counter" to Highlight City's Budget Woes
Jo Comerford of the National Priorities Project reports on how one New York state mayor is addressing the interconnections between municipal budget shortfalls and federal spending on warfare.
New York City Takes Over Governor's Island
The City has reached a deal to take over 172-acres of undeveloped land from the State, and redevelopment possibilities are flooding in - public park, high school, commercial buildings, NYU satellite campus, and more.
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.
