The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Renting the American Dream
Home ownership remains a major part of the American dream. But more and more people are beginning to question the wisdom of investing in a home and are leaning towards renting.
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New urbanists and old-fashioned Jews
<p> A few years ago, someone asked me the following question (loosely paraphrased) on a listserv: “Since the most tradition-minded* religious Jews are required by Jewish law to walk to synagogue on Sabbaths and holy days (and thus presumably prize walkability) why aren’t they a major market for new urbanist developments?” At the time, I didn’t have a coherent answer. But now that I know more about both traditional Jews and new urbanism, I do. </p>
The Costs and Benefits of the Canada Line
A new rail line connecting Vancouver to its airport is highly anticipated in the region. The costs and construction disturbances, are causing some concern, however.
The Shifting Tide of Public and Private Space
In Malibu, CA, private property extends to the high tide waterline, where public land begins. An unofficial group of "urban rangers" is giving tours and dance performances along that line to explore the absurdity.
Building Communities With Legos and Plastic Bottles
GOOD Magazine follows planner James Rojas as he engages a community in the act of planning in his own particular fashion, using everyday objects and building blocks.
Don't Just Blame the Cyclists
In response to the Vancouver Sun's recent editorial chastising cyclists for blocking traffic with Critical Mass rides, Gary Engle declares that the op-ed didn't go far enough: there are lots of other villains responsible for causing traffic chaos.
Feeding the World in 2050
Growing populations and diminishing land will make feeding people a challenge in the near future. This piece from <em>Popular Science</em> looks at eight strategies to keep the world fed.
First Small-Scale Urban Wind Turbines Rising
Developers in Portland has begun installation of a set of wind turbines atop a new tower in downtown Portland.
The Future of the Human Relationship with the City
A recent episode of the Australian radio program <em>Future Tense</em> examines how humans interact with the city and how it will likely change in the future.
The Problem With Coal
In his new book,<em> Big Coal: The Dirty Secret Behind America’s Energy Future,</em> author Jeff Goodell uncovers the damage the coal industry has done to America's landscape.
Homeless Shelters Go Unregulated
In Louisville, Kentucky, urban planning professor John Gilderbloom decries the lack of regulations on homeless shelters in the area.
A Survey of American Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains are a useful if underappreciated urban amenity. <em>The New York Times</em> asked eight illustrators around the U.S. to watch one fountain in their cities and report back.
Recovery Through Self-Discovery
Some economists are starting to believe that the U.S. is on its way to economic recovery. But recovery from what, asks William Shutkin in this piece. He suggests the recovery should really be a discovery of better ways of developing and using land.
Highway Funding an Endless Source for Appalachian States
A seemingly never-ending incentive program for Appalachian states provides $4 dollars for every $1 dollar spent by the state on interstate highways.
Finding a Home for California's Renewable Energy Transmission Lines
A new report from an interdisciplinary group of officials and advocates outlines where new energy transmission lines are needed in California, where they should be sited, and how best the state can transition to a renewable energy future.
Expanding the El: $2 Billion for Chicago's Elevated Rail
On Weds., the Chicago Transit Authority approved plans to create three new rapid-transit extensions to the classic system.
Utah Edges Closer to First BRT System
Officials in Utah have approved plans for a bus rapid transit system between Provo and Orem, which will be the state's first BRT system.
The Top 30 Housing Markets in America
According to some real estate data, there are more than 30 housing markets in the U.S. that are seeing increases in housing prices. Topping the list is Boulder, Colorado.
Eight Cities on the Edge
WebUrbanist features photographs of abandoned spaces in cities that are in decline, from the ramshackle homes of Detroit to the sinking piazzas of Venice.
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.
