The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Creating the Future in 'Transition Towns'
The "Transition Towns" movement -- a grassroots initiative to develop local energy and economic self-reliance -- is gathering momentum, especially in the UK.
Possible $349 Millon Cut from Affordable Housing in CA
Proposals from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and legislative Republicans to close the state's $15 billion budget deficit would to take away hundreds of millions of dollars from local redevelopment agencies.
BLOG POST
Orientations, Courses, and Riding the Figurative Bike
<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"> This week will be my first full week of classes at MIT; however, I have actually been here for three.<span> </span>I arrived into Cambridge at the end of August to attend the weeklong department orientation, which was as orientations are – full of very important yet-easy-to-forget information.<span> </span>Alone, the pressure of learning nearly 65 names can induce periodic episodes of amnesia.<span> </span> </p>
Are Form-Based Codes 'Green Zoning'?
Albuquerque's new "form-based codes" could offer city planners another model for denser, more pedestrian-friendly growth.
Term Limits Affecting Long-Range City Planning
Elected city officials in dozens of cities want to overturn term limits, saying current ones keep them from being able to tackle long-range projects.
As Ice Melts, New Laws Needed in in the North
This week international legal experts are meeting in Iceland to debate whether or not the world needs new international laws concerning the polar regions in the face of climate change.
White Rooftops Could Slow Climate Change
A new study released Tuesday concludes that if the rooftops of the world's 100 largest cities were painted white it could significantly cool the atmosphere.
Collapsed Bridge Reborn
Just over a year since its deadly collapse, the rebuilt Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis is scheduled to reopen as early as next week.
Grocery Stores are Shrinking
For years, the sizes of grocery stores have grown increasingly to provide a greater variety to the consumer. Andrew Martin explains why retailers have now begun opening smaller stores instead.
The 'One-Planet City'
Planning student Jennie Moore is going a step beyond the 'ecological footprint' model, and is researching what she calls the 'one-planet city'.
Winnipeg to Get Bus Rapid Transit
Winnipeg, for years Canada's largest urban center without rapid transit, has just announced the construction of a bus rapid transit system with associated transit-oriented development.
The Seasonal Surge in House Prices, Explained
New research can serve to explain why it is more expensive to purchase a house in the summer--and why it might be worth it.
BLOG POST
Should we use zoning to preserve manufacturing?
<p class="MsoNormal"> Deindustrialization has wreaked havoc across many American cities and towns.<span> </span>One only need visit the landscape of the rust belt, places like Buffalo, Detroit or Flint, Michigan to get a sense how damaging this transformation can be.<span> </span>Behind the ugly ruins of abandoned factories and shuttered stores are the lives of real people who have suffered.<span> </span>Manufacturing provided jobs, good paying ones at that, that helped create a blue collar middle class. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
Do Cities Deserve More Hotel Taxes?
Atlanta and other cities in the U.S. are fighting for a greater share of hotel taxes paid as a result of bookings through online sites.
Controversial Land Trade on Hold in Yukon Flats
A decision on whether or not to swap potentially oil-rich, protected land in the Yukon Flats with private wetlands will not be reached for another year. Appraisals will be underway to determine whether or not the controversial trade is fair.
Ground Zero Project Shows Little Signs of Progress
Seven years on, the site of the former World Trade Center remains largely barren. However, despite delays and claims of over-budgeting, the Port Authority says new development at Ground Zero s expected to finish on schedule.
The Benefits of Personal Rapid Transit
The future of getting around may lie in personal rapid transit, or the "podcar." Catherine Burke highlights the system's reported safety and cost-effectiveness.
World's Most Expensive City: Luanda?
Luanda, Angola has brushed past Tokyo and London to be the world's most expensive city, and slums cover much of the city's prime real estate.
Residents Worry About Lines as Burger Stand Moves In
A wildly popular New York burger stand is expanding to a second location, and many residents worry that the stand's long lines will move into their neighborhood.
Congress Considering More Funding for Public Transportation
New funds have already been allocated to public transit agencies, but unexpected increases in ridership have called for even more. The funds come as part of a new energy bill intended to reduce foreign oil dependence.
Municipality of Princeton
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
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.
