The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Houston’s Growth Poses Service Challenges
The Houston region continues to grow, and local regional governance is struggling to meet residents’ needs.

Chicago Parklet Designed to Be Flexible and Cost Effective
A newly installed parklet in Chicago is part of a larger program to engage the city’s public spaces.

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New Urbanists and New Housing
The Charter of the New Urbanism favors infill development, yet new urbanists sometimes oppose infill, especially in historic urban areas. This post speculates on why that might be the case.

Missouri Voters Rejects Legislative Gas Tax Increase
Missouri legislators approved a bill at the end of the legislative session to place a 10-cents per gallon gas tax increase on the ballot to fund road repair. It had the support of Gov. Mike Parson but was rejected by nearly 54 percent of voters.

San Diego Could Scrap Parking Requirements in 'Transit Priority Areas'
The mayor of San Diego has introduced a major parking reform initiative.

Sunday Fun: New Video Game Explains Land Use Politics
We're not sure if planners will find this game, since it's so close to real life, but maybe it will make a good recommendation for friends and family members?
Democrats in the House Improves Gateway Project's Prospects
The local and regional political leaders with a stake in the Gateway project connecting New York and New Jersey see a little light at end of the tunnel now that Democrats hold a majority in the House of Representatives.

Voters Approved $30 Billion for Transportation This Election
Nationwide, voters approved nearly 70 percent of transportation ballot measures on the ballot.

Watch Las Vegas Expand While Lake Mead Contracts
The "Satellite timelapse" account on YouTube created a timelapse of satellite imagery of Las Vegas and nearby Lake Mead between 1986 and 2016.

Mobility Plan Outlines Street Design Changes Around New Seattle Light Rail Station
The plan proposes both immediate and longer-term improvements for the area, including development of a pedestrian mall.

Philadelphia Project Seeks Diverse Array of Investors
A development project in Philadelphia is raising funds through a combination of Opportunity Zones benefits, federal tax credits, and crowdfunding.
Leadership Change at the New York MTA
MTA Chair Joe Lhota has resigned after 16 months on the job, announcing his departure just days after New York Governor Andrew Cuomo won reelection.

Californians Vote to Maintain Roads and Transit by Rejecting Gas Tax Repeal
In potentially the most important transportation ballot measure in the state since 1990, the last time residents voted on the gas tax, Californians were deciding whether to repeal fuel taxes and vehicle registration fees approved last year.

San Jose Launching a Self-Driving Car Program in 2019
The city of San Jose in California's Silicon Valley is familiar with self-driving cars on the road, but this is its first partnership with self-driving car companies.

Granny Flats Take on the Los Angeles Homelessness Crisis
A program financed by Bloomberg Philanthropies will pay homeowners to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and rent them to the recently homeless.

Philly's Indego Bike Share Goes Electric
Bike share riders in Philadelphia will have the option of trying something a little zippier.

Toronto Mayor Wants a 'Transit Czar'
Toronto Mayor John Tory knows the city's residents take transit seriously, so he's appointing a new position: transit czar.

Rent Control Rejected in California, But the Debate Is Far From Over
An opinion piece in CityLab reiterates the body of research showing evidence that rent control is not an effective tool in reducing housing costs.

Seeking Mixed-Income Housing Developers in Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina is concerned about the lack of affordable housing in its city, potentially making it difficult for fire fighters, teachers, and more to afford to live in the community.

Inclusionary Zoning Under Consideration in New Orleans
The New Orleans City Planning Commission recently released a report recommending three "potentially mandatory" inclusionary zoning initiatives. The city is working against a deadline from the governor.
Pagination
Borough of Carlisle
Smith Gee Studio
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
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.