The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Fracking's Formidable Foe

The worthy foe is not environmental regulations nor the the government or public demanding fracking moratoriums and bans. It is the falling global price of oil. Two radio reports explore how the global glut of oil affects U.S. shale oil production.

October 16 - NPR

Another Call for the Legalization of Los Angeles Street Vendors

Mark Vallianatos outlines the legal history and vehemently supports Los Angeles' estimated 10,000 street vendors selling everything from fruits to frozen treats.

October 16 - The Los Angeles Times

The Middle Class Fights for Survival in Lima, Ohio

An article surveys Lima, Ohio's long-term residents, politicians, and economy to weave a narrative tracing the ups and downs of the shrinking small town.

October 16 - Rolling Stone

In Defense of Uncertainty in the Development Approval Process

While streamlining and anti-NIMBYism are in vogue, Murtaza Baxamusa reminds us what's really at stake.

October 16 - UrbDeZine

New Jersey Cities Work Together for Waterfront Park on the Hudson River

Linh Tat reports on the opening of a new waterfront park created and maintained by two New Jersey cities: North Bergen and Guttenberg.

October 16 - North Jersey


Young Driver

Millennials Are in Motion, But Not Necessarily by Car

A new report from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group and Frontier Group shows mounting evidence that the Millennial generation’s dramatic shift away from driving is more than temporary. Planning must change to accommodate these demands.

October 16 - Millennials in Motion: Changing Travel Habits of Young Americans and the Implications for Public Policy

Public Meeting

Poll: What are the Most Important Skills for Planning Staffers?

In the second in a series of posts, PlannersWeb recently posted the results of a poll asking: "What are the skills you’ve found most important in serving on a planning commission?"

October 15 - PlannersWeb


Tysons Corner

D.C.'s New Metro Line Already Influencing the Suburbs

The Silver Line opened two and a half months ago. Already, with strong ridership in both directions, some businesses are seeing new opportunities.

October 15 - Elevation DC

California Cities Still Navigating Redevelopment Dissolution

Two and a half years after California shuttered its redevelopment agencies, cities are still grappling with the repercussions—from resolving the legal obligations of CRAs to searching for alternative methods of revitalizing areas in need.

October 15 - The Planning Report

DC Nightlife

Why Millennials Drive Less: Many Possibilities, Few Answers

Millennials are less likely to get driver's licenses, they tend to take fewer, shorter car trips, and they use alternative modes of transportation more than their predecessors. The question for the ages is why.

October 15 - The Washington Post - Wonkblog

Chicago Considers Raising Parking Taxes to Pay for Potholes

In need of 80 additional employees to keep up with the city's pothole repair deficit, Mayor Rah Emanuel is proposing that the city raise taxes parking.

October 15 - Chicago Sun-Times - Politics

Cincinnati's First Cycle Track Overcame Controversy, Now Open for Bikers

The Central Parkway Cycle Track is open in Cincinnati, having overcome the controversies that almost led to the project's demise.

October 15 - Urban Cincy

A Comprehensive Accounting of Economic and Environmental Performance: Who's in?

For the last several decades, North American cities have used growth as a primary economic engine. Increasingly less dense new growth is subsidized by the more dense core, but requires a growth rate that is not supportable in the long term.

October 15 - PlaceShakers

An Ancient, Neighborhood-Based Technology could Heat Vancouver

A system similar to that which heated Roman baths could become a key cog in the future of heating in Vancouver, British Columbia.

October 15 - Citiscope

What Next for 'Rebuild By Design'?

The Rebuild By Design competition attracted plenty of hoopla thanks to its $920 million and the critical need for projects that protect coastal cities as sea levels rise. Now that the winners have been picked, how will they deliver on their promise?

October 15 - The Architect's Newspaper

Philadelphia Mayor Nutter Touts Planning Legacy

Mayor Michael Nutter believes that his administration leaves "a template for how future development unfolds in Philadelphia" as one of its legacies.

October 15 - Philadelphia Inquirer

Poll: What are the Most Important Skills for Planning Commissioners?

PlannersWeb recently posted the results of a poll asking: "What are the skills you’ve found most important in serving on a planning commission?"

October 14 - PlannersWeb

Subprime Lending and the Great Recession Still Impacting Black Americans

Nathalie Baptiste examines the case of Prince George’s County in Maryland near Washington D.C. as a study in how the housing and real estate markets has unjustly attacked the wealth of Black Americans.

October 14 - The American Prospect

Delay Sign

BLOG POST

How Not To Measure Traffic Congestion—Hold the Hyperbole, Please!

The new INRIX congestion costing report is another good example of bad analysis. We just want accurate information; hold the hyperbole, please.

October 14 - Todd Litman

Washington D.C.'s Zoning Code Update Finally Progressing

Washington D.C.'s long deliberated and closely watched zoning code update is moving forward, and supporters of progressive land use regulations have reason to be encouraged.

October 14 - Greater Greater Washington

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Top Books

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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.