The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
The Yin and Yang of Urban Redevelopment in Hong Kong
Researchers from the University of Washington trace the history and development of Hong Kong, the skyscraper capital of the world, from reclamation of waterfront land in the 1800's to contentious urban renewal projects today.
A Road Tax on Electric Cars
WA state is considering the nation's first fee on electric cars to cover road wear since they pay no gas tax, the primary funding mechanism for funding road maintenance and construction. However, critics point out that the fee is flat, not variable.
An Interview With the Director of NYC's Active Design Program
Joyce Lee discusses NYC's Active Design Guidelines and how they address the relationship between urban form and public health.
Neighbors Take Desire for Park Space Personally
A community in Salt Lake City is pooling their cash to purchase an empty lot owned by the LDS (Mormon) Church for a much-needed park. They hope to give the land to the city to maintain, but the church and state may not be on board with the plan.
FEATURE
Planners and the Jane Jacobs Conundrum
When it comes to Jane Jacobs, planners pick and choose what they find useful, says Roberta Brandes Gratz, missing Jacobs central argument for grass-roots, bottom-up planning. Gratz reviews a new book "Reconsidering Jane Jacobs."
Why Intercity Bus Travel is Growing
Intercity bus travel is the fastest growing mode of travel for the third year in a row. This piece from <em>New Geography</em> looks at why.
Growth and Decline in the World's 590 Most Populated Cities
This interactive visualization presents population data and projections for the world's 590 most populated, showing how their populations compare to one another over time.
D.C. to Get More Streetcars
With $100 million set aside in D.C.'s budget for streetcars, the D.C.'s Department of Transportation is looking at opening new streetcar lines on M and K Streets.
State Subsidies Enable the Southwest's Largest New Urbanist Development
It's at Albuquerque's edge, it's the size of Manhattan, and it's happening, despite drought, recession and tightening state budgets. An annotation of Mesa del Sol's master plan explains how and why.
Another CEQA Lawsuit Prevents Streetscape Improvements
The improvements involve a lane reduction for a 3 1/2 block business district in Palo Alto known as California Avenue. The four-lane street is within a "pedestrian-transit oriented district" due to a Caltrain station at the end of the avenue.
Skyscrapers of the Future
The 2011 eVolo Skyscraper Competition turned up some unusual and futuristic designs for future skyscrapers and other structures, from a reimagined Hoover Dam to a Ferris Wheel-shaped wind turbine.
Making Cities 'Age-Friendly'
Americans are getting older. But are cities responding to the needs of their older residents?
Sharing Ideas for the New City
A new series of posters connected to a conference on "the New City" presents ideas for improving our urban areas. <em>Urban Omnibus</em> presents some of the posters.
Parking and Prices
This video from <em>Streetfilms</em> looks into parking and explores why underpriced parking can be bad for cities.
Building a Temporary Retail Center on Vacant Land
A new project is opening in San Francisco that utilizes a vacant piece of land for a temporary retail installation using shipping containers.
Planning Sidewalks in an Age of Climate Change
A new report on sidewalks and climate change in Seattle prompts a call to urban planners and municipal officials to take greater care in installing sidewalks in neighborhoods.
Better Resource Management Helps Cities Go Sustainable
"Integrated resource management" practices could help cities operate more sustainably, according to this piece from <em>Miller-McCune</em>.
'SkyTran': Personal Rapid Transit for Detroit?
A personal rapid transit proposal called "SkyTran" might be a smart choice for Detroit, according to this article.
Crowds Could Overstrain London Transit During Olympics
As London prepares to host next summer's Olympic Games, officials worry that the city's transit system will not be able to meet increased demand.
Google Invests in Wind Power
Internet search giant Google has announced plans for the long-term purchase of power produced by a 100 megawatt wind power plant being built in Oklahoma.
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)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
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.
