The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Rethinking the Essence of Urbanism

An contributor to the Huffington Post writes what he believes is the core of urbanism as a thought and its purpose.

March 8 - The Huffington Post

Dominance on the Most Livable Cities

Why do cities in Australia and Canada consistently dominate livability ratings?

March 8 - GOOD Magazine

NYC MTA Dumps Subway Cars In Ocean

For over a decade, the City of New York has disposed of thousands of old subway cars by tossing them into the Atlantic Ocean. The "Artificial Reefs Program," as it is known, is considered by the city as an environmentally friendly method of disposal.

March 8 - Fast Company

Baby Steps in Buffalo Towards More Light Rail

Buffalo, NY transportation planners have begun a new feasibility study that could lead to the first extension of Metro Rail since its completion in 1985.

March 8 - Buffalo News

The Skyscrapers of Tomorrow

Of the world's ten tallest buildings currently under construction, one is located in the United States and five are in China.

March 8 - The Infrastructurist


Where Are the Healthiest Housing Markets for 2011?

The 2011 Healthy Market Index, which is compiled from projections made by Moody's Economy.com, is dominated by cities in the South.

March 8 - Builder Magazine

NYC Residents to Challenge Use of Eminent Domain

NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg faces challenges in his attempt to redevelop the Willets Point area of the city. Some opponents of the plan are prepared to file a lawsuit against the city.

March 8 - The New York Times


Paying for U.S. Transportation Investments

A Senator from Oregon wants to revive the expired "Build America Bonds," but limit their use to investments in transportation.

March 8 - National Journal

Homegrown Carpooling Makes A Difference in D.C.

In Washington, D.C., 28 miles of HOV lines make it very tempting to add a couple of passengers in your back seat. A booming, informal system has formed around just that, which locals call "slugging."

March 7 - Miller-McCune

Shipping Containers As Building Blocks

Shipping containers are increasingly being used as a readymade, eco-friendly building material. WebUrbanist highlights a handful of such structures, vernacular or professionally designed.

March 7 - WebUrbanist

Jamie Lerner Discusses BRT, "Portable Streets", and Sustainability

The Dirt interviewed Jamie Lerner, an architect, designer, and former Mayor/Governor from Brazil who is credited with introducing the world's first BRT system in Curitiba, Brazil.

March 7 - THE DIRT

Philadelphia Housing Authority Forced To Step Aside For HUD

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will take on the responsibilities of the Philadelphia agency for at least one year, after revelations of profligate spending led to the termination of the former Executive Director.

March 7 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Facebook Charrette: New Headquarters Could Reinvigorate a City

As Facebook prepares to relocate its corporate headquarters from Palo Alto to Menlo Park, the company organized a day-long charrette to get input from architects, planners, and community members about how to "turn this neighborhood inside out."

March 7 - San Jose Mercury News

Landmarking Urban Change in New York

Has historic preservation been responsible for making New York a luxury city? A former member of the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission argues no.

March 7 - The Huffington Post

Are "Smart Cities" Really Just "Gizmo Green"?

Kaid Benfield says that the current trend towards "intelligent cities" is driven by large corporations, and "futuristic technology won’t fix many of our basic urban problems."

March 7 - NRDC Blog

Make No Little Plans Without Twitter

Chuck Wolfe suggests five "Burnhamisms" for getting communities inspired and engaged with urban planning, including using social media and video to communicate your message.

March 7 - myurbanist

Transit is a Bargain, Thanks to Skyrocketing Gas Prices

A new report from the American Public Transit Association shows how transit riders are saving a bundle in comparison with car commuters, particularly when you factor in the rising cost of gasoline.

March 7 - Treehugger

Next Financial Crisis: Municipal Bonds

America's cities and towns have issued nearly $3 trillion in municipal bonds, yet are facing shrinking revenues, budget shortfalls and enormous pension obligations. There are fears that the next financial crisis will be municipal bankruptcies.

March 7 - New York Times

Debating Skateboarding and Urban Space

Philadelphia may lose its world-famous skateboarding landmark with the renovation of its LOVE Park plaza, flaring a decade-old debate that has made international headlines.

March 6 - The Philadelphia Daily News

FL Gov Wins HSR Suit: Returns $2.4 Billion

The FL Supreme Court ruled March 4 against two state senators who sued to save the project despite Gov. Rick Scott's opposition. DOT Secretary LaHood contacted Scott a third time before announcing that $2.4 billion in HSR funds would be redirected.

March 6 - St. Petersburg Times

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Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.

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.