The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
A Map of Pedestrian Deaths
The Seattle Department of Transportation has released a map of all pedestrian deaths in the city, offering clues about where additional attention is needed.
Census Proves That Downtowns Are Coming Back
Earlier this week, the new American Community Survey data was released. Daniel Nairn writes that the new data show "a reversal of the 20th century story of urban decline."
Smart Growth's Future in Northern Virginia
In an interview with Arlington County Board Vice-Chairman Christopher Zimmerman, Jonna McKone asks the local official about current and future transit-oriented development (TOD) and managed growth in the Washington, D.C. region.
Signage Issues Resolved, Skyscrapers Get Approved in L.A.
Previous renderings of the building proposed for the two-tower, 42-story building on L.A.'s Wilshire Blvd. showed almost the entire structure wrapped in advertising. With a more modest space for signage, the project gets the thumbs-up.
Federal Fiscal Reform's Impact at Lower Levels of Government
The Obama Administration is hoping to address the nation's huge deficits. Neal Peirce looks at how proposed solutions might trickle down to states and municipalities.
High Speed Rail Planned for Russia's World Cup
Russian cities will be connected by high speed rail by the time the country hosts the 2018 World Cup, according to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
Dystopic Dioramas
Artist Lori Nix has created an installation she calls simply, "The City". It consists of detailed dioramas of crumbling public institutions like libraries, churches, and malls.
BLOG POST
What's in a name? Google may have the answer
<p> Google Labs has released another fascinating tool for researchers. Readers may already be familiar with <a href="http://trends.google.com">Google Trends</a> which can chart and reveal trends in search patterns for the last decade. The new tool allows similar analysis of Google's impressive library of digitized books spanning centuries. </p>
Five Technologies That Matter For Cities
Mobile broadband, government-sponsored cloud computing, smart devices - these are a few of the technologies that cities should be thinking about for the future, says the Institute for the Future in a new report.
A Voluntary Property Tax?
More cities are exploring the use of PILOT programs (Payments In Lieu Of Taxes) as a way to supplement ailing city coffers. The gist is that large non-profits, which are used to paying no property taxes, are being asked to chip in for city services.
A Look at the New Hoover Dam Bridge
This collection of photographs from <em>Smithsonian</em> documents the construction of the recently opened bypass bridge at the Hoover Dam.
Less Celebration In Disney Town As Foreclosures Rise
To be sure, Celebration still has amongst the highest real estate values, about twice Florida's median value. Yet the foreclosure rate of one of every 20 residents is twice that of the state's.
Cities: Art and the Creative Class Aren't Going to Save You
Thomas Sevcik says that hoping for an economic benefit by attracting the creative class and artists is a wrongheaded strategy.
The Growing Popularity of HOT Lanes
An interview with HOT lane expert Jack Finn of HNTB, which asks the tough questions, like are these "Lexus lanes" bad for the poor, or the environment?
The Tension Between Density and Place
Looking at a battle earlier this year over a proposed 430-ft. high skyscraper in San Francisco, John Parman says the problem with dense buildings is that they need to work with the surrounding place types.
'Ugly' Tourism in Belgium
An entrepreneur in a declining industrial city takes visitors on an 'Urban Safari.'
Encouraging Low Carbon Cities
Controlling carbon emissions hinges on encouraging cities that have small carbon footprints, writes Matthew E. Kahn.
Da Vinci's Experiment with Town Planning (Yes, That Da Vinci)
Was Leonardo a proponent of sprawl? The Renaissance man evidently believed the congestion of cities caused plagues in Milan in the 1480s, and drew up plans for a new city with wide streets and a network of canals.
China Enters U.S. Wind Market, Drawing Criticism
Chinese wind-turbine manufacturers are making a push into the U.S. market. Some say the move will create green jobs and foster growth, while others worry it threatens America's still-developing industry.
Saving the Suburbs
Grist talks with Galina Tachieva, author of Sprawl Repair Manual.
Tyler Technologies
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
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.
