The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Seeking Solutions to Stormwater and Sewage Issues

In many cities, stormwater and sewage water are collected in the same sewer. As a result, good rainwater is combined with dirty sewage water. Overflows can create major problems for cities. But avoiding those problems is not exactly easy.

April 17 - Urban Omnibus

Friday Funny: The Ultimate SimCity

Behold Magnasanti, the ultimate city built using the SimCity game with no cheats, with a population of 9 million residents.

April 16 - YouTube

U.S. Armed Forces Predicting Peak Oil

Surplus oil production capacity could go away in the next two years and shortages could get serious by 2015, says a new report from the U.S. Joint Forces.

April 16 - AutoBlogGreen

The Perfect Neighborhood

What makes a model neighborhood? GOOD Magazine devotes an issue to the topic, beginning with a list of traits that make a neighborhood great.

April 16 - GOOD Magazine

High-Density Development Nixed in Ann Arbor

In Ann Arbor, Michigan, a high-density, 62 unit apartment complex was approved 6-4 by the city council, but a local law requires a supermajority to pass if members of the public file an 'opposition petition.'

April 16 - AnnArbor.com


Smart Parking

A comparison of Brainerd, Minnesota's downtown parking and that of the planned town of Celebration, Florida shows what a big difference a parking plan can make.

April 16 - Strong Towns Blog

How to Solve America's Water Crisis

Robert Glennon, author of the new book "Unquenchable" outlines the nature of America's emerging water crisis, and how ending water subsidies could encourage efficiencies and conservation.

April 16 - AlterNet


Turning an Aging Train Station Into a TOD Hub

Wyandanch, in Babylon, NY is using an old asset to become new urban.

April 16 - New Urban News

BRT Hits the Las Vegas Strip

Last Thursday, Las Vegas broke ground on the ACE Green Line, a new BRT corridor that will connect downtown Las Vegas and Henderson.

April 16 - TheCityFix.com

Parity for Bicycles Criticized

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's announcement that federal transportation policy will give parity to bicycling and walking is being criticized by some conservatives and industries dependent on trucking.

April 16 - Huffington Post

Conservation Efforts Straining Water Infrastructure

Water conservation efforts that limited when Los Angeles County residents could water their lawns may have caused a spate of water main bursts last summer and fall.

April 16 - Los Angeles Times

Transportation Technologies and Expectations

The optimal transportation systems of the future will not be the result of utopian reinvention, but of incremental technological revolutions, opines Michael Schrage.

April 15 - Big Think

Radical Growth Management

Who should pay for growth? In the crunchy enclave of Bolinas California, newcomers pay a steep entrance fee. Fair or not, it's a good anecdote to share among planners and budget analysts.

April 15 - New York Times

Indianapolis Gets Urban

In the 1970s, civic leaders articulated a vision for Indianapolis that included a new public university, sports venues and a riverfront park. Their vision is now reality. Steven Litt reports on the successes and failures of the plan.

April 15 - The Cleveland Plain Dealer

Underground Business District

<em>The Atlantic</em> guides a tour through the underground business zone of SubTropolis, a 5-million-square-foot complex 100 feet below Kansas City, Missouri.

April 15 - The Atlantic

Does New York's PlaNYC 2030 Need Community Participation?

In this commentary, Tom Angotti questions if New York's sustainability plan can be effective if the process remains remains top-down and Mayor-controlled.

April 15 - Gotham Gazette

Streetcar Coming to Detroit, But Locals Call for Broader BRT

Funding seems locked for a planned streetcar line in Detroit, but some locals argue that what the metro region really needs is a wider-reaching bus rapid transit system. <em>The Transport Politic</em> profiles the proposals.

April 15 - the transport politic

The Design Behind St. Louis' Downtown Park

<em>Landscape Architecture</em> Magazine looks at the design behind the new downtown art park in St. Louis and calls it a "hybrid oasis" in the city.

April 15 - Landscape Architecture

BLOG POST

Healthy Community Planning - What's It Worth?

<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small">We live in a wonderful age! Scientists have proven that many simple, affordable, and often enjoyable activities make us healthier and happier: breath fresh air, avoid dangerous driving, be physically active, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, maintain friendships, play games, and avoid excessive stress. Even chocolate, red wine and sex are perscribed, in moderation, for health sake. </span> </p>

April 15 - Todd Litman

Dublin's Bike Sharing System Finding Early Success

A new bike sharing system in Dublin is turning out to be a surprise success in the Irish city.

April 15 - Global Post

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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.