The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Delhi Gets First Pedestrian Guidelines

The Unified Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (Planning and Engineering) Centre (UTTIPEC) has for the first time created pedestrian design guidelines to ensure that walking in the city is a safe and a pleasurable experience.

December 6 - Hindustan Times

Park Re-Ignites Hope in St. Louis

The new Citygarden park in downtown St. Louis is seen by some locals as a sign of hope for the future of the city.

December 6 - Metropolis

Lobbying Up As High Speed Rail Funding Increases

Stimulus funds directed at high speed rail projects have inspired a flood of lobbying efforts across the country, according to this analysis from the <em>Center for Public Integrity</em>.

December 6 - The Center for Public Integrity

Getting Rural

The recession and fewer urban job prospects are driving young American families to try rural living.

December 5 - The Wall Street Journal

Bump in the Road for Columbia's Expansion Plans

Columbia's plans to use eminent domain to expand its campus may have to wait. On Thursday, an appellate court reversed a previous decision to take property on behalf of the school.

December 5 - The New York Times


Federal Government May Fund Urban Parks

New legislation looks to boost the federal government's investment in urban parks for the first time in eight years.

December 5 - Gotham Gazette

Two Options for L.A. High Speed Rail Station

High speed rail is slowly transitioning from idea to reality in California, and one of its major stops will be in Los Angeles. But exactly where in Los Angeles remains an unanswered question.

December 5 - Los Angeles Times


Major Setback for CA High Speed Rail

At its Dec. 3 meeting, the CA HSR Authority board members unanimously voted to 'decertify' the program EIR to comply with a judge's order in a suit brought by Peninsula cities and rail and environmental nonprofits over the corridor to the Bay Area.

December 5 - San Jose Mercury News

BLOG POST

Backyard Burials

<p> I am prompted to report on this issue I came across in a <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/pennsylvania/20091125_ap_papastorseeksokforsonsgraveonchurchland.html">news item</a> last week. A Baptist minister in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, buried his 18-year-old son, who died three days after a car crash on July 12, in the backyard of the pastor’s church. While state law doesn’t prohibit this, some county and local ordinances do, and this county, Fayette County, only allows burials on large parcels zoned for agricultural use. The church has only five acres and is in a residential zone. </p>

December 4 - Dwight Merriam

Friday Funny: Hamster Rides the Subway

A photographer in the Brooklyn DA's office discovered a tiny model subway used in court cases, and decided it was a perfect set for her pet hamster.

December 4 - newyorkshitty.com

Obama Addresses the Controversy Over "Shovel-Ready"

Since the stimulus package was announced, the emphasis on 'shovel-ready' projects elicited criticism from urbanists. At yesterday's White House jobs summit, Pres. Obama acknowledged the tension it has caused.

December 4 - Streetsblog

Liveability a "Major Priority" at DOT

Among the criteria for evaluating projects, livability is at the top, along with safety and economic competitiveness.

December 4 - New Urban News email

How Many British Cyclists Would it Take to Power Your House?

In this clip from the BBC, 80 cyclists struggle to power a British household for one day.

December 4 - BBC News

And the Winners Are...

Kaid Benfield offers an overview of the winners of the EPA's 2009 national awards for smart growth achievement.

December 4 - Sustainable Cities Collective

Redefining Blight

From New London to the Atlantic Yards, the last month has seen a flood of news around the issue of eminent domain. Diana Lind wonders if we need a new definition of 'blighted.'

December 4 - Next American City

Planners vs Climate Change

This article says that planners ought to take on a larger role in advocating for greener technology and strategizing to end climate change.

December 4 - Next American City

Cleveland's Economic Development Success Story

Despite the unfortunate timing of its renovation, Cleveland's Euclid corridor continues to drive development for the city.

December 4 - The Plain Dealer

Cycling and Road Rage in Los Angeles

This report from NPR's All Things Considered examines some of the dangers of cycling in Los Angeles, with special attention given to the case of the doctor who nearly killed two cyclists.

December 4 - All Things Considered

Public Space Turned Private

On Thanksgiving, the NYPD effectively turned West 61st street into a private playground for guests of the Trump Tower.

December 4 - The New York Times

Istanbul: Too Big to Master Plan

Istanbul, a unique "hinge city" at which East and West intersect, has seen its population possibly quadruple in the last 30 years. This video offers an exploration of its uninhibited potential.

December 3 - Monocle

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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.