The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Tarmac 2.0
New solar road technology could both absorb solar energy for electricity and provide a changeable LED grid that could respond to traffic conditions.
Moving Beyond "Town Brawls"
The health care reform town halls are just the latest evidence that traditional forms of public engagement are no longer effective and in fact can be counterproductive, writes Sandy Heierbacher.
A Life Creating Community
A review of a new book <em>Building Commons and Community</em> by Karl Linn, a landscape architect and psychologist who worked to create vibrant community spaces in abandoned lots and boring institutional settings.
An Emerging High Speed Rail Hub
As California moves forward with its plans for a high speed rail network, one hub is coming into shape. This review looks at the new hub planned for the Southern California city of Anaheim.
College Towns Stay Vibrant
Towns with universities are doing better through the economic crisis than most, attracting jobs and preserving property values.
BLOG POST
No one goes there anymore, it's too crowded
<p> Yogi Berra said that. I also recall someone saying at some conference on smart growth or new urbanism: the more cars sharing the road, the more people get frustrated (hence all the car ads of people driving with no other cars in sight), while the more people on a well designed sidewalk, the more we tend to like it. </p>
Fight Congestion, Boost the Economy
Reducing traffic congestion can have big economic benefits for communities, according to a new study from the Reason Foundation.
'Fuel Management' Fueling Wildfires
As wildfires rage in Southern California, some experts are calling for a revision of policies that encourage controlled burns to reduce fire risks.
Small Lot Homes Changing Face of L.A.
Christina Chan looks at the effect of L.A.'s Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance of 2005, which opened the doors for a new style of housing somewhere in between single-family homes and condos.
When Going Green Is Less Important Than Saving Green
A new HVAC system for a building in Minnesota that was expected to meet high environmental standards was going to come in at almost three times its originally estimated costs. So city officials are delaying.
Tightening the Sun Belt
The real estate growth that had been feeding itself in the Sun Belt has come to an end. Now many places like Phoenix are drying up.
Inside Havana's Urban Farms
This video from the <em>BBC</em> looks inside some of the 200 urban farms that provide vegetables for Havana and the rest of Cuba.
Parks Are Cash Cows
A new report claims that Central Park in New York added $1 billion to the economy in 2007, and the new High Line park added $4 billion in new real estate developments.
How Do We Pay For City Services?
Inspired by the revelation that Oakland, CA is stepping up their traffic and parking enforcement to make up a budget shortfall, Geoff Manaugh rethinks the entire process of how we fund our cities.
City Council Okays Wal-Mart, Calls it TOD
The City Council of Charlotte, North Carolina has signed a deal with WalMart to build a SuperCenter in place of an abandoned mall. City Councilmember Nancy Carter says it will create an opportunity for transit-oriented development.
Right-Of-Way Issues Could Delay California HSR
A Sacramento judge has ruled that the environmental review for California's high-speed rail has failed to fully account for right-of-way delays involving Union Pacific trains.
Do Not Let There Be Light
As city budgets tighten, streetlights are getting the ax in an effort to save money.
Houses That Refuse to Leave
Like in Pixar's recent movie <em>Up</em>, some people refuse to leave their homes when every lot around them is turning into a major development. This blog profiles some of these so-called "nail houses," as seen from Google Earth.
Creating an Open City Can Be Cheap and Easy
The City of Nanaimo, British Columbia is a leader in the open data and open government movement, according to this post from the <em>Creative Class Exchange</em>. Getting there is easier and cheaper than many might think.
Measuring Environmental Impacts With the 'Water Footprint'
A Dutch hydrological engineer has developed a new way to measure the environmental impact of humans: the "water footprint".
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
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.
