The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Suburban Alley

How to Define the Suburban: HUD Survey Sheds New Light

A new HUD survey could help change the way the federal government defines the "suburban"—a notoriously tricky proposition.

July 1 - Office and Policy Development and Research

110 Freeway

When Discussing Racist Monuments, Don't Forget Urban Freeways

The racist history of planning in Los Angeles is particularly evident in the way Interstate freeways were planned in the region.

June 30 - Los Angeles Times

kayak

Water Recreation Brings $18 Billion Annually to Colorado

Water recreation is an important contributor to the state's economy. A recent report found that water-related activities contribute an annual $18 billion to the state's economy.

June 30 - The Denver Post

COVID-19

Coronavirus Vaccine Could be Available by End of the Year, But...

Dr. Anthony Fauci, who is helping to lead the Trump administration's response to the pandemic, shared positive news with CNN on the progress of the vaccine project but admitted that due to two factors, it is likely not to achieve herd immunity.

June 30 - CNN

LaGuardia Airport

Construction Costs Holding Steady During Pandemic

It might have been wishful thinking to assume the pandemic would cause big declines in costs for materials and labor in the construction industry.

June 30 - The Dallas Morning News


Downtown San Jose

Proposed High-Rise in San Jose Claims Coronavirus Friendliness

The public relations and marketing messaging of the new normal.

June 30 - The Mercury News

Accesible Mobility

Gaps Remain as Americans With Disabilities Act Approaches its 30th Anniversary

Public transit agencies around the country have made a lot of progress in providing access for people with disabilities, but there is a lot of work left to ensure to the full freedoms of mobility.

June 30 - The Washington Post


Chicago Extreme Weather

New Study Reveals Massive, Unaccounted Flood Risk

The Federal Emergency Management Agency undercounts the humber of homes at substantial risk of flooding by some 70 percent, according to a report released this week.

June 30 - The Washington Post

Red Light Camera

Someone Is Stealing Toronto's New Speed Cameras

A pilot program that installed 50 speed cameras near schools in Toronto would only send warnings to scofflaws, but someone is stealing the cameras anyway.

June 30 - The Globe and Mail

Coronavirus Protest

Justice Department Challenges Hawaii Quarantine

The U.S. Justice Department has intervened in a lawsuit on behalf of the plaintiffs challenging Hawaii's mandatory two-week quarantine for travelers arriving on the island state. The Trump-appointed judge did not react favorably.

June 29 - Politico

Port of Los Angeles

Emission-Free Heavy-Duty Trucks Requirements Approved in California

California is the first state to require manufacturers to produce zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

June 29 - NRDC

Social Distancing

COVID's New Demographic

Younger people are making up more of the new cases of COVID-19 as the coronavirus explodes in the Sunbelt states, particularly Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas, bringing with it new attention on bars as settings for high viral transmission.

June 29 - The New York Times

Vinings, Cobb County

Stacey Abrams Leads New Effort to Mobilize Climate Action in the U.S. South

The South has some catching up to do on implementing plans to curb carbon emissions and prepare for climate change, but the region, collectively, has a lot of reasons to do so.

June 29 - The Washington Post

Airport

EU to Bar Travelers from U.S. and other High-Infection Countries

In another pandemic reversal, a "safe country" list was completed by EU officials to take effect July 1 to prevent the reintroduction of the coronavirus. President Trump banned travelers from Europe in March to reduce the introduction of the virus.

June 29 - The New York Times

Thailand

How Cities Are Responding to Automobile Congestion

As economies begin to reopen around the world, some cities are taking action to prevent widespread gridlock.

June 29 - The New York Times

Coronavirus

Chicago's Planning Director on Leadership During Crises

Maurice Cox, planning commissioner for the Chicago Department of Planning and Development, is the subject of this in-depth coverage by the Chicago Tribune.

June 29 - Chicago Tribune

Bike Share Electric Scooters

Electric Bikes and Scooters Legalized in New York City

The City Council has legalized electric scooters and bikes. A citywide shared electric scooter pilot program is expected by early 2021.

June 29 - PIX 11

Silicon Valley

From 60 Affordable Senior Apartments to 16 $5 Million Homes

A long development saga has finally concluded in the South Bay Area city of Palo Alto, following a common narrative in the development resistant city.

June 28 - The Mercury News

Seattle Sailboats

Capital Gains Tax Under Consideration in Seattle

A proposed capital gains tax would invest $37 million per year in solving affordable housing and homelessness crises in Seattle.

June 28 - The Urbanist

Pick-Up Truck

Exhaust-Free City Centers by 2030!

It’s time to harness technology for cleaner, healthier, and safer cities.

June 28 - CNU Public Square

Post News

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.