The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Visualizing the Coronavirus Pandemic
Mapping of the crisis is producing a fascinating and important trove of cartographic records.

$23.8 Billion More in Federal Relief Requested for Public Transit Agencies
U.S. transit agencies are hemorrhaging money as the majority of riders avoid trains and buses. People still need public transit, and public transit needs help to weather the storm.

Report: New York City Public Parks Under Stress Due to Budget Cuts and Lack of Private Funding
The private non-profit organizations that support half of New York City's public parks anticipate up to a 60% decrease in funding at a time when people rely on parks more than ever before.

London Doubles Down on Vehicle Restrictions
A plan to completely overhaul the streets of London will require a "monumental" effort by all residents of the city, according to the mayor of London.

Berkeley Could Redefine the Al Fresco Streets Movement
The city of Berkeley is pursuing an aggressive plan to open the streets for outdoor dining as an economic development tool for local commercial businesses.

The Commute of the Future: Congested Mess, or Massive Mode Shift?
Researchers around the world are trying to get an idea about how increased automobile trips, fewer shared modes, and high unemployment will alter long-term trends in transportation.

Pandemic a Call to Arms for Planners
The pandemic has raised alarms about density. Post-pandemic, urban planners should fight more passionately than ever for progressive principles that make cities more equitable, pleasant, and, yes, healthy.

Fostering a 'Green Economic Recovery' in Post-Coronavirus Cities
Cities around the world are putting sustainability and climate change at the forefront of economic recovery plans.

The Delivery App Revolt
For many Americans living through the social distancing and stay-at-home-orders of 2020, supporting local businesses means cutting out the tech middle man.

Dangerous, Distracted Drivers Take More Joyrides During Lockdown
Some motorists see open roads as an opportunity for stress relief. Transportation officials urge motorists to slow down, citing dramatically increased rates of speeding since the onset of the pandemic.

How Zoning Reform Can Help Businesses Transition to Outdoor Operations
A trend toward allowing restaurants and retailers to expand operations to the public realm outside their brick and mortar confines is quickly gaining steam.

Predicting the Future of Cities After the Pandemic
Two more stories to enter into the archive for the great debate of the coronavirus pandemic: How will the public health crisis change the future of cities?

Independent Music Venues Face a Tough Road Ahead
Where have all the venues gone?

Big Reservoir Planned for California Scaled Back Due to Lack of Funds
Missed in the non-stop coronavirus coverage of the past several months: plans to build a massive reservoir in North California have been scaled back dramatically.

Plans to Restore Transit Service With Social Distancing, Other Risk Reduction Measures in Place
After months of nothing but news of service cuts, plummeting ridership, and cratered budgets, a few U.S. transit agencies are now making plans to restore service with new social distancing guidelines in place.

Housing Justice Organizers Don’t Want to Return to 'Normal'
As they organize for immediate relief for those whose housing was affected by the pandemic, tenant leaders are also building power to demand long-term changes.

Reforms Would Ease Approvals Process for Downtown Developments in Santa Monica
The city of Santa Monica will consider approvals process changes that will make it easier to entitle the largest projects allowed under zoning for the city's downtown.

Designing for Social Distance Requires Creative Solutions
Modular systems and flexible use of shared spaces are priorities as urban designers begin to consider how design requirements will change in the future.

Georgia Teens Will Require a Driver's Test After All
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp rescinded a controversial executive order allowing parents to approve teens for a driver's license after public outcry.

Scenario Planning for Pandemic Recovery
The planner who wrote the book on the emerging practice of scenario planning offers advice on how the tool can be helpful in planning for the pandemic.
Pagination
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
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.