The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Debating a Renters' Tax Credit at the Federal Level
Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) recently proposed legislation that would create a refundable tax credit for qualifying rental households.

Washington, D.C. Leads the Nation in Green Roofs
The nation's capital has more square feet of green roofs than any other city in the country.

A New Protected Bike Lane in the Bronx
The new protected, two-way bike lane on Broadway adjacent to Van Cortlandt Park could induce envy.

Study Critiques the Fiscal and Racial Consequences of Capping Property Taxes
A new report by the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities finds major flaws with property taxes in several states, and proposes a solution that could mitigate the least desirable consequences of limits to property tax increases.

City Planning Criticism at a Critical Point in Minneapolis History
A columnist presents criticisms and recommendations for both sides of the density debate as Minneapolis considers a new comprehensive plan.

Wanted: A Language to Reflect the Diversity of Suburbia
The suburb/city distinction is too general and prone to exceptions.

Rollback of a Different Kind, Ordered by the EPA, Will Benefit Air Quality
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, acting at the behest of the new acting EPA administrator, will keep Obama-era regulation limiting air pollution from heavy trucks in place.

How to Shrink the Racial Homeownership Gap
Following reports that Black Americans owned homes in 2017 than in 1983, banker Teri Williams offers recommendations to diversify homeownership across the United States.

Vancouver Train Adds the Voice of the Pineapple Express
Canadian actor Seth Rogan will record messages for TransitLink BC train lines.

New York City Council Proposes Cap on Number of Ride-Hailing Vehicles
To support the taxi industry and reduce congestion, the New York City Council could cap the number of ride-hailing vehicles operating in the city. The cap could be a first major step toward a new era of transportation regulation.

An Electric Scooter Pilot and a Twitter Faux Pas
A public service announcement about safe use of electric scooters turn into a full-fledged controversy last week in Portland.

Mobike Quits D.C.
More like less-bike.

A Third Court Win for Children's Climate Change Lawsuit
Strike three for the federal government in trying to dismiss a lawsuit launched by 21 children in Oregon who sued the Obama administration in 2015, claiming the government was endangering their future because of its failure to reduce climate change.

The Greening of California's Republicans?
One finding from a new statewide survey, "Californians and the Environment," suggests that the environment is becoming a more bipartisan issue, but that finding is still subject to interpretation. What isn't is the top environmental issue: water.

Curb Pricing Could Offer Big Benefits
Free on-street parking costs cities in lost land and additional traffic, cities could realize huge benefits if they value their curbs, Henry Garbar argues in Slate.

Study Finds UberPOOL Adds to City Traffic by Competing with the Subway
Past studies have shown how ride hailing services have added to congestion. A new study by Bruce Schaller suggests that even ride shares add to traffic, because they pull riders off of more efficient transit options like public transit.

Not All Affordable Housing Shortages Are Alike
The city of Philadelphia shows that not all affordability crises are created with the same mix of supply and demand.

Parking Reform Gaining Steam in Downtown Cincinnati, Over-the-Rhine
A proposed Urban Parking Overlay District would end requirements for off-street dedicated parking in two of Cincinnati's busiest neighborhoods.
The Happiest Commuters in Bogotá
More people are biking in Bogotá, and they report the highest rate of happiness with their commute, above people who drive and who take transit.

Cheap Rent Could be Another Casualty of the Trade War
Trump’s tariffs on steel and other building materials are driving up building costs slowing development and pushing up rents.
Pagination
Tyler Technologies
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
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.