The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
BLOG POST
Learning From Europe: Part 2 (Or, You Can't Have It All)
It is indeed possible to have a city full of low-rise buildings that is still compact enough for excellent transit service—but only if most side streets are used for mid-rise buildings instead of houses.
Half of the Emissions from NYC Buildings Come From 2% of the Properties
The Trump and Kushner families are among the owners of the buildings that pollute New York most.
$2 Billion Bond Measure on California Ballot to House the Mentally Ill Homeless
The revenue bonds would be funded from a millionaires' surtax, approved by voters in 2004, to pay for health programs, but not housing, for the mentally ill. Also on ballot: a $4 billion general obligation bond measure to fund housing for veterans.
Electrifying Maritime Transport – San Francisco Bay to Show the Way
While battery-power doesn't appear practical, electricity from fuel cells does. The nation's first fuel cell-powered ferry will be operating in San Francisco Bay next year thanks in part to a $3 million grant from the California Air Resources Board.
Koch Brothers Behind Local Transit Losses Nationwide
Public transit is increasingly a target of the Koch brothers' crusade against big government.
Charlotte Gets Funding for Bike Infrastructure Plan
After creating a citywide plan, many thought a Charlotte bike lanes would not get funded. After a city council vote it will.
Nine Highway Expansions Identified as Worst Boondoggles of 2018
In a new report, U.S. PIRG and the Frontier Group describe nine costly highway projects amounting to $30 billion in their fourth annual "Highway Boondoggles" report. All share the theme of induced travel demand.
3 Keys to Ending Parking Minimums
What does it take to make the bold step toward ending parking minimums in an entire city?
The New Supreme Court and the Future of Fair Housing
The retirement of Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy introduces the possibility that a future court will overturn the doctrine of disparate impact central to fair housing practices and policies.
Foxconn's Water Consumption Causes Concern
The new Wisconsin Foxconn facility will draw as much as seven million gallons of water from Lake Michigan a day. The Midwest Environmental Advocates argue that violates the Great Lakes Compact.
A Car Ban By Other Means
After failing to implement a car ban, Oslo officials are converting downtown street parking into public space.
FEATURE
Eyes from the Street – A Finer Filter
Evidence described here suggests that urban design for "eyes on the street" is not enough to lower crime.
The 'Find It, Fix It' App Increasingly Used to Roust the Homeless
Seattle's Find It, Fix It app plays a telling role in the city's approach to its homeless population. The question is whether the app is fixing anything for the people living on the street.
A New Online Tool for Charting a Path to Sustainability
A new interactive research tool will make it easier for communities to build sustainability into their urban development plans.
Light Rail Proposal for L.A.'s San Fernando Valley Wins Key Approval
Light rail could come to "The Valley" for the first time, under a plan approved this week by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Board of Directors.
Seattle Landlords Scrambling to Fill Growing Number of Empty Apartments
Vacancy rates are up to 7.5 percent in greater Seattle, and many landlords are offering deals like a month's free rent.
U.S. Housing Too Expensive and Too Cheap at the Same Time
Whether or not U.S. housing is affordable comes down not only to cost but also to wages. Both vary dramatically from city to city.
Georgia's Conservative Path to a Solar Power Boom
Georgia politics haven't usually been friendly to renewable energy. But some unlikely alliances, and a healthy dose of economics, can go a long way.
Defanging a Pollution Watchdog
The coal industry is pushing legislation to limit the power of the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission.
Transit Board Votes Against Bus Fares
A 3-2 vote determined that Whidbey Island, north of Seattle, will continue to offer rides for free.
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.
