The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Tech Partnerships Seek Greater Mobility for the Disabled
Tech-focused civic partnerships may be one way to unlock greater urban mobility for disabled people. Tools in the works include navigation apps with specialized sound cues and "smart canes" that interact with invisible paint.
Protests Push O.C. to Kill Its First Real Plan to Help the Homeless
The affluent county finally authorized a concrete plan to address a housing crisis, but forceful opposition from residents put them 'back to Square One.'
AARP Announces 'Quick-Action' Community Challenge Grant
The program funds projects that improve mobility and livability "for all ages."
D.C. Mayor Proposes Tax Increase on Ride-Hailing to Fund Transit
Mayor Bowser's 2019 budget also continues investments designed to create affordable housing and distribute homeless shelters throughout the city.
2018 Planning Excellence Awards Announced
The APA revealed their annual recognition of the best of the best for planners and planning in 2018.
Governor Cuomo Wants Broad Powers to Redevelop Around Penn Station
The idea is still extremely speculative, but reports are that Governor Cuomo is pushing for legislation that would enable broad powers for the state to redevelop around Penn Station in New York City.
FEATURE
Waymo Wants to Provide a 'Self-Driving Vehicle Tailored to Every Trip' (So Why Not Buses?)
Automated vehicle tech frontrunner Waymo is teaming up with Jaguar to offer a luxury self-driving vehicle for "car lovers." Why not partner with bus manufacturers to offer self-driving buses for city lovers?
A Strong Voice of Support for Value Capture to Fund Subway Repair
In an opinion for City & State, Kathryn Wylde, president of the nonprofit Partnership for New York City, makes the case that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority should be allowed to tax properties where value is enhanced by subway proximity.
Pressing Pause on 'Rent Bidding' Apps
Several new apps allow landlords to place available units out to bid. The city of Seattle is concerned the apps might exacerbate prices in an already expensive rental market.
'By-Right' Housing Law a Shot in the Arm for California Housing Developments
The effect of SB 35 on development projects in California might be more significant than YIMBYs have imagined, after a second project forges ahead confident in the support of state law for a large development.
Elon Musk Company Closes in on Chicago's Airport Express
The announcement of the finalists to build the O'Hare Express has critics even more concerned about the project's viability.
L.A. Metro’s Homeless Outreach Teams Report Back
The transit agency's year-long experiment with homeless services has placed 19 people in permanent housing and spurred hopes of expanding the program.
Calling for a New Approach to Flood Mitigation
The American Planning Association was one of 14 national organizations to sign a letter of support for S.1507, which would partner states and the federal government in providing low-interest loans for stormwater infrastructure projects.
Upzoning of Seattle's Single-Family Zoning Called a 'Disappointing Half-Measure'
A critical analysis of a proposal that would incrementally increase density in parts of Seattle.
Houston Controller Finds Fault with Key Economic Development Program
A new report finds that Houston might not be holding private partners accountable for promised infrastructure improvements.
Ford Motor Company Considering Big Move to Historic Detroit
If Ford Motor Co. goes through with a plan to move into the old Michigan Central Depot, it would mark a new phase of the rebirth of Detroit's urban core.
Outcomes of the Federal Highway Program: Inequality and Polarization
It's a vicious cycle: highways enable white flight, establishing a power base for a political party opposed to urban transportation systems.
Omnibus Spending Bill Expands Low Income Housing Tax Credit
Missed among the coverage of the federal Omnibus Bill on Friday of last week: a long-awaited expansion of the Low Income Tax Credit.
National League of Cities to Study State Preemption of Local Laws
The mission of the National League of Cities is to advocate for cities—and the organization is now gathering evidence to push back on growing amount of state preemption of local control.
A Call to Broaden the Definition of 'Real Planning'
Deland Chan, a lecturer in the Urban Studies program at Stanford University and co-founder of the Stanford Human Cities Initiative, makes the case for a bigger tent for planners and planning.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Portland
City of Laramie
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.
