The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Critical Housing Bills Pass California Legislature on Final Day
The California legislature ended its season on Friday, handing Gov. Jerry Brown a third major victory. After passing landmark legislation earlier in transportation and climate change, a slate of controversial housing bills await his signature.
Philadelphia Developer Sues Affordable Housing Project Over Parking Spaces
As Philadelphia's Breeze Point gets more expensive, a market-rate developer is claiming that an affordable housing development's surface parking lot is taking up land that could be homes.
Dallas Moves Forward With New Subway and Streetcar Line
A $1.3 billion subway plan is slated for completion in 2024, while a new streetcar line will connect downtown's existing routes.
From Buses to Trains, Renewable Diesel Catches On in California
For almost two years, MUNI's diesel-powered buses in San Francisco have run entirely on renewable diesel fuel. Diesel-powered Amtrak trains running from San Jose to Sacramento could be next.
Millions in Cleanup Funds Granted to Delaware Watershed
The grants revolve around cleanup, accessibility, and governance of the watershed, which spans four states.
Will Americans Ever Move Out of Flood-Prone Areas?
After a series of hurricanes, experts discuss how guide people out of the way of the most deadly floods and storms.
Chicago's Infamous Wicker Park Six-Corner Finally Gets an Update
The intersection, deadly at times, will lose its slip lanes. Bonus features include a bigger crosswalk and bike boxes.
Seattle-Area Park and Ride Costs Soar to $100,000 a Space
Charged with adding over 8,500 stalls, Sound Transit is facing rampant costs that call its park and ride strategy into question.
State Budget Delivered Blow to Impoverished Texas Exurbs
Along the Mexican border, Texas "colonias" have often gone without basic infrastructure. Saying it'll cut bureaucracy, Governor Greg Abbott removed funding for a program that helps residents access government services.
Harvey Flooding Unlikely to Depress Houston's Housing Market
Vigorous continued demand for Houston homes left some realtors surprised after the city endured catastrophic flooding. For a lot of new construction, elevated homes may become the norm.
National or Regional? Finding American Identity in Architecture
In an extended discussion, Keith Eggener examines what it means for a work of architecture to be "naturally" American, and why looking at modern American styles through an intensively regional lens may be unhelpful.
Apple Stores to Become 'Town Squares?'
James Vincent finds the claim that Apple stores are on their way to becoming "town squares" laughably pretentious.
Getting Active: More Money for California Bike and Pedestrian Trails
Senate Bill 1 (S.B. 1) will provide additional funding for bike and pedestrian projects. The influx of money means many shelved projects will now go forward.
How Overly Restrictive Land Use Regulations Hurt the Nation's Economy
Two economics professors from the University of Chicago and the University of California, Berkeley argue that the housing crisis doesn't just affect booming coastal cities. It's a national problem.
Planning for an Era of Climate Change Disasters
In a wide-ranging editorial, Mark Allen argues for strategies that may help communities cope with climate disasters as they grow more frequent.
Los Angeles Could Charge Non-Residents to Drive in Congested Areas
If this solution from a regional planning agency gains traction, New York City may have some competition to become the first American city to implement congestion pricing.
Bringing Urban Rivers Back Into the Daylight
"Daylighting" rivers in urban areas is the process of uncovering waterways to beautify cities, support habitats, and aid drainage.
Behind Some of History's Most Powerful Urban Innovations
A series of pieces from Sidewalk Labs examines the history and context of vital urban "innovations." So far, elevators, sewers, and traffic signals have been covered.
Experimental Nordstrom Store Will Have No Clothing for Sale
A California Nordstrom store will stock no clothing for customers to buy. Instead, it will let shoppers try on clothes in a curated environment and order anything they like to be sent to their homes.
Who Will Take This Historic Bridge Off Washington State's Hands?
Washington is seeking takers on a disused 92-year-old bridge, eligible for the National Register for Historic Places. This isn't an isolated phenomenon.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
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.
