The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
A Subway Station in the Middle of Nowhere
Chongqing train station has become famous in China for its extremely isolated location, but its construction illustrates the ambition of the country’s building spree.
Petition Circulating for Transit to Reach Obama's Presidential Library
Hyde Park resident launches signature campaign to rebuild the CTA's demolished Green Line to connect downtown Chicago with the future site of President Obama's Library.
California's Housing Hypocrisy on Display in Marin County
Dan Walters, one of the most well known and longest tenured journalists and observers of California politics, has penned a scathing critique of Marin County's approach to growth.
New Oil Refineries Queuing Up in Texas
The return of the refinery: after several decades without any new refineries, two plans are moving forward in Texas.
Affordable Housing Incentives Get Pushback in Maryland
Montgomery County's plan for Bethesda calls for height bonuses in return for affordable housing. Residents neighboring the proposed incentive zones have successfully resisted that idea.
How Zillow's Approach to Data Reshaped the Real Estate Market
Zillow's chief analytics officer and chief economist offers insight into the company's approach to data, models, and the real estate market.
Housing Density a Missing Link for Emissions Reductions in California
Emissions from electricity generation are decreasing while those from transportation are increasing. If communities don't increase housing density to change travel patterns, it will only get worse, but the challenges may be insurmountable.
'Stoner Hill' Up in Smoke
Changing enforcement and greater activation have changed Commons Park in Denver, which is no longer the site of the drug use that gave the hill its moniker.
Light Rail Cannibalizing Commuter Rail in Southern California
New transit lines are usually intended to provide an alternative to driving. But what happens when a new train line provides an alternative to an older train line?
Bad Housing Policies Worsening Slums Around the World
Richard Florida argues that policies in cities around the world are making it harder on those most in need of housing.
Border Wall Plans Following the Path of Least Resistance
Planning of President Trump's proposed border wall is moving along very quietly, and quickly, at a federal wildlife refuge in Texas.
Trump's Infrastructure Plan a Boon for Private Interests
President Trump's proposed infrastructure plans intends to shift ownership of much of America's infrastructure into private hands. Rebecca Burns argues that this approach will benefit the country's richest at the expense of the rest of the country.
Another Nail in the Coffin of the Internal Combustion Engine?
Is the movement away from gasoline and diesel-powered cars unstoppable? In response to air pollution litigation, the British government announced on July 26 that sales of gasoline and diesel vehicles would be banned by 2040.
No Playing in the Streets in NYC
New York City's Play Streets program has shrunk dramatically because of obstructive bureaucracy and lack of funding, argues Brad Aaron.
Money for Blighted Neighborhoods Pushed to Chicago Tourist Attraction
The administration of Rahm Emanuel okayed a financial scheme to move money for poor neighborhoods into a fund for Navy Pier, a downtown mall and theater.
FEATURE
Building Resilience? There's a Standard for That
Resilience standards—like LEED--could transform building practices. But there are many standards to choose from, and few are aware that they exist. A new report helps planners and builders choose the right standard for every project.
Los Angeles Metro Takes Initial Step Toward Conversion to Electric Buses by 2030
The board of L.A. Metro voted Thursday to spend $138 million to purchase 95 electric buses plus chargers and wiring upgrades for two transit lines that now use natural gas buses, and approved a motion to convert all buses to battery-electrics by 2030
Big Plans for Former Bethlehem Steel Parcel Near Buffalo
Officials in Erie County believe the former home of Bethlehem Steel, south of Buffalo, will be attractive to manufacturers given its proximity to Lake Erie and various highways and rail lines.
The 'Inclusionary Housing Calculator' Will See If Your Affordable Housing Ideas Pencil Out
The debate about inclusionary zoning persists—with some pro-development saying affordable housing fees and requirements stifle development before it can start. A new tool helps crunch the numbers behind the debate.
Portland Hoping for $1.3 Billion Renovation of its Airport
The Portland International Airport is getting its first major upgrade since 1956. Airlines would have to split the bill.
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.
