The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Visualizing Compatible Density
Density is a controversial subject. This blog post demonstrates that good streetscapes, vehicular-access elements, and building design are all components that make developments appear less dense, more livable, and attractive.
After Drive By Shooting, Chicago Aims to Ban Guns in Party Buses
Chicago City Council is moving to close a loop hole in its gun control laws which forbid guns in bars, but do not cover party buses.
Homeless Tourism
In cities like Prague and London, tourists can take tours guided by homeless guides.
Coal Country Warms-up to Solar Power
President Trump may be stuck in a past era of thriving coal mines, but at least one forward-thinking coal company sees lucrative opportunities in using reclaimed mountaintop strip mines as sites for solar farms.
Air Quality and Environmental Justice Lead to Push for Zero-Emission Locomotives
The California Air Resources Board has petitioned the U.S. EPA to adopt more stringent emissions standards for locomotives in order to improve air quality at rail yards, many of which are located adjacent to disadvantaged communities.
Tennessee Governor Poised to Raise Gas Tax by Six Cents per Gallon
Both chambers of Tennessee's General Assembly approved Gov. Bill Haslam's transportation plan on April 19, which hikes diesel taxes by 10 cents per gallon but lowers other taxes. Indiana appears poised to follow with a 10-cent gas tax increase.
Black Market Bikeshare
NACTO complains that unsanctioned bikeshares are dangerous and inequitable, others counter these companies provide a valuable service that the market has shown a demand for.
Some Hoping to Build Housing See Churches as an Obstacle
Miami-Dade Commissioner Barbara Jordan has expressed concerns that seldom-used churches aren’t paying taxes, take up valuable land, and would be better used to build housing for the Black community.
Transit Oriented Parking Reform in Virginia
Arlington County, Virginia has begun a process to reduce parking requirements for large residential developments near transit stations.
Coming to Grips With the Future of Wildfires
As wildfires become bigger, more frequent, and more expensive to fight, new methods for preventing the worst impacts of fire will be necessary, according to a new study.
Hyperloop Delivery Schedule Delayed Again
So far, the Hyperloop's biggest supporters have made a lot of big promises, but continue to fall short on deliverables.
New Public Space Outside Wrigley Field Just Another Win for Chicago
Chicago Cubs fans looking to bask in the glory of the team's first World Series victory since 1908 will find a new public plaza and lawn next to the stadium. The plaza will be open to the public on non-baseball days too.
After a Wet Winter, Bikeshare Ridership Lags in Los Angeles
Bikeshare is still fairly new in Los Angeles, located mostly around downtown before expanding to the rest of the city. So far, however, residents have been slow to adopt the system.
San Francisco Ahead of Schedule on Ambitious Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals
The city of San Francisco hit its greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets two years ahead of schedule. The city has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 28 percent since 1990—the economy grew by 78 percent in that same time period.
Sidewalks Required in More of Nashville, Thanks to New Law
Supporters of Nashville's new sidewalk requirements for residential construction say sidewalks are a critical component of transportation infrastructure.
Oregon Metro Brings Perspective to Vision Zero
A new public service announcement from Oregon Metro brings the point of Vision Zero goals for traffic safety close to home.
Environmentalists Defeat Wind Energy Project in Southeast Oregon
Plans for a wind energy facility have been vacated after environmentalists successfully challenged the environmental review for the project.
The World's Best City for Street Food Bans Street Food
The city of Bangkok, Thailand, is famous for its cheap and flavorful street food. City leaders, however, have decided that the city would be less appealing without street vendors.
Grand Canyon Development Plans Will Wait Another Year
The Navajo Nation is not moving forward with a controversial plan to build a tram that would connect tourists from the rim of the bottom of the Grand Canyon, along with commercial and retail space. The proposal isn't totally dead yet, however.
BLOG POST
Are Jews Coming Back to the Cities?
The growth of urban Jewish populations is more evidence that educated Americans are less hostile to city life today than they were in the late 20th century.
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.
