The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Close-up of top of California state capitol dome with U.S. and California flags flying and blue sky in background.

California Housing Bills Streamline Affordable Housing

A series of current and proposed bills are paving the way for more affordable housing production in the state, where environmental laws are often deployed to delay or block new development.

September 20 - CALmatters

Main Street in Bentonville, Arkansas with three-story brick buildings, people sitting at tables on sidewalk, and sign on building for "The Walmart Museum."

Growing Pains in Northwest Arkansas

Like other small communities suddenly made popular during the Covid-19 pandemic, the region is struggling to maange its explosive growth.

September 20 - Axios

High voltage power line towers sillhouetted against colorful sunset sky.

Utilities Spending Less on Energy Efficiency Despite Higher Fuel Prices

A survey of major utilities reveals a link between states with strict efficiency standards and incentive programs and efforts to improve efficiency on the part of utilities.

September 20 - Governing

Historic streetcar in middle of street in downtown New Orleans, Louisiana with palm trees and historic lampposts lining the street.

New Orleans Uses AI To Improve Traffic Safety

A new platform uses technology to improve traffic flow and reduce the risk of collisions with streetcars.

September 20 - Biz New Orleans

Man in orange jacket wearing surgical mask and bike helmet looks at phone while wearing delivery backpack and holding bicycle

How Long Covid Changes the Transportation Conversation

People living with long Covid symptoms can find themselves unable to make the same mobility choices they used to.

September 20 - Streetsblog USA


Aerial gondola car in the air overlooking the city of Medellin, Colombia.

BLOG POST

Harnessing Data for Community Development

Using data and insights encourages the development of a community, offering an evidence-based strategy to directly address the needs within.

September 20 - Devin Partida

Close-up of road map showing Wilson, North Carolina

North Carolina Town Swaps Fixed-Route Buses for On-Demand Microtransit

The community of Wilson is testing the efficiency of using a publicly subsidized on-demand van service in lieu of traditional buses.

September 20 - SourceOne


View of Interstate 205 bridge over Columbia River with Mt. Hood in background.

The Unceremonious Death of a Freeway Expansion Project

The end of an Oregon freeway project didn't get much fanfare, but the victory is worth celebrating.

September 19 - Streetsblog USA

A hot springs in a low-lying desert area, with mountains in the distant background.

Blockchains Inc Wanted a Massive ‘Smart City’ in Nevada but Couldn’t Muster the Water Rights

California Forever isn’t the only tech-investor-driven mega-project to make news in recent weeks. Blockchains Inc had designs on remaking a massive swath of land near Reno until water got in the way.

September 19 - The Nevada Independent

African-American parents push stroller down residential neighborhood sidewalk as young child rides scooter in front of them.

Appreciating the Spaces That Connect Us

Often overlooked, liminal spaces like front porches and sidewalks can boost social connections.

September 19 - CNU Public Square

Google Maps street view of historic red brick school building in CHicago, Illinois

Historic Chicago School Building to Become Affordable Housing

The adaptive reuse project will create 50 income-restricted housing units and community amenities.

September 19 - Block Club Chicago

Red light rail train at outdoor platform in downtown Houston, Texas

Houston Metro Adds Shuttle Buses, Trains for Beyoncé Concert

Transit surges during major concerts and sporting events are becoming a trend, prompting cities to add specialized transit service to handle extra crowds.

September 19 - Houston Chronicle

Lake in city park with ducks in foreground and city skyline across the lake in the background.

The Resiliency of Urban Wildlife

A wide-ranging research study highlights the various qualities that make animal species living in urban environments thrive—and how biodiversity improves the health of our cities.

September 19 - Wired

Black e-bike with red food delivery bags locked at bike rack on New York City street.

New York Launches Nation’s First Micromobility Trade-In Program

The program addresses safety concerns about e-bikes and e-scooters by letting residents trade in non-UL compliant devices.

September 19 - Smart Cities Dive

A derelict sign on a barbed wire fence reads “Golf Course, Private, No Admittance.”

Converting Golf Courses to Housing Never as Easy as the Market Would Like

Thousands of golf courses have closed in recent years, but the obvious redevelopment opportunity represented by many defunct courses isn’t always easy to realize.

September 19 - The Business Journals

View of downtown Seattle with Space Needle and mountains in background

Transportation Impact Fee Proposal Resurfaces in Seattle

Charging developers for improving local infrastructure impacted by their projects could boost transportation revenue, but permit applications in the city are slowing down.

September 18 - The Urbanist

Aerial view of Disneyland park in Anaheim, California.

Impact Study Released for Disneyland Expansion

The theme park giant is one step closer to adding new sections to its Anaheim empire.

September 18 - Mercury News

Close-up of red Houston BCycle bike share bikes parked at a station

Houston To End Bike Share Program

Lacking the funding it needs to continue, Houston’s BCycle bike share system will end operations in the coming months.

September 18 - Houston Chronicle

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground

Austin Could Legalize Tiny Homes, RVs as ADUs

Expanding the types of homes eligible as accessory dwelling units could help more homeowners afford the construction costs.

September 18 - Austin Monitor

Looking up at Columbus, Ohio city hall building

Columbus Zoning Changes Aimed at Increasing Housing Supply, Affordability

The Columbus city council approved 17 zoning changes that could result in over 800 new housing units.

September 18 - The Columbus Dispatch

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