The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
California Cities Lead the Way in Foodshed Planning
Writing in the online edition of the January issue of Planning, Bobbie Peyton explores what can be learned from the pioneering Foodshed Planning efforts of San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego.
Efforts Proceed to Make Los Angeles a Mural Center Once Again
An update on efforts by the City of Los Angeles to develop a new ordinance to allow artists to legally paint on the walls of private property.
Simple, Inexpensive Measures Identified to Reduce Global Warming
A new study produced by an international team of scientists focuses on efforts to reduce the production of two shorter-term pollutants, rather than carbon dioxide, that drive climate change.
Baltimore Bets on Placemaking
Investment in improving public spaces seen as key to keeping and attracting businesses and residents in Baltimore.
Upzoning Midtown
Catering to potential office tenants who would want more modern spaces, New York City officials are toying with rezoning a swath of midtown Manhattan, allowing for even more density and the replacement of aging office buildings.
Inner City Abandonment, in Photos
David Schalliol's photographs of abandoned places around the country are intended to be testaments to various social forces that have broken down urban places in recent years. But, he says, they are optimistic as well.
Ownership Presents Ideological Quandry for Christiania
For the famous Danish community of squatters, an offer from the Government to purchase their land proved too good to refuse.
CA High Speed Rail Chief Resigns - Is End Near For HSR Authority?
In addition to the resignation of Roelof van Ark, CEO of the High-Speed Rail Authority, Chairman Tom Umberg has stepped down, though he will remain on the board. Gov. Brown has indicated he will merge the Authority with Caltrans.
Good and Bad News in 2012 Commercial Real Estate Outlook
2012 will be much like 2011. Experts see a long, grind-it-out recovery with only a few bright spots, but there are deals to be had.
An Efficient LA in Chris Burden's Mini-City
Metropolis II, on display now at the LA County Museum of Art, features a futuristic model of Los Angeles in which cars and trains zip around super-efficiently (and, reportedly, loudly).
For Many Latinos, "Race" is a Tough Box to Check
...so more than a third went with "Other" in the last Census. Mireya Navarro reports on the rift between ethnic and racial identity experienced by some Latinos and the challenges the Bureau faces in designing a better questionnaire.
The Best and Worst Run Cities in Amercia
A new study concludes that encouraging businesses to prosper and create jobs is the most important function of local government.
Your Prius Won't Save You
In his new book, The Conundrum, David Owen pierces the magical thinking that has repackaged high-end luxury goods, such as hybrid cars, as virtuous and the idea that we can consume our way out of trouble.
Gas Prices and the Value of Walkable Communities
The average family paid 25% more in gas in 2011 than they did in 2010. With that trend expected to continue into the foreseeable future, the case for the importance of walkable neighborhoods will grow along with it.
Friday Funny: Architecture Ryan Gosling
Actor and global sexy man Ryan Gosling has brought his talents to the world of Architecture, or so it seems.
Controversy Surrounds Plans for Historic Public Housing in Chicago
Preservationists say Lathrop Homes should be preserved, the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) says it should be "transformed", but what do the residents think?
Enough Supertrains--China Needs To Fix The System
Super-fast, beautifully-designed trains are the all the rage again in China, but safety, pricing, and technology concerns now need to be bumped to country's rail priority list to make it work.
Beverly Hills Moves to Protect Some of Its Most Famous Residents
After the destruction of some of its most significant architectural and cultural treasures, the City of Beverly Hills has finally adopted a historic preservation ordinance.
What Defines a 'Place'?
It's been more than 50 years since Boston's old West End was demolished, so why does the neighborhood still have its own newspaper, museum, and weekly gatherings?
Immigration Has Changed, and So Should Our Approach
In an opinion piece for the New York Times, Dowell Myers outlines the key demographic changes in immigration patterns and the bold changes in our approach to both legal and illegal immigration policy that they should precipitate.
Pagination
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
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.