The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Luxury Condos + Homeless People = ?
264 luxury residential developments are vacant in New York City, according to a new report. Could they be a temporary solution to a serious homeless problem?
The Danger of Sinkholes
In the aftermath of an enormous sinkhole that swallowed a Quebec home, killing a family of four, officials are trying to determine how vulnerable communities in the region are to unstable leda clay.
Friday Funny: 'Rude and Inconsiderate' Environment
This article from <em>The Onion</em> looks at the Environmental Protection Agency's increasing frustration with a global environment that is not playing its part in environmental protection.
Want Rail? Let Private Business Build It
Christopher B. Leinberger proposes that privatized rail could stimulate the economy and help increase property values.
Harnessing Tidal Power With Underwater Kites
A Swedish startup is developing a kite-like turbine to capture the power of ocean waves to generate electricity.
Raleigh Untangles Three Rail Lines
The City of Raleigh, NC is proposing to fix a messy knot of three rail lines with a new transit center that will connect the rail with local bus transit and other modes.
Enforcing Fair Housing - For Real
After a lawsuit in New York State, HUD has taken up the stick and is threatening to terminate funding to housing programs if civil rights fair housing regulations are not met.
Senate Climate Bill To Fund Transportation And Affect Fuel Markets
The American Power Act sets limits on greenhouse gas emissions, creates a cap, trade, and dividend program that rebates funds to energy bill payers, directs $6 billion yearly to targeted transportation programs, and curtails EPA's climate authority.
New York Town Makes English the Law
Jackson, New York and several other small upstate towns have entered the immigration wars by passing a law requiring all official town business to be conducted in English.
A Report from Main Street, O.K.
The National Main Street Conference was in Oklahoma City last week. Bob Phipps, a retail consultant, talks about what he got out of the event.
Obama's Mortgage Rescue Plan a "Frankensystem"?
Mike Whitney at Alternet warns that, between a poorly-understood "frankensystem" of federal housing relief combined with an estimated 9-year "shadow inventory" of distressed homes, homeowners are facing a "lost decade."
"Funky, Casual" Urban Market Coming to Downtown San Jose
Former San Jose Mayor Tom McEnery is heading up an ambitious project to transform a mediocre public space into a Granville Market for Silicon Valley.
Greens Vs. HOAs
HOAs are mandated to protect the aesthetics of their community. That goal is clashing with many who want to install solar panels on their roofs. States are fighting back with laws prohibiting HOAs from banning panels.
God and the Granny Pod
A Methodist reverend has a vision of a portable living space for aging seniors that could be set up in a family's backyard. Local officials worry about them becoming permanent if zoning changes.
Using Highways to Make Biodiesel
Student Dallas Hanks saw unused land on the sides of highways being landscaped and thought the land could be used more effectively. His ideas have resulted in a project to grow crops for biodiesel on these embankments.
Schwarzenegger Loots Redevelopment Agencies
A Sacramento State Court gave the Governor permission to redirect money from local redevelopment agency funds to prop up local education.
Masons, the Mighty Mites, and Historic Preservation
In Fort Worth, Texas, the former Masonic Widows and Orphans home is a 20-acre historic campus of red brick buildings that is up for redevelopment. Architect Lee Hill talks about their plans for the site.
Making Mecca a "Mecca" for Public Transit
Already a substantial city of 1.5 million, Mecca more than doubles its population during the annual hajj pilgrimage -- which is expected to bring in 8 million people by 2030. Moving so many people will require a world-class public transit system.
Toronto's "Dysfunctional" Planning
With its planning department reporting to a deputy manager several steps removed from the mayor's office, Toronto's planning system is "just insane", writes Christopher Hume.
City And Business House Homeless
San Antonio, Texas, is partnering with business and nonprofit groups on a project aimed at curbing homelessness.
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.
