The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Recession Hurting Transit Agencies Across U.S.
Big metropolitan transit agencies are struggling through the recession, with many considering cutting services and raising fares, according to astudy by Transportation For America and Transportation Equity Network.
America's Killer Roads
This oped takes on American street design and blames it for causing countless road injuries and deaths.
Kickflips in Kabul
A nonprofit program started in 2007 is teaching kids in Kabul, Afghanistan how to skateboard. This slideshow from the <em>Los Angeles Times</em> takes a look.
Sprawling in Beijing
Beijing could be heading towards a sprawling future, according to a new report from the World Bank. Despite expanding transit options, the location of jobs is pushing more people out from the center of the city.
BLOG POST
Socially Optimal Transportation Emission Reduction Strategies
<p> The recently released report, <a href="http://www.movingcooler.info/">Moving Cooler: Transportation Strategies to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions</a>, which recommends various VMT reduction strategies (also called mobility management, transportation demand management, TDM), has <a href="/node/39945">raised debate concerning the best way to reduce climate change emissions</a>. Critics argue that that reducing vehicle travel is difficult and costly to consumers and the economy, and instead support strategies that change vehicle design (increased energy efficiency and alternative fuels).
FEATURE
REVIEW: Urban Design for an Urban Century: Placemaking for People
Julia Galef reviews <em>Urban Design for an Urban Century: Placemaking for People</em> by Lance Jay Brown, David Dixon, and Oliver Gillham.
Global Warming Could Increase Deserts 34% in Next Century
A new report estimates that desertification will expand up to 34% during the next century, enveloping an area the size of the United States.
Clunkers Program Works Better For Purchasing SUVs & Trucks
While much attention has been lavished on fuel sippers like the Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Insight as the most popular models purchased with CARS.Gov credits, it turns out there is another list showing SUVs and trucks in the top ten.
Can Michigan -- and Detroit -- Come Back?
Having fallen to near-bottom according to most indicators of urban vitality, Detroit is now facing the possibility of bankruptcy. But there are still reasons for optimism, writes John Ibbitson.
Public Bikes for Dublin
Beginning this September, residents of Dublin will have a new option for getting around town as the city's new public bicycle system debuts.
New Poll Finds Increased Usage of Urban Parks
A new report issued by The Trust for Public Land details the park and recreation system acres and facilities of the nation's largest 77 cities. The report shows that Americans are flocking to their city parks more in a down economy.
St. Joe Company's Big Plans and Drastic Impacts on Florida's Panhandle
The construction of a new airport and industrial district on Florida's panhandle characterizes the impact of the St. Joe Company, the state's biggest landowner and one in the midst of drastically changing the area's landscape.
Want To Encourage Bicycle Commuting? Build Parking
A lack of decent parking is the biggest reason more people don't bike to work. Several American cities are now trying to deal with the issue by adding more parking for bicyclists.
Super-Cheap Housing Booms in Mumbai
Despite tumbles in the housing market, low-cost housing is undergoing a boom in Mumbai, India, where the need for affordable housing is high.
Biking is New York's Fastest-Growing Mode of Transport
Bicycles are on the rise in New York City, where more and more people are making bikes a major part of their transportation diet. City officials say it's the fastest-growing mode of transport.
Troubled Florida Not Losing Hope Yet
With foreclosures racking up, the state of Florida is entering a dark period. Despite the dire prognosis, the stat'es historic ups and downs hint that Florida may be able to come back.
Michael Bloomberg: The Un-Moses
<em>The New Yorker</em> offers a long profile of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and highlights his efforts to "undo" the work of Robert Moses.
Better Walkability, Higher Value
A recent study finds a correlation between a neighborhood's walkability and its home values.
Hi-Tech Highway Coming To North Carolina
Groundbreaking for the nation's most technologically highway, a toll road, occurred on August 12 in North Carolina. Attended by Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez, the 19 mile road will have no toll booths. It is expected to open 2011.
iBurgh Connects Pittsburghers With Services
The City of Pittsburgh, PA yesterday released an iPhone app that allows you to take pictures of potholes and send a complaint directly to the city.
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Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
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.