The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Prepare Now for Altered Coastlines
A disturbing new report on sea-level rise projections for California warns that the state must start planning now for the anticipated flooding of its coastline, which could wipe out over $100 billion worth of built infrastructure.
Pedestrian Airbags
Researchers in Europe are seeking ways to keep pedestrians safe in traffic accidents. One idea is an airbag that shoots out from under a raised 'bonnet' (the hood, in the States).
Will it Take Until 2030 to Rebuild the World Trade Center?
The downturn in the economy has led the owners of the Ground Zero site to put off for decades construction of two of the three planned towers.
Lessons from Germany
Germany, while similarly autocentric, has managed to create a much more sustainable transportation system than the U.S., according to a study commissioned the by Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program.
Canada's Top Green Cities
Green Living magazine gives kudos to Canada's leading cities in terms of energy, water, density and bike-friendliness.
Food Truck Delivers Local Opportunities
A new community program in Rotterdam is bringing a food truck with new eating options -- and business opportunities -- to working class neighborhoods.
BLOG POST
Senate Draws An Awkward MAP
<span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #000000" class="Apple-style-span"><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; background-color: #ffffff"><p class="MsoNormal">Remember the legislation that, in 1965, affirmed universal suffrage in all elections?<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Yes, you do.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>It was called the National Voting Rights Act.</p>
Nobody Walks in Dubai
The United Arab Emirates has plenty of tall, flashy buildlings, but the rush to build has largely left street life scarce in many parts.
Top Ten Sustainable Architecture Projects
The American Institute of Architects' Committee on the Enviroment has named its selections for the best examples of last year of sustainable architecture and green design.
Transit, or Schools?
Atlanta school leaders consider renegotiating a Tax Allocation District (TAD) agreement that was set up to help fund projects such as the Beltline, a 22-mile loop of transit, trails, parks and development around the city.
Can Dubai Survive?
Beneath the shiny allure of Dubai lies a litany of human rights and environmental abuses so severe that collapse cannot be far away, writes Johann Hari.
Stadium to Nowhere
Kansas City has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in a new indoor arena with the hopes of luring a pro basketball or hockey team. But a year and a half after opening, nobody's biting.
Luxury Replaces Local Goods and Services in Malibu
As a new luxury retail center replaces a decades-old hardware store in upscale Malibu, California, many worry about the troubled future facing local businesses and services.
Census Officials Concerned as Group Urges Migrant Boycott
As a bargaining chip to encourage federal immigration reform, a religious group is calling on undocumented migrant workers to boycott the upcoming U.S. Census. Officials say such a boycott could hurt many cities.
Green Roofs May Be Mandated in Toronto
Toronto City Council is planning to vote on a measure that would require green roofs on most buildings over 54,000 square feet, which would make it the first North American city to require green roofs. Developers are opposing the move.
Un-Developing Abandoned Housing Developments
A stalled and abandoned development along the Florida coast is being scouted by the Trust for Public Land as a possible site for "un-development" -- a return to its natural state as open space.
Portion Control for the Road
In this blog post, Tom Vanderbilt connects the dots between road size ("portions") and driving behavior ("consumption").
Ahead of Itself and Undeveloped
A Washington, D.C. entertainment district was meant to follow the construction of a baseball stadium, but, for now, the area is victim to overly ambitious plans to develop as quickly as possible.
BLOG POST
The APA needs a Sustainability Division
<p> Many planners and even American Planning Association (APA) members are unaware that the APA has special member bodies called <a href="http://planning.org/divisions/index.htm">Divisions</a>. These are essentially issue-focused member committees within APA that contribute to policymaking, develop conference sessions, publish newsletters, and generally act as focal points for like-minded APA members. </p>
Obama Trumpets High-Speed Rail
Quoting Daniel Burnham, Obama announced that America should "make no little plans" as he affirmed his administration's commitment to building high-speed rail across the nation. Ten corridors were highlighted.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
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.
