The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

In this piece from <em>Metropolis</em>, Andrew Blum looks at how America's infrastructural philosophy is evolving from "repair" to "renew".

February 24 - Metropolis

Population growth estimates foresee the equivalent of an additional 15 Seattles concentrating in the Pacific Northwest over the next one hundred years. How the region handles this growth is up for debate, but with a distinct sense of urgency.

February 24 - The Seattle Post-Intelligencer

In his first foreign trip, President Obama will meet with Canadian PM Harper to discuss, amongst other topics, the environmental impact of mining Alberta's oil sands.

February 24 - The Washington Post

Residents in Venice, Italy, are upset over a plan by the city to accept a $2.7 million subsidy from Coca Cola in exchange for placement of soda machines throughout the historic city.

February 24 - BBC

As the trend towards urban living grows, churches are rethinking how to approach the urban and religious. This article from a Baptist newspaper suggests that the faithful have been reading and absorbing Richard Florida.

February 24 - The Baptist Standard

The global economic downturn is hitting China's urban factories. Millions of migrant workers who had left their farms for factory work are now facing the possibility of making an urban-to-rural migration.

February 24 - The Globe and Mail

Towns and small cities dependent on one or two industries are reeling in the face of the economic downturn and major budget cuts. Can the nation's large cities be far behind?

February 24 - TomDispatch

Catherine Tumber writes in defense of the small city, long neglected in policy and revitalization, but poised to be an excellent resource for sustainable living.

February 23 - Boston Review

FEATURE

Managing Editor Tim Halbur selects his favorite books for designing and planning public spaces.

February 23 - Tim Halbur

A look inside the real slum featured in the movie "Slumdog Millionaire". The film won 8 Oscars including Best Picture.

February 23 - The New York Times

An architecture student's entry in a design contest sponsored by BMW proposes a new form of living space, utilizing new synthetic skins to build flexible living areas.

February 23 - The Boston Globe

Wired Magazine figures out what the planning world already knows- that there is a need to shift planning policies away from auto-oriented development and towards the pedestrian.

February 23 - Wired

Twice in the last month, planning expert Bill Fulton has ridden public transit to and from large public events. In both cases, transit was far more effective than driving.

February 23 - California Planning & Development Report

The recession and the end of the age of fast-growth will be a good thing for Toronto, argues Christopher Hume.

February 23 - The Toronto Star

As the economy dives and housing values plummet, revenue from property taxes is expected to fall over the next few years, making things tough for many cities.

February 23 - Governing

This info-graphic from <em>Good</em> compares subways an rapid transit rail systems from around the world, by track miles and ridership.

February 23 - Good

With few options besides sending food scraps to landfills, New Yorkers are composting in their homes.

February 23 - The New York Times

Word from Pittsburgh that malls in the greater metro area are failing, from Frazer to Monroeville to West Mifflin.

February 23 - The Pittsburgh Post Gazette

A new study of Los Angeles Business Improvement Districts shows that private security provided by BIDs has reduced crime in these areas more than in the rest of the city.

February 23 - Los Angeles Times

FEATURE

February 23 - Dave Olsen