The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Bicycles Disappearing From Asia
Researchers in Asia are warning that unless governments start to make their urban planning policies more bicycle-friendly, bikes could virtually disappear from the urban environment within a decade.
Brad Pitt on Transportation
The celeb narrates the PBS series e2, which tackles transportation in its third season.
Winnipeg Poor Choice for National Museum?
Canada's first national museum to be built outside Ottawa may not be receiving as many visitors as originally planned.
When Cyclists Hurt Cycling
In this commentary, it is noted that when the Sacramento transportation 1/2-cent sales tax measure was up for renewal in 2004, it was decided <em>not to include cycling improvements</em> after a poll showed it would detract from the measure's passing
Infrastructure Funding Boosts Likely in 2009
Repairing the nation's infrastructure is a good move on to-be President Obama's part, as it also creates jobs "that lead to the creation of still more jobs."
Tapping the Vancouver Planning Brain Trust
Many of the planners who helped transform Vancouver into one of the world's most liveable cities have been lured to cities all over the planet to try to tap in to the brain power that made Vancouver a success. But it's not that easy.
China's Urban Transition
China is on a path to become an overwhelmingly urban country -- in sharp contrast to its largely rural recent past. Cities across the country are hoping to make the transition gracefully.
Bailout Should Transform Detroit into 'Transportmaker'
As the federal government prepares to bail out the flailing U.S. automotive industry, it should think about changing the face of the industry from carmaker to "transportmaker", according to Robert Goodman.
The End of the Age of Malls
Fewer and fewer malls are being built in the U.S., and as they fade from the American landscape, retailers feel the pain.
Burlington is America's 'Healthiest City'
Education, higher incomes and the availability of healthy food choices contribute to making Burlington, Vermont America's healthiest city.
GM Killed Mass Transit: Now it Must Help Repair it
Now that General Motors is facing financial ruin and seeking a federal bailout, Harvey Wasserman argues that before it receives any help, GM must redress its participation in the conspiracy to destroy America's mass transit system.
BLOG POST
The Transportation Agenda of the Obama Administration
The election is behind us. A Democratic administration headed by President-elect Barack Obama and a heavily Democratic Congress will assume power next January. How will this influence the direction of federal surface transportation policy and programs? To gain some insight, we have solicited the views of a number of people, including some who are familiar with the thinking of President-elect Obama’s transition team. While the views expressed below are our own, they have been influenced by the observations and speculations expressed in these interviews. By common agreement, all conversations were held off the record and not for attribution in order to allow for the freest possible expression of views.<br /> <br />
Solar Doesn't Have To Be Ugly
Architect Stephen A. Mouzon illustrates one way to create solar power without making your home ugly, which he says is imperative to the future of green energy.
Backyard Transformed Into Pocket Park
Downtown Nantucket has acquired a Main St. residents backyard in a prime spot for a pocket park. Landscape architect David W. Bartsch dug in to create an historically correct park style.
Big City Mayors Seek Bailout
Facing budget and pension fund shortfalls of hundreds of millions of dollars, three big city mayors have requested in a letter to Treasury Secretary Paulson that some of the federal bailout money be directed to cities.
Water Quality Pact to Cross State Borders
The state governments of Missouri and Arkansas are expected to sign an agreement this year to create a watershed and aquifer protection pact geared at controlling water quality from sources that cross state boundaries.
Deal Brokered for Biggest Dam Removal Project in U.S.
Officials have brokered a deal to remove dams from the Klamath River in the Pacific Northwest -- a plan intended to counteract sharp declines in salmon counts and appease environmentalists. But the plan is also meeting criticism.
FEATURE
The Obama Administration: An Opportunity to Rebuild and Renew America
Congressman Earl Blumenauer of Oregon thinks that an Obama administration, working with Congress, could effect change and create a new vision to Rebuild and Renew America.
President of Opportunity: Just Add Funding
President-Elect Barack Obama is seen by many urbanists as a great opportunity for improving the built environment of the U.S. Anthony Flint sees big plans brewing but wonders how they'll be funded and if Obama will be able to handle them all.
Building High Rises Without Hurting Cities
High-rise buildings are coming back into vogue in South Africa, and planners are trying to balance iconography with urbanism.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
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.
