The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Cities Struggle as They Face Higher Municipal Bond Rates
The credit crisis has caused soaring interest rates on municipal bonds, causing cities to look for other ways to fund projects. Nevertheless, numerous projects have been put on hold or face cancellation.
Schwarzenegger Signed It: Bill Fulton Explains It
Yesterday, Gov. Schwarzenegger signed SB 375, California's anti-sprawl bill. Bill Fulton explains that it is both stronger and weaker than advertised.
BLOG POST
Communication: Online Advice about Writing for Planners
<p class="MsoNormal">What do planners do? Last month I highlighted the findingsof several surveys of planners aiming to identify core skills for theworkplace. They highlight the importance of skills in communication,information analysis and synthesis, political savvy, and basic workplacecompetencies and attitudes. In all these surveys, however, the ability to writewell is at or near the top. </p>
Carbon Tax: A Norwegian Case Study Since 1991
Norway's carbon emissions have increased 15% since imposing a carbon tax in 1991, unlike neighbor's Sweden and Denmark where emissions decreased with their carbon taxes. Unlike the oil industry which became carbon-lean, Norway's drivers didn't change
Fight Over Affordable Housing on the Vineyard
A small businessman on Martha's Vineyard is attempting to build affordable housing for his workers on the island, but neighbors aren't pleased. 'I don't want to feel like I'm in the city,' says one.
BLOG POST
Money for Nothing? Not Anymore. (Chicks, Though? Still Free.)
<p> Almost a month into planning school, I can see the profession’s all about improvisation. How do you think on your feet when a client doesn’t like your design? What other cities can you turn to when a sudden mandate comes down to look for policy innovation? </p> <p> Or let’s say you’re a planning professor. The financial markets have started a tailspin, eating themselves alive and swallowing MBAs whole. How’s your lesson plan gonna change? </p>
Rail Safety Bill Mired In Amtrak Politics
Federal legislation that would require and partially fund Positive Train Control technology, which, had it been installed by Metrolink, would have prevented the Sept. 12 crash, is held up in the Senate by a fiscal hawk wary of funding Amtrak.
Neighbors Oppose Possible Street Sale in New York
One of New York City's smallest and least-known streets is attracting the eyes of private developers, and the city seems keen to sell. But neighbors say the tiny street is worth preserving.
Specialty Shops Raise Home Values
A recent study of home values in Portland finds that close proximity to such amenities as specialty grocery stores and movie theaters can raise values as much as 20%.
Building Ban to Protect Northwest Salmon
In an effort to protect endangered salmon in the Pacific Northwest, the National Marine Fisheries Service is calling for a building moratorium near rivers in the Puget Sound region.
Congestion Pricing Gains Political Traction
California State Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles) makes the case for a congestion pricing pilot program funded by the federal government.
Urban Supermarkets, Suburban Designs
Supermarkets are moving back to urban areas like Philadelphia. But their big box designs are decidedly un-urban, according to architecture critic Inga Saffron, who calls for more relevant urban designs.
Testing Ideas in Dubai
Dubai is increasingly attracting architects and planners as a blank slate, and it's becoming a vibrant testing ground for ideas new and extreme.
Nature Gains Constitutional Rights in Ecuador
A new constitution has been approved in Ecuador, and among its amendments are specific articles that grant inalienable rights to nature.
Margot Gayle, Historic Preservationist, Dies at 100
A crusader for preserving New York's cast-iron historic buildings died Sunday at 100. The Times looks back at her legacy.
No Washing in Washington
Washington State is telling local governments that they need to ban carwashing in driveways, where runoff goes into storm drains and pollutes groundwater.
What Constitutes a 'Floating Home'?
Houseboats may soon appear on Lake Erie, along the Port Clinton, OH waterfront. But first, planners are taking great pains to define what makes a 'floating home.'
The First All-Black Town in the U.S.
Founded in the 1880s, Eatonville, FL was the first all-African American town to be incorporated in the U.S. It is also the childhood home of writer Zora Neale Hurston. Today, the community strives to balance its history and the future.
Incomes to Mix in New L.A. Housing Plan
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is planning to propose a $5 billion housing plan for the city that focuses on mixed-income development and locations near transit. Some applaud the move, but others worry it may not be feasible.
New York Needs a Wrecking Ball
<em>New York Times</em> architecture critic Nicolai Ouroussoff argues that some buildings make the city worse, and lists of some that need to be demolished. Included in his list are Penn Station, Madison Square Garden and Astor Place.
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
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.
