The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
China Takes Bus Rapid Transit Seriously
China is investing in complete Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in cities from Beijing to Kunming.
Can Land Trusts Keep Housing Affordable?
At a time of extreme housing market volatility, community land trusts are seen as a more sustainable form of tenure.
Architect Says 'Stop Planning For Cars'
Columnist and architect Arrol Gelner comes to grips with the end of the automobile era.
The Disappearing American Barn
Historic barns are disappearing across the country, along with the way of life they represent. But a growing number of towns and citizen groups are working to preserve them.
Housing Discrimination Adding to Post-Katrina Hardships
People of color are finding it more and more difficult to secure housing in New Orleans, as new and old forms of housing discrimination -- and overt racism -- are conspiring to keep them out.
Instant Cities in the Persian Gulf
Rami Khouri of the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs notes the unprecedented phenomenon of the "instant" cities of the Persian Gulf which, for all their wealth, lack civil societies.
Forget Everything You've Learned
Bill Thompson of the ASLA reports on a public space in Silver Spring, Maryland that upends everything landscape architects and planners think they know about what makes a successful public space.
New York Full of Possibility for Green Roofs
The Governor of New York recently signed off on tax abatements for developers who install green roofs
Gas at 87-Cents a Gallon? Yes, But it's GAS!
Utah appears to be just what Texas oilman, T. Boone Pickens, had in mind with his new energy plan that calls for widespread use of natural gas to replace gasoline and diesel, even though only one vehicle is manufactured to run on it.
Bicycle Couriers Up, Motorized Couriers Down
In New York City, bicycle courier businesses are witnessing new growth, while motorized couriers struggle to turn profit in an age of rising full-costs.
BLOG POST
The Mystery of Ground Transportation
<p> Despite the rising costs of belonging to the jet set, I took my share of flights for a few business trips and boondoggles this summer. Though most of my plane tickets were paid for, my transportation to and from my respective airports were not. Like any good urbanist, I approached each airport as a challenge to see how cheaply and quickly I could get from the airport to my in-town destination. <br /> <br /> These were challenges that I -- or, rather, the cities -- failed more often than they passed. <br />
What Cities Have the Best Brands?
A new study ranks European cities on their brand, taking into a account sense of place, civic pride, and business climate. Paris ranks first (no surprise), but the research also reveals a handful of 'undervalued' cities.
'Pay As You Drive' Insurance
'Pay as you drive' insurance will soon be a reality in California, surviving the state senate as a voluntary program that environmental groups say will encourage people to drive less by saving them money on their car insurance.
Milwaukee More Bike-Friendly than Residents Realize
One resident finds it surprisingly easy to live on Milwaukee's East Side without a car.
Mixed-Use for Volgograd
Volgograd, Russia (formerly Stalingrad) is getting a new mixed-use city center, designed with the idea of "shopping as museum and exhibition space".
U.K. Planners Failing to Account for Women
A new study shows that city planners aren't following the guidelines established in last year's Gender Equality Duty, which requires planners to consider the different ways that women use public space.
More High-Speed Trains
Rail advocates are getting their day, as they push for more high-speed rail lines- not just in California, but across the country.
Community Calls for Involvement as Swaths of New York Land are Rezoned
One-sixth of the total land in New York has been rezoned under Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and some say it's fueling widespread gentrification. Community members affected by the changes are calling for more say in the future of their neighborhoods.
How America Fails Its Infrastructure and How Things Can Change
America's infrastructure is in trouble, and according to author Barry B. LePatner, the flawed systems meant to alleviate these problems should take most of the blame. He offers some possible solutions.
Former London Mayor to Advise Caracas
In an agreement with fellow socialist Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, former London Mayor Ken Livingstone has accepted a position in Caracas to advise the city on improving its transportation and crime issues.
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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.
