The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Coping With Vacant Big Boxes
<p>To deal with the problem of vacant big-box stores that have proliferated across the country, one Milwaukee suburb is levying a fee on developers to help pay for demolition. Other cities are exploring similar options.</p>
Debunking The Myths About TOD
<p>Responding to critics of Denver's planned TOD developments, TOD expert John Renne responds to four common misconceptions about transit-oriented development.</p>
The Importance Of Street Parking
<p>New research from the University of Connecticut shows that on-street parking is a key ingredient in a vibrant and pedestrian-friendly downtown.</p>
California Land Conservation Agreement Will Create Sprawl
A recent agreement between developers and environmental groups puts the conservationists in the unfortunate position of not being able to oppose a plan that is the epitome of sprawl, according this editorial.
Virginia Governor Seeks Sales Tax Raise For Transit Projects
<p>Virginia Governor Tim Kaine has proposed a plan to raise sales taxes in the state to help fund public transportation projects -- a plan similar to one voters turned down in 2002. But this time, voters won't be involved in the decision.</p>
Dirty Politics Keeping Sprawl Alive in Florida
<p>This commentary claims that dirty politics have prevented Florida voters from being able to control sprawl in their communities.</p>
Saving and Improving Slums
<p>This article from the <em>Harvard Design Magazine</em> looks at slums in Latin America and discusses the important role they play in their cities. Preserving the positive qualities of these communities is increasingly preferred over slum clearance.</p>
Container Condos Planned in Detroit
<p>Developers in Detroit are planning a condominium project completely made out of used shipping containers. But city approval is needed before the project can move forward.</p>
BLOG POST
The Case Against Flexibility
A few weeks ago, I was reading yet another think-tank paper arguing against new rail projects.<span> </span>Amidst the sea of technical detail, one assertion bothered me: the common claim that bus service is more “flexible” than rail.
Should Apartment Buildings Be Made Smoke-Free?
<p>A recent survey shows that while many renters support the idea of smoke-free apartment buildings, an equal number are concerned about infringing on the rights of tenants -- even if they don't smoke.</p>
BLOG POST
Is 'Walking Distance' Overrated?
<p> The common wisdom about walkable neighborhoods holds that density – proximity to destinations – determines the number of walking trips. An ideal walking distance of a quarter mile is usually prescribed between residences and the nearest transit stop or retail center. <br /> <br /> I don’t dispute that walking distance is important, especially when I’m lugging an armload of groceries. However, some trendy high-density development favors compactness at the expense of comfort and safety. <br />
Los Angeles Announces Plans To Recycle Wastewater For Drinking
<p>Faced with increasing water shortages, Los Angeles Mayor Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has announced plans to recycle the city's sewage water to replenish drinking water qualifiers.</p>
Redevelopment Induced Sprawl
<p>In Kansas City, many tax increment financing zones are simply luring existing business to move and creating new sprawling development.</p>
BLOG POST
Don't Fill-er-up With Stupidity
<span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman"> <p style="margin: 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman">People’s response to death typically proceeds through various stages: disbelief, denial, anger, bargaining, guilt, and eventually acceptance and hope. Motorists’ response to increased fuel price seems to follow similar stages:</span> </p>
Planning For The Sun Corridor
<p>A new report focuses on the expected growth of the Phoenix-Tuscon "Sun Corridor" to 10 million residents by 2030, and highlights the challenges and opportunities for this megapolitan region.</p>
Congressman Says U.S. Needs To Get Onboard High Speed Rail
<p>The top Republican on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is leading a bill to fund new high-speed rail, stating he's ready to fight the air travel lobby that has traditionally opposed plans for high-speed rail.</p>
Multifamily Housing Construction Surges In April
<p>While the market for single-family homes remains deeply troubled, developers of apartment buildings are moving ahead with new construction -- likely expecting rising rents from tightening rental vacancy rates due to displaced homeowners.</p>
L.A.'s Subway Planners Thinking Bigger Is Better
<p>The city is already struggling to fund its planned $5 billion subway extension. But planners think adding a spur through West Hollywood could convince federal officials to chip in more funding for the project.</p>
The Newest 'Made In China' Item: Hotels
<p>Hotel operator Travelodge is planning to build pre-fabricated hotels in Shenzhen that can be assembled in locales in need of a short term boost in rooms -- such as Olympic host cities.</p>
New York City School Construction Authority
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Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
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Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
