The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
The Penalty for Fourth of July Fireworks: A Spike in Air Pollution
It's not just the ears of dogs that suffer the consequences of the nation's loudest celebration—it's also our lungs. Louisville provides the proof.
Tickets Keeping Detroiters in Poverty
Michigan suspends approximately 100,000 driver’s licenses every year when drivers can't afford to pay tickets and fines.
120-Foot Ferris Wheel a No-Go in St. Louis
A 120-foot-tall Ferris wheel, proposed in the St. Louis neighborhood of Delmar, was dead on arrival with residents.
A Next Generation Kerfuffle for Telecommunications Infrastructure
The rollout of "5G" wireless Internet technology was already creating political controversy in local cities and communities. Then the California State Legislature proposed a bill that would streamline the approval process for 5G installations.
Kentucky-Cincinnati Connection Will Give Commuters a Summer-Long Headache
The already congested Brent Spence Bridge between Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky will be partially closed this summer for repairs. The project still won't fix larger problems with the bridge.
Lawsuits Slow Progress of California's $17 Billion WaterFix Project
Environmentalists and the fishing industry filed lawsuits just a few days after a massive plan to build tunnels to move water under the San Joaquin-Sacramento River Delta in California received a green light from the federal government.
Twin Cities Regional Forecast Foresees Steady Growth and Big Changes
The Metropolitan Council has released "The Twin Cities Regional Forecast to 2040: Steady Growth and Big Changes Ahead" to provide a foundation for coordinated planning by the Metropolitan Council and local governments.
L.A. Now Has Real Money for Homelessness but No Real Plan
L.A. has a new bond issue and a new sales tax for homelessness. But Mayor Eric Garcetti and the City Council actions to alleviate homelessness have been tepid and slow. Affordable housing developer and Michael Russell has some suggestions.
Oregon's $3 Billion Transportation Funding Legislation Has a Tax for Almost Everyone
The package, which doesn't tax walking and running shoes, went to the legislature on June 30. It includes a ten cents per gallon gas tax, a 0.10 percent payroll tax, a $15 tax on new bikes costing at least $200, and a potential toll on I–205.
Evidence that Foreign Buyers Aren't to Blame for High Housing Prices
Vancouver's exploding housing prices are caused by income inequality, housing scarcity, and a housing bubble, not by foreign investors and vacant housing units.
New York Crowdsourcing Solutions to Subway Challenges—$3 Million in Rewards Offered
Three "genius" citizen planners will be awarded $1 million in return for the best and brightest ideas for improving the New York subway.
Friday Eye Candy: A Solar Farm Shaped Like a Panda
A solar farm shaped like a panda recently began pumping electricity to the grid in Shanxi province, China.
Tokyo's Shibuya Undergoing "Once-a-Century" Renewal
Shibuya Station is undergoing a major renewal in time for 2020 Olympics.
Appeals Court Rebuffs Trump's EPA on Methane Emissions Suspension
In a win for the environment, a D.C. Circuit panel ruled that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt could not arbitrarily suspend the starting date of a landmark Obama rule that would reduce methane emissions from new and modified oil and gas wells.
Volvo Makes History in Embrace of Electric Vehicle Technology
In a major announcement that could shake-up the auto industry, Volvo Cars declared it will initiate a gradual divorce from autos solely powered by internal combustion in two years. The Chinese-owned company wants to reduce its environmental impact.
FHWA Greenlights More Red Lanes for Buses in San Francisco
The Federal Highway Administration approved 50 applications of red transit-only lanes to be painted throughout San Francisco. Already used on four streets in a pilot program, the lanes have proven effective but are opposed by some business owners.
New DART Board Members Actually Ride Transit
Dallas rapid transit organization takes the rare step of bringing riders and transit advocates onto their board.
New Community Plans for South L.A.
The Los Angeles City Planning Commission has approved new plans for parts of South Los Angeles. A focus on transit-oriented development and commercial revitalization has raised concerns over displacement.
Charging Anxiety, Not Price Anxiety, the Biggest Impediment to Electric Vehicle Adoption
California legislators hoping to entice motorists to purchase electric vehicles with more generous rebates or other perks are missing the real obstacle for many consumers, according to a new study on electric vehicle charging.
Timelapse: Bikeshare Versus Parking Spaces
A Manhattan timelapse video shows a startling contrast between bikeshare and car parking when it comes to efficient use of city space.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
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.
