The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
HUD Announces Latest Round of Choice Neighborhood Grants
Ten new neighborhoods join 63 previous grant winners under the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Choice Neighborhoods Initiative.
Military Veterans Deploy to Detroit to Take on Blight-Busting Volunteer Work
A volunteer organization called The Mission Continues connects veterans with volunteer work around the country. The healing power of their efforts goes both ways.
U.S. Homes Prices Are Soaring; Seven Cities Set Records
Housing prices are going up, in case you hadn't heard. The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index paints the housing market picture in vibrant data.
Memphis Launches First Comprehensive Planning Effort Since 1981
Though it's been 35 years since its last comprehensive plan, the city of Memphis hopes to start updating its comprehensive plan every five to ten years.
New Jersey Assembly Approves Bipartisan Plan to Raise Gas Tax 23 Cents
New Jersey's 14.5-cent state gas tax, second lowest after Alaska's, may increase 23 cents thanks to a deal worked out between Assembly Democratic and Republican leaders and Gov. Chris Christie that reduces the sales tax. It now goes to the Senate.
Judge Throws Out Key Component of New York's Vision Zero Policy
Citing drivers for failure to "exercise due care" (administrative code 19-190) is a key enforcement tool of Mayor Bill de Blasio's Vision Zero policy, but a judge just threw it out.
Five State Gas Tax Changes Tomorrow
On July 1, two states will increase gas taxes, one will decrease its tax, and two will be adjusted downwards per state legislation, according to Carl Davis, research director at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP).
'Bouncy-House Urbanism' Reaches New Heights
When a glass slide installed 1,000 feet up the tallest skyscraper on the West Coast is more than it appears.
Mapping the World of Bacteria Alive in the World's Subways
A project launched several years ago in New York City is making its way to cities around the world—much like the bacteria that the world's billions of transit users transfer around the surfaces of subway trains, stations, and buses.
Survey Finds Pessimism Prevailing in the Housing Market
A new survey finds that many Americans are still extremely pessimistic about the state of the housing market—many even believe that the worst of the mortgage foreclosure crisis that began in 2008 is yet to come.
Volkswagen Settles in Cheating Scandal to the Tune of $16 Billion
It's been less than a year since Volkswagen got caught installing software on cars to cheat emissions testing. Today the company settled out of court—paying the bulk of a $16 billion settlement to vehicle owners.
Energy Agency Totals Annual Death Toll from Air Pollution at 6.5 Million
The study by the Paris-based International Energy Agency finds a direct connection to the energy industry. Credit goes to IEA executive director Fatih Birol for expanding the organization's mission beyond its traditional purpose, energy security.
Why is Missouri Holding Up a High-Voltage Transmission Line for Wind Energy?
The 'Show Me State' nixed a 780-mile high voltage transmission line to carry wind energy generated in western Kansas through Missouri to Indiana, where it would transmitted to the East Coast.
California Legislature Considering $2 Billion for Homeless Housing
A bill already halfway through the California Legislature, with support from the governor, would spend $2 billion to build permanent housing for mentally ill homeless people.
This Tech Company Wants to Build a Better City
There's no shortage of ambition from Silicon Valley startup accelerator and investment firm Y Combinator—which recently announced its intentions to build a prototype city.
Sweden to Test Overhead Power Lines for Heavy Transport
Electric roads (no, not solar powered pavement) will get a test run in Sweden.
It's the 60th Birthday of the Interstate Highway System
A new report commemorates the 60th birthday of the interstate highway system with statistics (some politically motivated) that summarize the state of the nation's largest public works project.
FEATURE
Should We Blame Airbnb for Exorbitant Housing Prices?
Is Airbnb to blame for rising house prices? This article by Leigh Stewart from Tranio.com investigates how easy money from the collaborative economy could be making homes too expensive for tenants and genuine buyers.
What 6,000 Years of Population Data Looks Like
We can now watch 6,000 years of urban settlements and movements unfold on our computer screens.
Op-Ed Blames Planned Development Districts for Development in Palm Springs
A local writer argues that development is putting the unique character of Palm Springs in peril by taking advantage of the city's Planned Development Districts.
Tyler Technologies
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
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.
