The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Parking Minimums Could Torpedo an Adaptive Reuse Project in Cincinnati

A vote by the city of Cincinnati's Historic Conservation Board, of all things, would prioritize parking over historic integrity.

February 18 - Urban Cincy

What New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio Can Learn From New Jersey

Mayor de Blasio wants to build a $2.5 billion, 17-mile Brooklyn-Queens streetcar (BQX). Emma G. Fitzsimmons of The New York Times suggests he look for tips across the River—not the East but the Hudson, at NJ Transit's Hudson-Bergen Light Rail.

February 18 - The New York Times

Public Meeting Speaker

Socially-Blind Urban Planning

In this era of increased inequality, socially-blind urban planning is morally questionable. Specifically, on the issue of homelessness in America, there are three problems to which planners need to pay particular attention.

February 18 - Shelterforce/Rooflines

Program Protects School Diversity in Gentrifying Neighborhoods

The benefits of diverse classroom settings are well established. How then to protect diversity in schools when the surrounding neighborhood is quickly becoming homogenous?

February 18 - The New York Times

L.A.'s New Planning Director Vince Bertoni Shares His Vision

The new director of the Los Angeles Department of City Planning arrives at a pivotal moment for planning in the city, as countywide investment in public transit is blowing up and the flames of old development debates are being fanned.

February 18 - The Planning Report


Toronto GO Transit

Towards a More Equitable Transit Future

"Next Stop Equity" evaluates the fairness of public transit service allocation and pricing in the Toronto, Canada region, and recommends policy reforms to better achieve social equity objectives.

February 18 - York University

Supreme Court

BLOG POST

Justice Scalia and the Takings Clause

Summarizes Justice Scalia's most important Takings Clause decisions.

February 18 - Michael Lewyn


Houston, Construction

Oil Bust: Houston's Housing Surplus is Driving Rents Down

With a multitude of new high-end apartment complexes coming online, Houston residents are reaping the rewards of lowered rents as landlords struggle to fill vacancies due to a slowing oil economy.

February 18 - Houston Chronicle

Is Jersey City the New York Metro Area's Next Brooklyn?

A 10-minute commute to lower Manhattan has made this once dingy city into the fastest growing in the Garden State. Yet from an historic perspective, Jersey City was a "shrinking city," not unlike Detroit or Youngstown, until 25 years ago.

February 18 - The New York Times - Real Estate

Oroville Drought

Report Tallies the Damages of California's Drought

Electricity costs in California have risen more than $2 billion from October 2011 to September 2015, according to a new report studying the effects of California's historic drought.

February 17 - KPBS

Political Support Coalesces Around Protected Bike Lanes in Philadelphia

Bike advocates have high hopes for the leadership of newly elected Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. Among Mayor Kenney's campaign promises: to add 30 miles of protected bike lanes.

February 17 - People for Bikes

Are State Rebates Necessary for Electric Vehicle Sales?

Campaigners for the Sierra Club's electric vehicle initiative make the case that New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo needs to offer a state rebate of $2,000 to $4,000 to make EVs more attractive to car buyers now that he's phasing out coal power.

February 17 - Sierra Club Compass

Toronto Mid-Rise

Zillow: Suburbs Becoming More Like Cities

According to the real estate website, urban home values are growing faster than those in the suburbs, bucking a longtime trend. This isn't exactly surprising, but it has serious social justice implications.

February 17 - Puget Sound Business Journal

Orange County Retooling Bus Service to Reverse Transit Declines

Orange County provides the latest development in the ongoing experiment with transit in Southern California, hoping that a high-frequency bus grid can reverse slumping ridership numbers.

February 17 - KPCC

Mobile Apps Provide the Ultimate Guide to Los Angeles

Get this guide for 21 apps and services for enjoying the city of Los Angeles to its fullest, whether you're a resident or a visitor.

February 17 - Netted

Could This Heating Technology Revolutionize the U.S. Market?

Michelle Robb, Director of Product Planning at Mitsubishi spoke to Alex Ulam about VRF, or air source heat pump technology, and how it can fit into the American built environment context.

February 17 - Doggerel

Presidio San Francisco

BLOG POST

Problems With Economic Impact Analysis: Examples From Base Communities

Guest blogger Joshua Drucker discusses his new research critiquing current practices in economic impact analysis.

February 17 - JPER

Thriving from the Center: Freeing Urban Innovation from Ideology

Today's civic challenges are not unique in their need for balanced, accountable, and equitable solutions, requiring a combination of mindful reforms with sincere hope for more egalitarian prosperity.

February 17 - Thriving Cities Blog

Toronto Planners Shopping Massive Transit Plans

What's being described as an unprecedented outreach program will gather public feedback on a total of seven provincial and city-led transit projects for the Toronto area.

February 17 - Toronto Star

São Paulo, Brazil

Can a New Master Plan Fix What Ails São Paulo, Brazil?

Facing an ever expanding shortage of affordable housing and growing inequality, São Paulo's new master plan hopes to change the face of the city.

February 16 - Next City

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Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.

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.