The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

How Do We Solve the High Cost of Building Transit?
Compared to other countries, building mass transit in the United States has proven significantly more expensive. But why? And how do we fix this?

Atlanta's Nascent Streetcar Systems Begins Charging, Critics Pounce
After a stumbling start getting off the ground, proponents of Atlanta's new streetcar see hope in its future while others question further investment.
Peterborough: a City Shaping Its Own DNA
Peterborough is the winner of the 2015 World Smart City Award.
Federal Funding Authorized for States to Test Gas Tax Alternatives
The five-year transportation reauthorization known as the FAST Act relies on $70 billion of one-time, non-user fees to fund the $302 billion bill. The act also allows the government to fund the development of sustainable funding options by states.
Gentrification and 'The Slums of Beverly Hills'
There is hidden economic diversity even in one of the most famous (and toniest) of zip codes.

The Sign of a Successful Bike Plan: Slow Biking
A bike plan isn't meant for the peloton. Here's how you can tell.
Even Homer Nods: Responding to Paul Krugman on Housing
New York Times op-ed columnist Paul Krugman, usually an astute observer, must have been having an off day when he made a completely incorrect assessment in his column on gentrification in New York City.
Oakland Eases Restrictions on Secondary Housing Units
Following the recent example of cities like Vancouver, Austin, and Berkeley, Oakland, CA recently made it much easier for residents to create secondary units, also known as accessory dwelling units.

Impacts of Self-Driving Cars on Bicycle Planning
This article considers the impacts of driverless cars, or autonomous vehicles, on bicycle planning and what a 'low stress' bicycle route may look like in the future.
New Federal Rule Decriminalizes Walking to School
The recently approved federal education law includes a provision that allows students to take alternative forms of transportation to and from school with parental permission.

Big Development Plans Proposed for Downtown San Diego
A local developer has proposed a $400 million development that would add several game-changing uses to Downtown San Diego.
Study: Motivations for Active Transportation Vary by Income Levels
The motivations to walk or bike vary greatly by income levels, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Washington. The wealthy, as it turns out, are the outliers.
Singapore Planning a 24-Kilometer-Long Version of the High Line
A plan in Singapore to transform the former Keretapi Tanah Melayu railway will create a linear park ten times longer than the High Line.
Anchorage Officials Seek State Lands to Ease Housing Crunch
Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz has asked Alaska Governor Bill Walker to transfer more than 24 parcels of state land for high density housing.
Gov. Cuomo's 'Robert Moses Wish List' Continues to Grow—But Where's the Payment Plan?
The New York governor continues his tour of New York, promoting his big ticket capital agenda, yet not suggesting any means to pay for them. Worse yet, he restricts new funding options, like increased tolls, adding costs to the transportation budget.
Congress Increases Allotment for the Land and Water Conservation Fund
The funding allotment for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) included in the Omnibus spending bill marked a substantial increase over previous years.
Nike to Sponsor Portland's Bikeshare System
Portland's forthcoming bikeshare system, now dubbed Biketown, will be expanded from its original scale as a result of the support of the corporate giant.

A Map of the Country's Transit Pipeline
The new Transit Explorer tool offers a new way to visualize the scale of the country's transit infrastructure investments. Spoiler alert: 2016 will be a big year.

Friday Eye Candy: A First Peek at the Hyperloop
The futuristic transportation idea known as the Hyperloop is starting to look real. CNN Money caught up with the leaders of one of the companies working to make the dream of super-fast, efficient intercity travel a reality.
$700 Million in Demolitions and Redevelopment Announced for Baltimore
The state of Maryland and the city of Baltimore are partnering on a massive redevelopment effort.
Pagination
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
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.