The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Chinese Rail Firm Pursuing High-Speed Rail Ambitions in California, Indonesia
The China Railway International Group, working with the Chinese Export-Import Bank, responded to the California High-Speed Rail Authority's "expressions of interest." They teamed up with China Development Bank to beat out the Japanese in Indonesia.
Ranking the American Cities with the Most Parkland Per Household
While we often talk about the places that are park poor, Builder Online has done the data crunching to find out which cities are park rich.
The Conflicting Goals of America's Housing Policy
Current housing policies at the local and national level have tried to make housing more affordable while at the same time increasing the value of homes, recognizing them as a personal investment.
The Story of Diesel and Electric Cars in Europe
Two separate New York Times articles examine cars powered by electricity in Norway and diesel fuel in Britain and Western Europe in the wake of Volkswagen's emissions scandal. A critic of the Norway's e-car subsidies subtly ties the two together.
Teaching Students the Power of GIS
Ninth graders in Soldotna, Alaska, were introduced to geographic information systems (GIS) by a team of volunteers who spent two days illustrating how GIS technology is used in analyzing complex systems.
Report: Texas High-Speed Rail Worth $35 Billion in Economic Benefit by 2040
A report commissioned by Texas Central Partners is the first to calculate the potential economic benefit of a proposed privately developed high-speed rail connection between Houston and Dallas.
California Cyclists to Share Bike Lanes With Electric Skateboarders
Just as motorists have had to learn to share the road with cyclists, California cyclists may have to do the same in sharing bikes lanes with electric skateboard riders, according to a bill signed by Gov. Jerry Brown on Oct. 11.
Ambitious Complete Streets Plan Proposed for Woodward Ave Between Detroit and Pontiac
The Woodward Avenue Action Association recently approved a plan for a complete streets makeover that would connect to the forthcoming M-1 streetcar and cross several city boundaries.
Minnesota History Center Exhibit Makes Room for Suburban Romance
"Suburbia," opening today at the new Minnesota History Center in St. Paul, allows a portrait of suburban living that goes well beyond the mundane. By redefining the history suburbia, the exhibit also tracks the contemporary evolution of suburbs.
Anchorage Tweaks Land Use Regulations for More Infill Development
The Anchorage Assembly has updated its land use regulations to allow taller apartments and spur redevelopment and infill in neighborhoods near major transit corridors and the employment centers of Downtown and Midtown.
Today's Cartographers Are Database Engineers
Modern maps are visual representations of millions of points of standardized data.
Colorado Expanding Tolling Systems on Two Denver-Area Highways
State transportation officials set new toll rates for two busy highway corridors outside Denver.
Friday Eye Candy: The 'Objective' Architectural Photos of Hilla and Bernd Becher
Hilla Becher passed away earlier this month at the age of 81, leaving behind an influential legacy on the art and practice of architectural photography.
Lawyer Sees the 'Ghost of Seattle's Future'
This favorable profile of Jack McCullough, a Seattle lawyer representing developers, highlights his role as a deal-maker. Recent agreements between his clients and Mayor Ed Murray may preserve a path forward for affordable housing.
Can Los Angeles Regulate Airbnb?
Several Los Angeles neighborhoods, Venice in particular, have become hotbeds of short-term rental activity. Upset by a stream of raucous visitors, residents wonder whether the city can—or will—enforce regulations on platforms like Airbnb.
Feds May Drop 'Highway-Inspired' Rules for Streets
The Federal Highway Administration may put an end to rules mandating wide lanes and "clear zones," making it easier to implement complete streets.
Planners Find Support for Rail Transit Connection from Lehigh Valley to Philadelphia
MoveLV: Long Range Transportation Plan process is finding support for the rebirth of defunct rail transit corridor between the Allentown-Easton-Bethlehem and the City of Brotherly Love.
Dispatch from 'Planners' Day' on Capitol Hill
The American Planning Association took to Washington, D.C. recently to seek support for legislative actions that will enable the planning efforts of the next few years.
Transit Use Thrives on Destination Density
If jobs, services, and other urban amenities are concentrated downtown, suburbanites can use transit to get there quickly without a car. Job sprawl makes transit useless outside central districts.
On the Eventual Energy Efficient Future of 'Solar Suburbs'
Experts say it's only a matter of time until suburbs enter a new era of energy efficiency that redefines the landscape of residential living.
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.
