The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

CLose-up of pothole in asphalt road filled with water reflecting grey cloudy sky.

Poor Road Quality Leading to Higher Gas Use

Commuters in Massachusetts communities with worse roads use more gas, with the costs disproportionately impacting low-income households.

February 15 - University of Massachusetts Amherst

Central hall at Grand Central Station, New York City.

Excerpt: How Individualism Harms Public Transit

Jarrett Walker calls for a more social approach to transit planning.

February 14 - Next City

Rendering of electric scooters, electric cars, light rail train, and apartments in background.

Arizona’s ‘Car-Free’ Community Takes Shape

Culdesac Tempe has been welcoming residents since last year.

February 14 - The Cool Down

TOD Opportunities Around America's First True High-Speed Rail Line

Brightline West hopes to break ground, in anticipation of a 2027 opening. Cities in the Inland Empire and High Desert areas of Southern California are looking to take advantage.

February 14 - California Planning & Development Report

View of a housing permit document with a home blueprint, stamped "approved."

Pre-Permitted Housing Plans Can Combat Blight, Revive Neighborhoods

Faced with blighted neighborhoods where the cost of building a house would exceed its eventual market value, the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan, streamlined the permitting process to help lower development costs.

February 14 - Strong Towns


Close-up of line of cars at electric vehicle charging station

Chicago Readies Region for EV Charging

Chicago-area municipalities can take advantage of a new grant program to prepare their infrastructure for electric vehicles.

February 14 - Energy News Network

Three-story multifamily modern housing in Dallas, Texas.

Dallas City Council Debates Comprehensive Plan

Some councilmembers worry the ForwardDallas plan will eliminate single-family zoning, but proponents say the proposed changes are necessary to maintain an adequate housing supply in the growing city.

February 14 - Candy's Dirt


Close-up of bright green algae bloom on water surface with persons hand reaching in to take a sample in a clear plastic water bottle.

Cape Cod Water Quality Threatened by Septic Runoff

Pollutants from local septic tanks are creating problematic algae blooms in local waters. Cleaning it all up could cost billions.

February 14 - WBUR

Pedestrianized street in Milan, Italy with outdoor dining tables and umbrellas.

Did the Pandemic Spur Radical Urban Change?

The Covid era highlighted social inequities and prompted new paradigms for urbanism and mobility. Will they stick around?

February 14 - LinkedIn

Bus passengers boarding an orange Los Angeles Metro bus on Sunset Boulevard.

Opinion: Funding Transit Is a Win-Win

How federal transit funding can boost local economies and fight climate change.

February 13 - The Hill

Aerial view of suburban sprawl with large single-family homes near Dallas, Texas.

The Changing Shape of American Suburbs

Housing costs and availability are pushing more American households, including young families, to suburbs and exurbs — and they’re demanding changes.

February 13 - Business Insider

Google street view of red brick Catholic church in Seattle, Washington.

Former Convents Become Teacher Housing

For Catholic school teachers and other educators, housing costs can be a burden in many U.S. cities.

February 13 - Natoinal Catholic Reporter

Red painted bike lane next to floating bus stop and green double-decker bus in the UK.

Opinion: ‘Floating’ Bus Stops Endanger Blind Pedestrians

A design that places bike lanes between bus stops and sidewalks complicates mobility for pedestrians, especially people with vision impairments.

February 13 - The Times Colonist

Aerial view of Chattanooga, Tennessee with two bridges over river in background.

Chattanooga Slashed Homelessness in Half in 2023

The city’s focus on assistance for households at risk of eviction and supportive housing helped keep more residents housed.

February 13 - Smart Cities Dive

Freeway toll booth with "Stop" and "Pay Toll" signs

BLOG POST

Clearer Thinking About Transportation Pricing

It’s time to reform transportation pricing to reduce traffic congestion, crashes, and pollution, and improve non-auto travel options. Raise my prices, please!

February 13 - Todd Litman

Google street view of brick three-story public housing buildings in Dorchester, MA.

Geothermal Network Project To Benefit Boston Public Housing

A pilot program seeks to be a model for electrifying groups of buildings or entire neighborhoods.

February 13 - Utility Dive

A SEPTA R5 commuter train heading for Doylestown, Pennsylvania from Lansdale station.

States 'Switching Tracks' to Avoid Public Transit Fiscal Cliff

The influx of federal emergency money used to keep public transit operational during the COVID pandemic will end this year. States and transit agencies across the country are searching for alternative funding sources.

February 13 - The Center Square

Barren rocky landscape against teal sky.

FEATURE

5 Urban Planning Ideas for How to Settle Mars

Colonization of the Red Planet is a hot topic of late. If someone were to try to take it from fantasy to reality, Earth's urban planners have a few tips that could help set future Martian cities up for success.

February 12 - Justin B. Hollander

Close-up of orange and black For Rent sign on green wood fence.

How the Rent Crisis Impacts American Children

Roughly 40 percent of people facing evictions each year are children.

February 12 - KUNC

Close-up of green and white Bike Route sign with arrow in California.

California Issues Complete Streets Guidelines

The new guidelines are a start, but will local districts enforce them?

February 12 - Streetsblog California

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