The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Energy War Comes to the European Union
When President Putin ordered Gazprom to turn off the valve on pipelines carrying Russian gas to Poland and Bulgaria, he effectively expanded the Russia-Ukraine war to the European Union, threatening their economic well-being and way of life.

PLANOPEDIA
What Is a Planned Unit Development?
A Planned Unit Development (PUD) is a specific type of plan or development commonly associated with master planned communities and sprawl. The specific definitions of a PUD vary by jurisdiction, but the term generally refers to a flexible approach to the planning of a variety of housing types and land uses on a relatively large portion of land.

BLOG POST
Day Two of the National Planning Conference: Staying on the Cutting Edge
The American Planning Association gathers for its first in-person National Planning Conference since 2019. Planetizen is in attendance. Here is some of what we saw on the second day of the conference.

Coastal Tribes Facing Numerous Existential Threats From Climate Change
From Alaska to Washington, climate change is real, and it’s here now, for indigenous tribes.

Controversial North Hollywood-Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit Line Approved
A controversial project to connect the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys by bus rapid transit has final approval. Los Angeles, Glendale, Burbank, and Pasadena will have a new connecting transit line as soon as 2024.

A Freeway Rebellion Rises in the Unlikeliest of States: Texas
“There’s no train, there’s no bus, there’s no anything that supports mass transportation. It doesn’t exist.” -Houston resident Fabian Ramirez.

Chicago Plans ‘Better Streets for Buses’
The city of Chicago is taking first steps toward a commitment to better bus service in the design and configuration of the city's streets.

Madison To Create Transit-Oriented Zoning
The city plans to create a TOD overlay district to encourage density and affordable housing near transit.

Philadelphia Leads the Way in Adaptive Reuse
Philadelphia, a city rife with historic architecture, seeks to incentivize more conversion of historic buildings into housing.

Co-Living Banned in Shawnee, Kansas
Anti-multi-family housing sentiment hits a new note in Shawnee, Kansas, after the city council votes to prohibit co-living from the city.

BLOG POST
Day One of the National Planning Conference—Reunions, Pandemic Planning, Equity, and VMT
The American Planning Association gathers for its first in-person National Planning Conference since 2019. Planetizen is in attendance, and here is some of what we saw on the first day of the conference.

Wisconsin Republicans Block Congestion, Pollution Funds From Bike and Ped Projects
It was always a risk that states would use funding from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to double down on the transportation systems that create congestion and air pollution.

Revisit Michael Ford’s #BlackLivesMatter Appeal to Planners
Michael Ford opened the 2022 National Planning Conference with an engaging keynote address that offered perspective and inspiration for a changed planning profession.

Federal Funding Boosts California Effort To Seal Abandoned Oil Wells
The state’s oil-producing regions are dotted with oil wells that contribute to water and air pollution and threaten public health.

Southern California City To Draft Mobile Home Rent Stabilization Ordinance
After complaints from a seniors-only development that saw a sharp rise in rents in recent months, Torrance will consider an ordinance limiting rent increases for mobile home park residents.

Mechanisms for Improving Equity in the Housing Market
A new initiative seeks to support innovations that reduce inequalities in home valuations between Black and white neighborhoods.

Three Concepts for a Pennsylvania Avenue Makeover
The Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative seeks to redesign the capital’s most famous thoroughfare to include more park space and pedestrian amenities.

Leading Pedestrian Intervals an Effective, Low-Cost, Pedestrian Safety Solution
Bellevue, Washington is acting on the data and giving pedestrians head starts at busy intersections around in the city’s downtown.

California Bill Aims To Codify Protections for Pedestrians and Cyclists
A proposed bill would require California localities to include plans to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety in their General Plan updates.

Chicago Updating its Climate Action Plan for 2022
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Earth Day announced the forthcoming release of a new plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare communities for the effects of climate change.
Pagination
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
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.