The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
13 Million Acres at Stake in Timber Company Merger
Two timber companies announced a merger that will take effect in 2016, combining land holdings that reach nearly every corner of the country.
Developers See Dollar Signs in the Viaduct Rail Park Proposal in Philly's Center City
The Viaduct Rail Park could one day become a version of the High Line in Philadelphia's Center City.
Feds Release New 'Transportation and Health Tool'
A new tool from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Centers for Disease Control allows comparisons between state or metropolitan area on transportation and public health indicators.
Can Beijing Return to its Transportation (and Communist) Roots?
Beijing has strayed so far from its roots as a bicycling city that it now claims the title of the world's largest auto market, while only 12 per cent of commuters use bicycles. City planners wants to make it popular again to reduce air pollution.
New Corporation Formed to Replace Amtrak's Hudson River Rail Tunnels
The Gateway Development Corporation will be formed by Amtrak, the U.S. Department of Transportation, New York, and New Jersey to replace the deteriorating 105-year-old Hudson River rail tunnels, a vital project that could cost $20 billion.
Designated Zones to Protect New York Manufacturing
Without designated industrial zones, New York manufacturing companies risk losing their facilities to the residential development market. The de Blasio administration has promised some zoning protections for industrial enclaves.
Palo Alto to Protect Single-Story, Eichler-Tract Neighborhood
The Palo Alto city council has approved one neighborhood's request to prevent the construction of two-story homes.
Five Ways to Measure the Need for City Parks
While standardized metrics for determining the number of and place for city parks cannot replace more fine grain analysis, they can be useful tools. Park planner Clement Lau writes about five park-need metrics, including a couple of the newest.
The Reality of Neighborhood Change: Planners Should Worry About Decline
City living is back. After half a century of relentless population decline and several false starts at revitalization, residential investment in America's urban centers began to pick up in the mid-1990s.
Where People Choose to Live—Simple and Also Not-So-Simple
A new study confirms much of what we already suspect about the choices people make about where to live, but with a far-reaching, scientific approach.
Offshore Wind Power Picks Up Momentum Along the Atlantic Coast
The potential for offshore wind power along the Atlantic Coast has moved closer to reality in fits and starts. Recent leases, however, indicate what the future of the industry could looks like.
How the Pope's Visit Reduced Traffic in Washington, D.C.
Pope Francis' much-publicized visit to the capital in late September saw reductions in congestion and better travel times. Event-specific telecommuting policies and transit route changes appear responsible for the minor miracle.
The Deadly Costs of Failing Infrastructure
Failing infrastructure is a life and death matter. Decaying roads, bridges, dam, pipelines, water delivery, and railroads lacking safety controls are responsible for the loss of thousands of lives annually, on top of illnesses and injuries.
Are Small Towns the Next Arts Districts?
As rising costs expel artists from urban cores, some small towns are positioning themselves as unlikely magnets for creative expression.
Gentrification and Affordability Worries Arise Over a Proposed Vancouver Tower
A 12-story residential tower proposed for a Vancouver neighborhood is receiving pushback from housing advocates and the local Chinese community.
Battling the Ugly: Denver Contemplates an Effective Design Review Process
As Denver booms, planners and architects discuss the good and the bad of imposing design guidelines on new construction.
Are Land Use Policies Mostly Hurting the Poor?
In a new paper, researchers find that land use regulations in cities have effectively created a "zoning tax," which primarily impacts the poor and renting class.
The Ride-Share Revolution
"If the 20th century was devoted to building the infrastructure to service the personal automobile, then perhaps the 21st century will be devoted to undoing most of it."
Madrid Takes Drastic Action to Curb Pollution
With a growing reputation for heavy local pollution, the city of Madrid will impose reduced speed limits and driving restrictions in its central core. On bad days, transit will be free to ride.
Asian Subways Are the Busiest
Rankings from the International Association of Public Transport have Tokyo on top, followed by Beijing and Shanghai. New York comes in seventh.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul 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.
