The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Lots of dollar signs were flying around on Texas ballots last week, many of which were headed toward road construction measures. The Houston Chronicle, however, points out the shortcomings of the state's patterns of investment.

November 9 - Houston Chronicle

The dust is still settling from Kelo v. New London, a 2005 Supreme Court Case allowing for expansive powers of eminent domain. A book released this year chronicles the effects of the landmark court case.

November 9 - The Federalist

Years of planning and strong political support aren't enough when the city council doesn't follow the letter of the law. Now opponents of L.A.'s Mobility Plan 2035 smell blood in the water.

November 9 - Los Angeles Times

Whether you're a lifelong resident of Boston, just moving there, or simply passing through, this guide has 18 apps and services for navigating and enjoying the city life to its fullest.

November 9 - Netted

BLOG POST

Some presidential candidates favor sprawl, but a surprising number live in cities or inner-ring suburbs.

November 9 - Michael Lewyn

The World Economic Forum offers a reminder of just how drastically things could change, and soon, in cities.

November 9 - Citiscope

A researcher at Rice University finds that proclamations of Houston’s affordability, gentrification, and growth are just myths.

November 9 - The Urban Edge

The 105-year old Hudson River Rail Tunnels may desperately need replacement, but the Federal Railroad Administration also has an eye on the future, awarding $27.8 million to prepare a maglev application between Washington and Baltimore.

November 9 - The Washington Post

BLOG POST

Bicycle sharing has exploded in popularity across the United States. Importantly, bikeshare users are likely to wear bicycle helmets while ride.

November 9 - Jennifer Evans-Cowley

New figures from the Federal Highway Administration show no abatement in increasing vehicle miles traveled (VMT). While low oil prices have been beneficial for the environment on the production end, it is wreaking havoc on the consumption side.

November 8 - AASHTO Journal

Access to campus is a primary obstacle for low-income, minority students to overcome in attending college. The College of Staten Island has found a simple solution that applies in less urban communities as well.

November 8 - Politico New York

Seattle is the latest city to declare a state of emergency in response to homelessness in the city. Los Angeles, Portland, and Hawaii took similar steps in recent months.

November 8 - The Seattle Times

BLOG POST

A city has always been understood and defined as a pattern of human settlement. This op-ed suggests that a city needs to be a product of its environment, rather than the environment simply being a product of it.

November 8 - Steven Snell

Prop. 1, a quarter-cent sales tax that would benefit public transit in Wasatch Range counties, passed in 10 counties but was defeated in seven, including the populous Salt Lake County where supporters have yet to concede due to the narrow loss.

November 8 - The Salt Lake Tribune

Residents who put in the effort of maintaining vacant property will have their hard work rewarded and will be offered the opportunity to purchase the property.

November 7 - Route Fifty

The Warner Center 2035 Plan was designed to bring growth to Los Angeles’s San Fernando Valley. If the opening of a $350-million Westfield Village in September is any indication, it’s succeeding.

November 7 - The Planning Report

A new passenger rail line between Baton Rouge and New Orleans is just one of the links being proposed along the Gulf Coast.

November 7 - The Advocate (Louisiana)

Cartographers have a new world to map, as technology opens up the interiors of malls, museums, and other large spaces to online exploration.

November 7 - Citymetric

The recovery from the housing crisis of the Great Recession has proven uneven in more ways than one. One not insignificant feature: less lending to minority homebuyers.

November 7 - Urban Institute

Contrary to one some urbanists believe, some of the advancements of the new economy might better serve less dense, even suburban, environments. Example: a delivery robot created by the co-founders of Skype.

November 6 - The New York Times