The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
The Resurgence of Anti-Homeless Policy and Design
A report by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley tracks the proliferation of vagrancy laws in the Golden State. Meanwhile, The Guardian notes the spread of so-called "defensive architecture."
An Argument for the Benefits of Form-Based Codes to Aging Populations
An interview with Joel Russell, executive director of the Form-Based Codes Institute.
'Ones to Watch': Young Designers Working to Improve Urban Life
The U.K. based Design Council recently announced the winners of its "Ones to Watch" competition. The winning entries show how young designers (aka, the "future of British design") are working to improve urban life.
Should Car Safety Technology Protect Bikers and Pedestrians Too?
It wouldn't exactly mean cats and dogs living together, but what if technological innovations could make cars safer for pedestrians and bikers?
Deep Cut Proposed for California's Gas Tax
A proposal to cut the gas tax by 21 percent would dig a huge hole in the state's transportation budget. It comes from a requirement in 2010 fuel tax swap legislation that doubled the excise tax while reducing the sales tax on gas by 6 percent.
Big Ecology in an Era of Thinking Small
Can the environmental challenges of our times be addressed incrementally? Here are four strategies for creating change inspired by landscape architecture.
Leaky Pipes will Cost Los Angeles at least $1.3 Billion to Fix
The Los Angeles Times offers a broadly ranging, interactive feature on the decrepit state of Los Angeles' water infrastructure.
I-94 to Expand Out (Not Up) in Milwaukee
Wisconsin state transportation officials have settled on a plan to expand the I-94 freeway in Milwaukee—instead of building a double deck freeway through a cemetery the plan is too widen the freeway without disturbing an human remains.
Funding Questions Loom for Montgomery County's BRT Plans
Even when a community has thrown its full support behind a transit project, questions of funding and operations can create controversy. The next few months will be worth watching for Montgomery County, Maryland's proposed BRT system.
BLOG POST
Suburban Multifamily: Smart Growth or Smart Sprawl?
In suburbia, the line between smart growth and conventional sprawl is sometimes a blurry one.
Planning Case Study: the Philadelphia2035 River Wards District Plan
Philadelphia planners are halfway through the Philadelphia2035 River Wards District Plan, which will help guide development and investment for a broad swath of troubled neighborhoods proximate to the Delaware River.
Falling Crop Prices Bring Boom Times for Subsidized 'Farmers'
2014 federal legislation reformed the system by which farm subsidies are allotted, designed to save taxpayers $23 billion over a decade. However, falling crop prices mean the system could end up costing even more.
WWII Internment Camp in Hawaii Designated as a National Monument
A detention center that interred Japanese Americans during World War II, once called Jigoku Dani, or Hell Valley, will become a National Monument.
How Austin Paved Paradise and Put up a Parking Lot
A local blogger takes umbrage with claims that Austin's density is causing its traffic problems. The obvious problem with that argument: Austin is 68% as dense now as it was in 1950.
Planning Trend Watch: Senior Care Facility Requires Controversial Rezoning
A controversial zoning decision paved the way for a large assisted living facility in Alexandria, Virginia. The need for such a drastic measures reflects a growing need to plan for aging populations.
Portland Planners Asked to Say 'No' More Often
The head of Portland's Bureau of Development Services is asking that planners raise standards for discretionary review of development proposals. Among the points made to planners in a recent memo: customer service is not the same as getting to "yes."
How to End Homelessness? Start—and Finish—With Veterans
We are so close to this goal. We should not change our focus before we meet it.
Can Taxis Survive Competition from the Sharing Economy?
Two experts consider the future of cab companies in the age of Uber and Lyft.
Colorado Legislation would Limit Eminent Domain Powers
Property rights and open space preservation will clash once again in Colorado, if a new bill preventing counties from seizing private property for the creation of open space moves forward.
BLOG POST
Blogging the City: Research, Collaboration, and Engagement in Urban Planning
Blogs are a rewarding platform for bringing academic perspectives and research results to a much broader audience of scholars, planning professionals, students, and citizens.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
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.
