The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

If your city isn't attracting hordes of new residents does that mean it's not growing economically? Richard Florida and his colleagues seek to undermine those who equate population growth with economic health.

October 2 - The Atlantic Cities

All 17 Ikea stores in Britain will begin selling solar panel packages within the next 10 months. The announcement by the Swedish retailer is "a sign of the growing mainstream appeal and affordability of solar energy," says Jessica Leber.

October 2 - Fast Company Co.Exist

Over the past two decades, grand schemes have advanced and receded for replacing New York's dreadful Penn Station. Robert W. Previdi offers four simpler, and achievable, solutions for improving the station's operations for its 440,000 daily users.

October 2 - The New York Times

Although the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher is one of the federal government's most effective housing programs, its administration by local public housing agencies limit its ability to de-concentrate poverty. A new report proposes a solution.

October 2 - The Washington Post

Before its launch, a skeptic in car-crazy L.A. might have wondered whether a pilot program to transform parking spaces into pocket parks would have much success. But, to the delight of backers, the parklets have been a hit and may expand citywide.

October 2 - Los Angeles Times

October is National Community Planning Month in the United States, and the American Planning Association (APA) has launched an informative webpage chock full of resources to help you celebrate this year's theme: People and Places.

October 2 - APA

Now that the dozens of repeal votes, budget battles, and court cases have failed to prevent the launch of the Affordable Care Act, we can turn our attention to its potential impacts. For cities and urban space, the Act's effects could be significant.

October 2 - thisbigcity.net

A new report from the U.S. PIRG Education Fund looks at how innovations in technology and social networking are changing the country's transportation landscape, and contributing to the decline in driving.

October 2 - The Atlantic Cities

What was the extent of the environmental damage caused by leaking oil wells during September's flood? Turns out, it depends on whom you ask. Word from both government and the industry is that it was minimal, while environmental advocates disagree.

October 2 - The New York Times - U.S.

BLOG POST

Despite media commentary about urban gentrification and the decline of suburbia, suburbs still have far less than a proportionate share of regional poverty.

October 1 - Michael Lewyn

When the infamous real estate and development board game was created, it took the streets of Atlantic City, NJ as the inspiration for its property names. In a photo tour through the city, Nick Carr notes how these streets appear today.

October 1 - Scouting New York

With 800,000 employees on indefinite furlough, national parks closed, and federal benefits and programs eroding, it's safe to say the government shutdown will effect millions of Americans. But some urban areas will feel the pinch more than others.

October 1 - Trulia Trends Blog

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) announced the winners of its 2013 Professional Awards and Student Awards today. 33 projects were selected for recognition out of more than 534 entries.

October 1 - ASLA

The Los Angeles Times' editorial page declares itself "pro-bike" as it launches "Roadshare", an effort to engage the city's cyclists, drivers, pedestrians, taxpayers and others in a discussion over L.A.'s transportation future.

October 1 - Los Angeles Times

If you thought the bankruptcy in Detroit was caused by the disappearance of manufacturing jobs, well, you'd be wrong. Alan Mallach explains how our obsession with college degrees contributed to the downfall of a city.

October 1 - Rooflines

In a city that has long typified auto-centric sprawl and unplanned growth, a funny thing is happening. An urban revival has taken root as the city competes with its suburbs and other big cities to attract residents and businesses.

October 1 - Governing

Taking a cue from states that have introduced new wholesale taxes on fuel that would presumably be passed to the consumer, Sen. Barbara Boxer has proposed replacing the 18.4-cent federal gas tax with an oil sales fee to be paid by oil refineries.

October 1 - The Hill

Marseille has sought to maximize its year as European Cultural Capital to jumpstart a transformation of the notoriously rough-and-tumble port city. But will new initiatives provide enough momentum to dislodge old habits and stereotypes?

October 1 - Art Info

A new scatterplot mapping population density against political-party preference delivers old news: urban areas tend to lean Democratic, while rural places go Republican.

October 1 - Atlantic Cities

Two new books proffer the end of the suburbs and the salvation of dense urbanity. But the suburbs are "not about to shrivel," says Justin Davidson. So who should be responsible for fixing suburban dysfunction?

October 1 - New York Magazine