The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

<p>A new report highlights the struggles of historic mill cities in Massachusetts as they lose thousands of jobs and strain to attract high-tech industries.</p>

February 27 - The Boston Globe

<p>Chicago Mayor Richard Daley proposed a revised version of a crosstown expressway his father, former Mayor Richard J. Daley, first envisioned almost 30 years ago. The mayor's new plan for a Mid-City Transitway would utilize existing rights of way.</p>

February 27 - The Chicago Tribune

BLOG POST

<p class="MsoNormal">Thousands of New Orleanians have participated in planning their post-Katrina future – likely more than in any single American city-planning effort, ever. Unfortunately, the New Orleans experience definitively demonstrates the limits of orthodox community-focused planning, the kind that has been neighborhood-based and consensus-driven.</p>

February 27 - James S. Russell

<p>Despite ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, Kandahar's officials, residents and planners are envisioning a prosperous and sustainable future for the city.</p>

February 27 - The Globe and Mail

<p>Defying conventional wisdom, more seniors 75 and over are now migrating north rather than south. Often the reason is to be near their children as their health may begin to decline.</p>

February 27 - The New York Times

<p>Plans have been unveiled for a new public plaza in downtown Seattle, built in conjunction with the construction of a high rise office and residential tower and street level retail complex.</p>

February 27 - Seatlle Post-Intelligencer

<p>First come the artists, then the high rents. So why not base you real estate investment strategy on where artists are going now?</p>

February 26 - Business Week

<p>Houses in gated communities generally command values 5-7% higher than equivalent houses non-gated communities. Despite the rapid growth of gated communities, many critics question the value.</p>

February 26 - The Los Angeles Times

<p>With more coffee shops per person that any other place in the United States -- Anchorage, Alaska, provides some interesting lessons about latte culture.</p>

February 26 - Anchorage Daily News

BLOG POST

<p>Thanks to Planetizen for asking me to participate in “Planetizen Interchange” with such a distinguished group. This is my first entry so to let you know a bit about me, I live in New Orleans, LA. I was displaced for 10 months to Houston, TX after Katrina destroyed my house, but I am back in New Orleans where I am a planning, zoning and land use consultant.

February 26 - Anonymous

<p>Communities in Pennsylvania and other stats are struggling to develop regulations in the face of a growing number of billboard applications.</p>

February 26 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

<p>Long known internationally as America's "Gay Mecca", San Francisco's Castro District is seeing an influx of straight couples who find the district's amenities attractive. A movement is afoot to ensure the district retains its gay identity.</p>

February 26 - The San Francisco Chronicle

<p>Amid concerns over his plans to create a modern socialist republic, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez has denied that he has plans to phase out the concept of private property in the country.</p>

February 26 - International Herald Tribune

FEATURE

With the Latino population growing tremendously, it's time to begin addressing the shortcomings in the practice of planning regarding this key demographic.

February 26 - Leonardo Vazquez, AICP/PP

<p>In response to meeting regional housing demand requirements stipulated by the Association of Bay Area Governments, the Downtown Area Plan Advisory Committee of Berkeley, California, considers a high-rise development plan proposed by city staff.</p>

February 26 - The Berkeley Daily Planet

<p>Walt Disney's utopian dream forever changed Orlando, Florida, and laid the blueprint for the new American metropolis.</p>

February 26 - National Geographic

<p>What do you do when you've been living a car-free lifestyle and you win a brand new car?</p>

February 26 - The Globe and Mail

<p>Sewer and water ratepayers in San Diego recognize that a rate hike is the only way to pay for replacing aging infrastructure.</p>

February 26 - San Diego Union Tribune

BLOG POST

<p>In spring 2007, the Texas Transportation Institute and its partners will release the newest version of the &quot;Mobility Report.&quot; This eagerly-awaited document will chronicle the worsening congestion in urban and suburban America. The report typically spawns a frenzy of media stories as folks eagerly peruse the ranking lists finding out just how their area did. While methodology tweaks and data issues might add a few wrinkles, no one will be surprised to see congestion worse than the prior report two years ago. Surprise, surprise!

February 25 - Steven Polzin

<p>Poverty rates in the United States are at a 32-year high, and a new study suggests that 58% of Americans will experience poverty at least once in their lives.</p>

February 25 - Common Dreams