The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
When Will We Believe in Induced Demand?
The well-documented concept has yet to catch on in state departments of transportation, but acknowledging it could dramatically transform U.S. transportation policy.
'Monster Homes' Not the Desired Density Solution for Oahu
Questions of density, and how to add it to single-family neighborhoods, abound in this article focusing on Honolulu and other communities on Oahu.
Safety or Freight: What's the Top Priority for U.S. 131 Redesign Project in Grand Rapids?
Urban designers are playing the advocate in a Michigan Department of Transportation study that is considering ways to reconfigure U.S. Highway 131 where it curves through Downtown Grand Rapids.
PLANOPEDIA
What Is VMT?
A measure of the demand for vehicle travel on public roadways, VMT provides a metric for evaluating the potential impact of road projects and developments and could become an increasingly useful tool for assessing road usage taxes.
The Relationship Between Walkability and Public Health
New research indicates that improving public health requires targeted investments in more than just pedestrian facilities.
Equitable Development Plan Aims To Protect Philly's Chinatown
As the historic neighborhood experiences increased redevelopment around the new Rail Park, community activists are working to ensure older residents and businesses aren't displaced in the process.
Research Triangle Region Cuts Back Highway Widening Plans
The Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization accomplished a major shift in transportation planning priorities.
Toronto Housing Supply Outpacing Population Growth, but Costs Remain High
According to new census data, housing production is exceeding demand in many Canadian cities.
As Projected Beltline Costs Rise, Atlanta Considers Other Options
MARTA's light rail project could cost more than twice original estimates, prompting the agency to weigh different routes and the potential for bus rapid transit as an alternative to rail.
Building Safety, Climate Change, and Equity
A Portland coalition is drawing attention to the disproportionate impacts of unsafe and inefficient housing on low-income households and pushing for legislation that would mandate building improvements and tenant protections.
Charlotte Transit Agency Calls for New Sales Tax To Improve Service
The agency's CEO says the system needs more funding to make service improvements and make the shift to an electrified fleet.
Denver Debates Inclusionary Housing Plan
Atlanta's inclusionary housing program, which closely reflects the proposed Denver plan, could serve as a bellwether for Denver's own future.
BLOG POST
How Cities Are Resisting State Efforts To Increase Density
Cities are attempting to wrest back local control over land use and zoning via some ingenious—and sometimes disingenuous—strategies.
Tampa Rejects Rent Control, Citing Legal Concerns
The city council failed to move on a proposal that would have implemented rent stabilization, opting instead to explore other avenues for preventing evictions and improving the cost of housing.
Environmental Review Complete for Key Northern California Section of High-Speed Rail Project
The San Jose to Merced Project Section Final Environmental Impact Report/ Environmental Impact Statement could be approved by April 21.
CDC Relaxes Guidance to Allow Most Americans to Ditch Masking
In a major reversal, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised the metrics and thresholds that determine when masking is recommended. Only 5% of counties met the old metric on Feb. 25; now 70% of Americans need not don a mask indoors.
Resilience Matters: Opportunities for Action to Strengthen Communities
In this hopeful and frustrating year, contributors to the Island Press Urban Resilience Project celebrate our collective progress and challenges in a new free book of short and sweet articles, op-eds, and interviews. Essential reading for planners!
Berkeley's Famed Telegraph Avenue Could Go Car Free
Among the options on the table for the Southside Complete Streets Project is a configuration that would turn Telegraph Avenue near the campus of UC Berkeley into a pedestrian, bike, and transit-only plaza.
Paris To Ban Most Cars in 'Quiet Zone'
Continuing Mayor Anne Hidalgo's efforts to make Paris more accessible to pedestrians and cyclists, the city plans to implement a 'car-light' zone in the city center that prohibits through traffic.
Nashville Releases 5-Year 'WalknBike' Plan
The plan lays out the city's plans for improving its bike infrastructure and sidewalk network.
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.
