The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Five Years Later, 'Smart Cities Challenge' Promise Unfulfilled
The "Smart Cities Challenge" paid Columbus, Ohio $50 million to kick start a revolution of urban technology. The revolution never arrived, according to a recent assessment by Wired writer Aarian Marshall.
This Map Shows Tree Inequality Across Neighborhoods
A new mapping tool visualizes the unequal distribution of urban trees in U.S. cities.
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The Problem With Anti-Commercial NIMBYism
Some people oppose commercial development in working-class neighborhoods, fearing gentrification. But if nothing that makes a place more desirable can be built, jobs will become less accessible to those neighborhoods—an obviously absurd result.
How to Attract Post-Pandemic Transit Riders
After seeing dramatic cuts in service and ridership during the pandemic, transit agencies have a small window of opportunity to gain and retain regular passengers.
The 'Zoom Boom' Can't Save the Midwest
Although remote work has opened up new housing possibilities for many Americans, data indicates that migration flows to 'heartland' cities have been relatively modest.
L.A. Metro Board Approves Changes to Highway Program
The updated language clarifies that projects can include Complete Streets features, items supported by the county's voters through Measure M.
A New Approach to Park Equity
A new approach prioritizes investments in the capacity of people closest to the problem to achieve population-level impacts.
Los Angeles County First to Recommend Resumption of Indoor Masking
Due to the emergence of the more transmissible Delta variant, Los Angeles County's masking guidance goes beyond what the CDC and the state health department recommend for those who are fully vaccinated. St. Louis has joined them.
Harris County Will Use Toll Road Revenue to Pay for Flood Control
A new Flood Resilience Trust will create a permanent source of funding for flood control purposes, but the county still faces a shortfall for planned projects.
Small Cities Struggling to Pay for Infrastructure Projects
Towns with shrinking or stagnant tax bases can't keep up with the costs of aging infrastructure without state and federal support.
A New Master Plan for Midtown Cleveland
The neighborhood community development corporation has created a new vision for a Cleveland neighborhood frequented by daytime work populations and people passing through.
New Long-Range Transportation Plan for the D.C. Region Will Include a Climate Addendum
The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board has almost completed the latest version fo the Visualize 2045 long-range transportation plan, but it is already making plans to add a climate plan to the final product.
House Bill Would Invest Up to $750 Million in Wastewater Recycling Projects
HR 4099, which recently passed a House subcommittee, would create a new pool of money for 17 western states to use for new wastewater recycling capacity.
Bus Rapid Transit, Bike Lanes Under Consideration in Alexandria, Virginia
A complete streets makeover is taking shape for Duke Street in Alexandria.
U.S. Rents Match Pre-Pandemic Projections—Except in Big, Expensive Cities
Rents are resetting to pre-pandemic projections around the United States. Cities like San Francisco and New York are lagging behind, however.
Vacancy Tax Considered in Toronto
Owning a home with no one living in it could soon come with a penalty in Toronto.
One of the Best Local Beer Towns to Allow Open Containers
Avondale Estates, Georgia is leaning into its recognition as one of the best small-town beer scenes in the country.
Parks Overwhelmed by Record Numbers of Visitors
Already understaffed and underfunded, the agencies that manage state and national parks are struggling to keep up with the spike in demand for outdoor recreation over the past year.
Changing the Rules to Bring More Capital to Developers of Color
LISC and Enterprise, two large community development intermediaries, have announced major racial equity initiatives that emphasize how affordable housing gets built—and who builds it. We take a closer look at what they’re planning.
Liverpool Could Lose UNESCO World Heritage Status
New and planned developments are risking the integrity of Liverpool's historic waterfront, according to the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
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.
