The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Study: Location Matters for Farmers' Markets
Research conducted in Flint, Michigan, found that changing the location of the local farmers' market had a dramatic effect in how residents shopped.
Has Planning Become Too Rational?
A recent study describes the evolution of planning has become far too sensitive to government thinking (i.e., fiscal conservatism and economic logic) instead of the emotional processes of citizens.
National Safety Council Reports Huge Jump in 2015 Traffic Fatalities
According to preliminary estimates from the National Safety Council, 38,300 people were killed on U.S. roads in 2015, an 8 percent jump from 2014. In fact, the annual increase is the most in half a century. Note that the figure differs from NHTSA's.
Brooklyn's Tallest Proposed Building Has Date With Landmarks Preservation Commission
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the 1,066-foot building is what distinguishes it from other high rises of its size across the East River—it will be residential.
Citizen's Carbon Tax Initiative Goes Before Washington State Senate
A group that calls itself Carbon Washington could be at the helm of a new environmental movement to address climate change. They have proposed a $25-per-ton, revenue-neutral carbon tax.
A Change of Direction for California High-Speed Rail
In the face of political opposition and mounting construction costs in Southern California, the state High-Speed Rail Authority has chosen to build north from the Central Valley to San Jose rather than south from Fresno to the San Fernando Valley.
The Continuing Story of the High Costs of Free Parking
A new study has found that despite higher monetary incentives, most commuters won't ditch their cars as long as their parking remains free.
Compromise and an Engaged Public: Lessons From Copenhagen
Copenhagen is often cited as the world’s most livable city—a city characterized by bicycles and shared open spaces. But the road to get there has required compromise among politicians and an active and engaged community.
The Lost Art of Great Infrastructure in America
Writing in the New York Times, Allison Arieff asks what happened to the great works of public infrastructure from years past that stand as today's monuments to America’s achievements.
The Portrayal of Detroit Through 'Ruin Porn' Fails To Tell The Full Story
Do the stylized pictures of crumbling edifices and the recent incorporation of a vacant home in an art show do a disservice to the residents—mostly poor and black—who still call Detroit home?
Lots of Positive Signs for Pittsburgh in 2016
Good news for Pittsburgh, which is now officially reversing decades of Rust Belt trends.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Hoverboards Unsafe Until Regulated
The federal government will implement safety protocols for the popular new personal mobility device known as hoverboards. Hoverboards are deemed officially unsafe until the industry complies with the new regulations.
Sunday Service: New York Considers Church Parking Lots for Affordable Housing
The de Blasio Administration is getting creative in looking for sites to develop affordable housing. One potential idea: church parking lots.
Pricetag for LaGuardia Overhaul Gaining Altitude: Now $4.2 Billion
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is considering a proposal to replace LaGuardia Airport's Central Terminal Building.
A Call for a New Design Advocacy Platform
Looking for a greater awareness of social responsibility, the founder and editor-in-chief of The Architect's Newspaper calls for a new organization tasked with advocacy in New York City.
Boulder and Denver Faced With Steady Loss of Affordable Housing
Boulder is a poster child for the housing crisis, according to The Denver Post.
Detroit Announces New Program to Jumpstart Mortgages
Low property values continue to stunt the comeback of Detroit—so the city and a group of banks have created a program to guarantee 1,000 mortgages in the city.
Tinkering With Seattle's Microhousing Rules Continues
A local writer evaluates the results of a 2014 ordinance that updated regulations regarding the development of microhousing. The Seattle City Council could once again revisit the regulations as part of the city's HALA process.
Auto Repairs From Potholes Got You Down? You Are Not Alone
A new report from the AAA indicates that American motorists encounter damage from potholes three times a year, with each incident costing an average $300 to repair. Middle and working class drivers feel the pinch disproportionately.
Advocates and Planners Debate the Oregon DOT's Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
Public comment closed earlier this week on the Oregon Department of Transportation's (ODOT) draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The plan has a ways to go before advocates, elected officials, and planners are on the same page.
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.
