The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
How Urban Ugliness Increases Stress
The definition of blight may be in the eye of the beholder, but it may also be subconscious. Broken windows, abandoned buildings, and weed-filled yards may actually create stress and degrade health, according to a small study out of Philadelphia.
Making a Place for Cities in International Climate Change Negotiations
Secretary of State John Kerry recently began a two-year term as the chair of the Acrtic Council. He used the occasion to make a call for a stronger role for cities in international efforts to fight climate change.
Leadership Change at CicLAvia to Target Goal of More Frequent Events
Aaron Paley, the founder of CicLAvia in Los Angeles, announces a change in leadership and describes the future of the game-changing event—a good read for anyone interested in open-streets, cultural events, and urban quality of life.
Hoopla for Launch of Philadelphia's 'Indego' Bikeshare System
Philadelphia media was on hand to cover the launch of the Indego bikeshare system on April 23, 2015.
Will Expenses in Coastal Cities Lead to Northeast Ohio's Resurgence?
Joel Kotkin recently waded into the conversation about that it will take to return Legacy Cities into the prosperity of former years.
BLOG POST
Trends from the APA 2015 Conference
Every year we analyze all of the tweets from the APA Conference and tell you about the trends in planning. With 2,884 people tweeting from the APA Conference, there is a lot of great ideas, links, and pictures that we can all learn from.
Minneapolis Getting Bike Friendlier
The city of Minneapolis will add 30 miles of protected bike lanes to its city, especially around Downtown.
Income Tax Cut Fuels South Carolina Gas Tax Debate
The nation's third lowest gas tax will likely see a 10-cent gas tax hike—with or without Gov. Nikki Haley's signature, who insists on a larger income tax reduction than in the bill that overwhelmingly passed the House and is now in the Senate.
The Rise of the Fifth Borough
With real estate prices rising in the other boroughs, Staten Island is starting to look more like Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Extensive retail and residential developments are underway in what has always been New York City's suburban borough.
'Heart of the Community' Program Awards Placemaking Grants
Southwest Airlines and the project for Public Spaces continue their partnership on the Heart of the Community program, awarding placemaking grants to six cities around the country.
Public Space and Placemaking—Emphasis on the Public
The Salk is an exceptional world-class space, and it is accessible, but it is not a public space, writes urban designer Howard Blackson, III.
MoMA Exhibit Explores Latin American Architecture
A new exhibit at MoMA celebrates the "fitfully idealistic" architecture of Latin America, 1955 through 1980. Broad in scope, the exhibition ranges from Brasília's bold utopianism to the community-focused tactics of Bo Bardi.
U.S. DOT Will Allow and Encourage Local Hiring
The U.S. Department of Transportation has changed its rules in favor of local hiring: a pilot program will even encourage it. Minorities traditionally barred from high-paying construction work stand to benefit.
Oregon Moves to Lift Inclusionary Zoning Ban
By a vote split (nearly) down the party line, the Oregon House passed a bill to end state restrictions on inclusionary zoning. Municipalities may soon be able to require below-market pricing.
Report: Complete Streets Deliver More Than Just Good Vibes
Better safety and multimodal ease are not the only benefits offered by complete streets. According to this report, on the average they pay for themselves and then some.
TxDOT Planning Realignment of Interstate 45 in Downtown Houston
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is currently planning a significant realignment of I-45, which runs downtown. The plan could remove an elevated portion of the highway known as Pierce Elevated.
Preservation Task Force Hits a Wall in Dallas City Council
Big questions remain about how Dallas will address preservation controversies in the future. Meanwhile the past hangs in the balance.
New App Alerts Drivers Before Traffic Lights Turn Green
A suburban city in the East Bay Area will allow commuters to use a new app that links their smartphones to traffic lights.
Idaho Surprise: Gas Tax Hike Signed Into Law
The legislature passed the seven-cent increase on April 11, the final day of the legislative session. Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter signed the bill on April 21, also increasing registration fees by $21. On April 1, the bill had been considered dead.
Survey: Number of 'Totally Sedentary' Americans Increases
A survey finds that increasing numbers of Americans did not participate in any physical activities in the last year. At least one feature of the build environment—access to school gyms—is blamed.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
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.
