The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Friday Eye Candy: Images of the 20 Most Popular National Parks in the U.S.
There are still a few days left to celebrate National Park Week, which runs from April 18-26.
OneNYC Plan Released in New York
Meet the new plan; it's not like the old plan.
I Million Trek Bikes Recalled in U.S., Canada
Many Trek bikes produced in the past 15 years could be subject to a recall, after three crashes resulted from an open quick release mechanism on the front wheel coming into contact with the disc brake.
A New 'Livability Index' to Help Americans Age in Place
Following on research findings produced a year ago, AARP announced the release of its Livability Index earlier this week at the APA National Planning Conference.
Japan Sets Train Speed Records Twice in a Few Days
Maglev trains owned by Central Japan Railway were clocked traveling at speeds of 603 km/h, less than week after traveling 590 km/h to set a record last set in 2003.
Minnesota Shows Creativity on Transportation Sales Taxes
A transportation sales tax can be a designated state or local sales tax where revenues are used for transportation, or a sales tax applied to fuel sales. A bill in Minnesota would grab sales taxes paid on auto parts, car rentals and leases.
Los Angeles (Temporarily) Bans New McMansions
Concerns about out-of-character construction, much of it oversized, has led the Los Angeles City Council to prohibit construction of additional 'McMansions.' In some areas, all new development will be held up for two years.
Music Clubs in S.F. Fight for Right to Party
Local ordinances typically try to protect residents from excess noise. In San Francisco, though, a city official is proposing policies that would protect the right of musical acts to keep rocking despite the encroachment of new neighbors.
Study: Speeding Drivers More Likely to Ignore Pedestrians in Crosswalks
A new study finds that as travel speed increases, so too does the likelihood that drivers will fail to yield to pedestrians crossing legally with the right-of-way.
The First Transportation Demand Management Program for Public School Teachers
In a program called the first of its kind in the nation, the Arlington County will implement a transportation demand management program for public school employees.
Op-Ed: End the Excuses for Lack of Housing Construction
An op-ed in the Boston Globe argues that the endless negotiations over new residential developments—including over the inclusion of affordable housing units—hurts the city's housing market.
Celebrating APA's 2015 National Planning Awards Recipients
A highlight of the APA's National Planning Conference every year—the presentation of the National Planning Excellence and Achievement Awards.
7 Newly Discovered Facts About the Earth
The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. Since then we've discovered an incredible amount about the Earth in addition to doing the planet an incredible amount of irrevocable harm.
Millennials Really Are Buying Fewer Cars Per Capita
Recent articles in The Atlantic and Bloomberg News claimed that Millennials buy more cars than Generation X, but these failed to account for cohort size. Millennials actually purchase fewer vehicles per capita than previous generations.
Why I'm a Shoupista
Bill Fulton tells the story about how he became a Shoupista—thanks in part to Donald Shoup's love of Hello Dolly!
Amsterdam Public Transit's Big Move to All-Electric
Europe is well known for electric powered trams and trains, but cities still operate diesel buses, just like in the United States. That will change in Amsterdam—all diesel buses will be replaced by battery-electrics by 2025, reports Dutch News.
Not All Preservationists Are NIMBYs
In the quest for density and infill, preservationists often stand beside those who want static cities. But both preservation and density can be ideologies, and thoughtful land use demands a nuanced middle ground.
Why Is Minneapolis Growing Faster Than Chicago?
The data shows Minneapolis recovered from the recession more quickly than Chicago. And its growth rates continue to surpass those of its larger neighbor. Why did this happen, and which policies deserve credit?
Los Angeles May Upgrade Orange Line BRT to Rail
The San Fernando Valley's Orange Line bus rapid transit enjoys solid ridership. For an area of the city especially under-served by trains, investing in light rail might be a viable option.
Philly Pleads with Landlords to Fix Sidewalks
In some cities, maintenance of sidewalks is not the responsibility of the city but of adjacent landowners. Philadelphia is finding what a hassle this arrangement can be. With countless blocks in disrepair, everyone is passing the buck.
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.
