The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Is there a Right Way to Measure Bad Driving?
There isn't one way to measure how badly groups of people (like, say, residents of New Jersey) drive, but there is plenty of data available about how driving often goes terribly wrong.
Cars Still Essential for Economic Opportunity
Recent data shows that workers need cars to access jobs and economic opportunity. What can planners do to expand access to jobs via other alternative modes of transportation?
Bikeshare's Income Disparity Problem
A new report sheds light on the income gap in the use of bikeshare systems around the world.
$3.2 Million Bid for 6,000 Foreclosed Properties in Detroit Auction
Karin Weise reports that an anonymous bidder will pay $3.2 million to purchase 6,000 foreclose homes in Detroit.
3.3 Million Electric Cars Expected by 2025
Electric cars are expected to play a key role in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions caused by the country's transportation system. Recent trends around the country indicate increasing adoption of the technology.
Miami Considers Ending Parking Minimums on Transit Corridors
Notoriously car dependent Miami will consider a zoning code amendment exempting small multi-family developments within a quarter mile of transit corridors from parking minimums.
Tolls vs Taxes and the State of the American Highway
Making up only seven percent of U.S. interstate miles, the future of toll roads is bright according to Brooking's Robert Puentes and Diane Rehm's other guests in a 52-minute, wide ranging discussion on gas taxes, toll roads, and privatization.
FEATURE
Q&A: A Career at the Cutting Edge of Long Range Planning
The following interview, as published in the 4th Edition of the Planetizen Guide to Graduate Urban Planning Programs, features Peter Park, owner of Peter J Park, LLC and an instructor at the University of Colorado-Denver and Harvard University.
The Best Sentences of the Week (Volume 3)
By no means authoritative or comprehensive, here's a collection of noteworthy phrases, paragraphs, commentaries, observations, and more from the recent week in the planning and urbanism discussion.
Bike, Pedestrian Toll on Golden Gate Bridge Survives First Vote
The concept of tolling sidewalk access to the Golden Gate Bridge squeaked by on a 10-9 vote on Oct. 24. The GGB Transportation and Highway District wants to consider the toll as a potential contributor to reducing the $33 million, five-year deficit.
D.C. Officials Dramatically Scale Back Streetcar System
In a recent move, officials from Mayor Vincent C. Gray's administration shortened DC's streetcar system to a much-shorter eight miles.
Bloomberg Editors Propose a 'Flexible' Federal Gas Tax
Bloomberg's editors ask rhetorically, with gas prices falling due to crashing oil prices, will the federal government raise the gas tax to fund badly needed road infrastructure? They suggest tying the gas tax to oil prices in reverse direction.
Majority of Americans Favor Funding for Transit Over Funding for Roads
In a poll conducted by ABC News and the Washington Post, Americans were found to prefer allocating transportation funding towards transit expansion rather than road widening.
Special Delivery: U.S. Postal Service and Groceries
The Postal Regulatory Commission approved of a two-year trial allowing the United States Postal Service to deliver groceries to homes in the morning.
'I Quant NY' Brings Data Journalism to the People
Ben Wellington teaches a statistics course based on NYC Open Data at the Pratt Institute’s City & Regional Planning program, and is the founder of the quirky data blog "I Quant NY."
Recalling Our Basic Pride of Place
In the fifth of his "place-decoding" series from France, Chuck Wolfe recalls how we carry with us the ability to mine pride from place, even in places that are, perhaps, least expected to shine.
Portland's Planning Challenge: Better Jobs-Housing Balance
The Oregonian editorial board writes an op-ed that sums up Portland's many perks as well as the challenges. At the heart of the op-ed's concerns: how to bring jobs closer to where people live (and vice versa).
Op-Ed: End the Pejorative Use of 'NIMBY'
Harvard University professor Naomi Oreskes writes a defense of NIMBYism, asking that we rethink he use of the term by considering the community-protecting motives of many NIMBYs.
Researchers Pushing for Even Bigger Chinese Cities
Research suggests China’s current urbanization policy forgoes $2 trillion in growth over the next ten years. That is, unless the government funnels even more migrants into major population centers and develops for density.
The Business of Speeding Tickets
Small towns in Georgia, such as Doraville along I-285, are making millions of dollars a year by issuing traffic tickets.
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.
