The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

$5.4 Billion Freeway Plan Would Tunnel Under South Pasadena
One of Southern California's most controversial and (some would say) critical projects is on the radar again—the 710 extension through South Pasadena. Transportation officials are working on a tunnel plan, expected for public comment in February.
Denver's 'Healthy Corner Store Initiative' Up and Running
Denver joined cities around the country this summer by targeting its corner stores as potential solutions for its food desert challenges.
Ohio DOT Looking to the Public for Answers
The Ohio Department of Transportation is looking for feedback from the public on how best to expand services to meet growing demand despite an ongoing shortage of funding.

Green Belts Cure Sprawl, Cause Problems
Touted as a solution to mindless suburban expansion, the vast green belts around U.K. cities create new challenges. Among them: less affordable housing, longer commutes, and dubious environmental benefits. What happens if these spaces get developed?

The 'Young and Restless' Choosing to Live in Cities
A report by new think tank City Observatory about where young college graduates are choosing to live inspired plenty of commentary this week.
Two-Year 'Action Plan' to Support Early Implementation of 'moveDC' Long Range Plan
The District Department of Transportation released its moveDC "Action Plan" this week. While the moveDC plan sets a 25-year agenda, the Action Plan identifies 36 specific actions for implementation in the next two years.
Is It OK to Charge Pedestrians and Bicyclists to Cross Toll Bridges?
The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District might charge pedestrians and cyclists using the bridge in a plan to keep the district, which also runs buses and ferries between San Francisco and Marin and Sonoma counties, solvent.
Report: Cities Not Yet out of the Fiscal Woods
A report by the National League of Cities finds that although fiscal conditions are improving for most cities, they have a long way to go to achieve full recovery amid a sluggish economy.

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How Often Do Cities Mandate Smart Growth?
A recent Mercatus Institute paper addresses the frequency of minimum density regulations, maximum parking requirements, and similar regulations.
Following Tragedy—A Call to Fully Fund the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund
Following the murder of a 12-year-old homeless child in Louisville, Beverly Duncan writes an editorial calling for Louisville Metro Council members to fully fund the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
Progress for Cook County's Long Range Transportation Plan; Funding Questions Remain
Chicago's home county this year launched its first transportation since 1940. Initial outreach efforts have produced a draft vision statement and four planning scenarios.
How 'Just Green Enough' Adds the Equity to 'Green'
A Fast Co. Design article explains the "just green enough" concept as advanced by Jennifer Wolch, dean of the College of Environmental Design at the University of California, Berkeley.

The New Traffic Forecast: Modest Growth, then Decline
Clark Williams-Derry shares news of what he calls "far and away the most responsible official traffic forecast I’ve seen from any government agency, ever."
Calling on Urban Designers to Lead the Fight Against Climate Change
Alan G. Brake writes an editorial calling on the architecture and urbanism fields to push even further to reduce carbon emissions by designing (and upgrading) efficient buildings.
Obituary: William J. Ronan, Founder of New York's MTA
One of the most important officials in New York State transportation history died Oct. 15: William J. Ronan, who took on Robert Moses to form the country's largest, most diversified transportation agency, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Attention C-Suite: Place Matters
Mark Murro urges executives to further explore and understand the concept of "return on ecosystem" achieved by locating in particular, well situated places.
Report Collects and Shares Lessons from New York's Land Banks
Practical lessons and best practices will be helpful in empowering land banks to curb the spread of blight, foreclosures, and abandoned properties.
Plans to Close D.C. Homeless Shelter Relies on the Generosity of Landlords
Can a $52 million plan to close the D.C. General emergency shelter rely on the generosity of landlords in providing houses for the homeless?

Intersection Designs that Prioritize Pedestrian Safety
Following the idea that pedestrian safety takes its cues from planners, Rachel Dovey's article on pedestrian safety lists six intersection designs that "actually prioritize pedestrians."
Big Ideas Drive 'planOKC' Effort in Oklahoma City
One of the country's largest cities has been growing quickly and will continue to grow—how is Oklahoma City planning for the future?
Pagination
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
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