The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Portland ‘BRT Light’ Line Shows Promise
Despite not having fully dedicated bus lanes, Portland’s new ‘light’ bus rapid transit line is significantly reducing travel times.
How Sun Belt Cities are Improving Road Safety
Often car-centric, these cities in the South and West are working to make their roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders.
The Trouble With Transit Funding
The roots of the current U.S. transit crisis go deeper than the Covid-19 pandemic.
How Cities Can Support Urban Gardeners
Urban agriculture can provide green spaces, fresh food, and healthy activities, but urban gardeners and foragers face many obstacles.
Less Than Half of Head Start Centers Near Transit
Just 42 percent of the nation’s Head Start early education centers are within walkable distance for parents with toddlers.
Why Chicago Doesn’t Own its Parking Meters
More than a decade ago, the city sold control of its curb parking to private investors.
Norway’s EV Boom Could Entrench Car Dependency
The Scandinavian country is a pioneer when it comes to EV adoption, but there are downsides.
Parking Reform Pays Off With Lower Rent Costs
Research continues to show that adjusting parking requirements to align with demand can lower the cost of housing.
Advocates Urge Caution as Microtransit Expands
On-demand microtransit is gaining popularity with transit agencies, but is it at the expense of existing service?
Opinion: Voters Deserve to See the Draft ‘One Seattle’ Plan
Despite a promise to release a draft comprehensive plan update in April and with elections in less than a week, Seattle residents are still waiting to see the city’s proposal for how to guide development in the next decades.
Converting a Freeway Lane to a Toll Lane: No Easy Task!
The San Mateo County Transportation Authority wants to extend its new express toll lanes north to the San Francisco border. The two build options are widening Highway 101 or converting an existing lane in each direction. One is essentially illegal.
In Praise of the Endangered ‘Third Space’
The public spaces where people can spend time among strangers without buying something are crucial to healthy cities—and are quickly disappearing.
How Urban Design Impacts Public Health
With more and more people living in cities, designing equitably healthy urban spaces becomes a key question for policymakers.
The Life and Death of American Dams
Many of the nation’s largest dam projects are reaching the end of their useful lives, helped along by nature.
More Cities are Shifting to Demand-Based Curb Parking
Largely used for free car parking, urban curb space is becoming a more precious commodity.
Sydney Could Automate Traffic Lights to Prioritize Buses
The proposal is part of the government’s bid to increase transit ridership and make bus service faster and more reliable.
State Trust Lands Offer Opportunity for Affordable Housing
Western states that hold millions of acres in land trusts are working to turn some of them into affordable housing.
Regional Government Reform on the Ballot in Houston
If Proposition B passes, Houston and other populous areas could gain more voting power in the region’s metropolitan planning organization.
Seattle Needs More Railcars
Sound Transit needs more cars to accommodate its ridership, particularly during special events and peak times.
A Look at San Antonio’s Upcoming Rapid Bus Line
A new bus line will bring some of the benefits of bus rapid transit, connecting the city’s airport and downtown.
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.
