The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

The leaked draft of a new report by the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns of the disturbing affect a warming planet will have on food production. The panel's last report had been more sanguine about the impacts.

November 3 - The New York Times

With L.A.'s transit system expanding its footprint and growing its ridership, $100 million in development capital from a national philanthropic organization will help fund projects around stations in the city's underserved communities.

November 3 - The Architect's Newspaper Blog

We've posted stories here about many bike share programs opening up, or being proposed, throughout the U.S. (as well as internationally). Sadly, not all programs succeed or continue, particularly when they are pilots, as is the case in Hoboken, N.J..

November 3 - NJ.com

The Construction Industry Council is launching a Carbon Labelling Scheme for Construction Materials in December 2013, the purpose of which is to communicate verifiable and accurate information on the carbon footprint of construction materials.

November 3 - Future Cities

In an acknowledgement that significant climate change is a real and growing threat (and unlikely to be averted), President Obama will direct federal agencies to make it easier for localities plan for, and adapt to, a warming planet.

November 2 - The New York Times

Analysis by The Wall Street Journal shows that even as other sectors of the economy fight their way back from the Great Recession, municipal finances lag far behind.

November 2 - The Wall Street Journal

Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown has made climate protection a centerpiece of his policy agenda, yet he has also embraced the controversial technology of fracking to tap his state's huge shale oil reserves by signing SB 4. He explains his position here.

November 2 - San Jose Mercury - Science

This week, vacancies opened at the top of transportation departments in America's second and third largest cities. Meanwhile, one of the most influential and well respected transportation leaders may soon be out of a job. Let the courtship begin!

November 2 - Los Angeles Times

With the news this week that Toronto police have in their possession the video that allegedly shows him smoking crack, Mayor Rob Ford has been thoroughly disgraced. Marcus Gee argues the scandal threatens "the success of Canada’s biggest city."

November 2 - The Globe and Mail

Subway conductors, especially in New York, can be a gruff lot. And not without reason: they have a serious and essential job to do in very public, often stressful, conditions. To show their appreciation, two riders devised a way to make them smile.

November 1 - Gawker

The AIA is pushing Congress to establish an AmeriCorps-like program for young architects. With the potential for aiding underserved communities, reducing student loans, and providing recent grads with real-world experience, what's not to like?

November 1 - AIArchitect

To his critics, Mayor Bloomberg's initiatives aimed at decreasing smoking, increasing active lifestyles, and tackling obesity add up to the creation of a "Nanny State". A new article challenges the critics by framing him as a public health pioneer.

November 1 - The Atlantic Cities

A new report published by the Netherlands Environment Assessment Agency and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre sees the slowing growth of global CO2 emissions as an indication that we may be headed towards an eventual emissions decline.

November 1 - BBC News

As migration puts growth pressure on Denmark’s largest city, Copenhagen is promoting the conversion of under-utilized attics into apartments as a way to create new housing while maintaining the city's built form and character.

November 1 - The Copenhagen Post

Jaime De La Vega, the General Manager of L.A.'s Department of Transportation announced his resignation yesterday effective Dec. 1st. During his two years on the job, the department shifted away from an auto-centric focus to embrace alternative modes.

November 1 - Los Angeles Times

Cities and businesses are looking to reduce waste from demolition sites and increase the amount of recycled material used in new developments.

November 1 - Future Cities

Hurricane Sandy served as a wake up call for many cities to the dangers of rising seas and more extreme storms. To prepare for these threats, officials in Boston have proposed zoning rules that would require developers to detail mitigation measures.

November 1 - The Boston Globe

At $100 million, it is the largest of the five bonds on the Nov. 5 ballot. While six other transportation bonds were voted on (and approved) since 2000, the need for this bond comes from a 2011 law that eliminated the indexing of the state gas tax.

November 1 - Portland Press Herald

Ever travel to a foreign country and gaze longingly at their sleek modern rail stock? Pardon my wandering eye, but passenger trains in the U.S. are undeniably ugly. New rules being developed by the FRA could ease the import of foreign beauties.

November 1 - Next City

As localities increasingly pursue public-private partnerships to fund much-needed infrastructure projects, Ryan Holeywell explores the promise and pitfalls of this popular financing arrangement. Are dissenting voices being stifled?

October 31 - Governing