The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Close-up of yellow pedestrian crossing signal button with text "Push button for accessible signal" and diagram of person holding cane, indicating blindness.

New Guidelines Bring Clarity to Accessibility Requirements

The new rules could help bridge the gaps in accessibility infrastructure and ADA compliance, making roads and sidewalks safer for everyone.

September 21 - Strong Towns

Google street view of back of brick building housing bar in Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville Opens First Permanent Parklet

The city recently created a parklet permit process designed to help local businesses replace street parking with interactive public spaces.

September 21 - Nashville Tennessean

Fast paced scene with people bike and cars at the busy intersection of 14th Street and 5th Avenue in New York City.

When it Comes to Transportation, It’s All About Options

Debunking the notion of the personal automobile as liberator.

September 21 - Strong Towns

Mosaic mural at Little Tokyo/Arts District transit station in downtown Los Angeles.

Prioritizing Equity in Federal Transit Funding

TransitCenter recommends several transit capital projects deserving of federal transportation dollars.

September 20 - TransitCenter

Close-up of top of California state capitol dome with U.S. and California flags flying and blue sky in background.

California Housing Bills Streamline Affordable Housing

A series of current and proposed bills are paving the way for more affordable housing production in the state, where environmental laws are often deployed to delay or block new development.

September 20 - CALmatters


Main Street in Bentonville, Arkansas with three-story brick buildings, people sitting at tables on sidewalk, and sign on building for "The Walmart Museum."

Growing Pains in Northwest Arkansas

Like other small communities suddenly made popular during the Covid-19 pandemic, the region is struggling to maange its explosive growth.

September 20 - Axios

High voltage power line towers sillhouetted against colorful sunset sky.

Utilities Spending Less on Energy Efficiency Despite Higher Fuel Prices

A survey of major utilities reveals a link between states with strict efficiency standards and incentive programs and efforts to improve efficiency on the part of utilities.

September 20 - Governing


Historic streetcar in middle of street in downtown New Orleans, Louisiana with palm trees and historic lampposts lining the street.

New Orleans Uses AI To Improve Traffic Safety

A new platform uses technology to improve traffic flow and reduce the risk of collisions with streetcars.

September 20 - Biz New Orleans

Man in orange jacket wearing surgical mask and bike helmet looks at phone while wearing delivery backpack and holding bicycle

How Long Covid Changes the Transportation Conversation

People living with long Covid symptoms can find themselves unable to make the same mobility choices they used to.

September 20 - Streetsblog USA

Aerial gondola car in the air overlooking the city of Medellin, Colombia.

BLOG POST

Harnessing Data for Community Development

Using data and insights encourages the development of a community, offering an evidence-based strategy to directly address the needs within.

September 20 - Devin Partida

Close-up of road map showing Wilson, North Carolina

North Carolina Town Swaps Fixed-Route Buses for On-Demand Microtransit

The community of Wilson is testing the efficiency of using a publicly subsidized on-demand van service in lieu of traditional buses.

September 20 - SourceOne

View of Interstate 205 bridge over Columbia River with Mt. Hood in background.

The Unceremonious Death of a Freeway Expansion Project

The end of an Oregon freeway project didn't get much fanfare, but the victory is worth celebrating.

September 19 - Streetsblog USA

A hot springs in a low-lying desert area, with mountains in the distant background.

Blockchains Inc Wanted a Massive ‘Smart City’ in Nevada but Couldn’t Muster the Water Rights

California Forever isn’t the only tech-investor-driven mega-project to make news in recent weeks. Blockchains Inc had designs on remaking a massive swath of land near Reno until water got in the way.

September 19 - The Nevada Independent

African-American parents push stroller down residential neighborhood sidewalk as young child rides scooter in front of them.

Appreciating the Spaces That Connect Us

Often overlooked, liminal spaces like front porches and sidewalks can boost social connections.

September 19 - CNU Public Square

Google Maps street view of historic red brick school building in CHicago, Illinois

Historic Chicago School Building to Become Affordable Housing

The adaptive reuse project will create 50 income-restricted housing units and community amenities.

September 19 - Block Club Chicago

Red light rail train at outdoor platform in downtown Houston, Texas

Houston Metro Adds Shuttle Buses, Trains for Beyoncé Concert

Transit surges during major concerts and sporting events are becoming a trend, prompting cities to add specialized transit service to handle extra crowds.

September 19 - Houston Chronicle

Lake in city park with ducks in foreground and city skyline across the lake in the background.

The Resiliency of Urban Wildlife

A wide-ranging research study highlights the various qualities that make animal species living in urban environments thrive—and how biodiversity improves the health of our cities.

September 19 - Wired

Black e-bike with red food delivery bags locked at bike rack on New York City street.

New York Launches Nation’s First Micromobility Trade-In Program

The program addresses safety concerns about e-bikes and e-scooters by letting residents trade in non-UL compliant devices.

September 19 - Smart Cities Dive

A derelict sign on a barbed wire fence reads “Golf Course, Private, No Admittance.”

Converting Golf Courses to Housing Never as Easy as the Market Would Like

Thousands of golf courses have closed in recent years, but the obvious redevelopment opportunity represented by many defunct courses isn’t always easy to realize.

September 19 - The Business Journals

View of downtown Seattle with Space Needle and mountains in background

Transportation Impact Fee Proposal Resurfaces in Seattle

Charging developers for improving local infrastructure impacted by their projects could boost transportation revenue, but permit applications in the city are slowing down.

September 18 - The Urbanist

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An annual review of books related to planning.

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The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

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The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

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A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.

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.