The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
How Little Do Americans Walk?
Despite the high cost of car ownership, Americans walk less than almost any other nation, even for short trips that could be done on foot.
St. Paul To Consider ‘Missing Middle’ Upzoning
Facing an affordability crisis, the city will weigh zoning changes that would permit duplexes and other multifamily housing types in single-family neighborhoods.
Tracking Mobility in New York City
A new program uses sensors to detect how people move and using which modes, but road safety advocates argue the city already knows how to make streets safer for vulnerable users.
Montana Passes Sweeping Legislative Package to Rescind ‘California-Style-Zoning’
The Montana State Legislature recently approved a package of zoning reform bills modeled closely on bills approved in West Coast states, including the state of California, in recent years.
Public Lands Rule Would Center Conservation
After decades of protecting extractive interests, federal law could reverse course and put conservation on par with other uses.
Maryland Moving Forward with Inter-State Partnerships for ‘Run-Through’ Rail Service
The great unification of D.C.-region rail transit is well underway, thanks to recent agreements between transit planners in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.
BLOG POST
The Myth of Local Control
One common argument against statewide zoning reform is that local control of zoning is a venerable democratic norm. But in fact, state government often controls local land use in a variety of ways.
$14 Billion in Federal Transit Funding Announced
The annual formula funding grants support transit facilities and maintenance, electrification and equipment upgrades, and expansion of service.
Philadelphia Mayor Hopefuls Want More Affordable Housing on Vacant Lots
Many of the candidates agree that a slow, complex sales process and strong councilmanic prerogative hinder the development of city-owned lots.
Why Infrastructure Costs So Much
A new book details what planners already know: cost estimates for major infrastructure projects are usually a farce. Another book foretells just how much new infrastructure will be needed in the coming waves of climate migration.
D.C. Metro Sets ‘Lofty Goals,’ but Admits It Can’t Follow Through
The bus network redesign set to be unveiled next week is ambitious, but the agency says it doesn’t have the resources to implement it.
Driverless Cars Blocking Buses, Traffic in San Francisco
Footage from buses and trains show self-driving cars from Waymo and Cruise frequently make unscheduled stops, blocking transit vehicles and causing traffic snarls.
Freeway Removal Projects Gain Momentum
Thanks to decades of activism and newly available federal funding, state and local governments are starting to understand the negative impacts of highway construction and working to reverse the effects on cities around the nation.
How California’s Newest Housing Laws Could Affect Housing Production
While it’s too soon to assess the full effects of recently passed legislation on housing production in the state, planners and housing advocates express cautious optimism that the new laws could help alleviate the state’s housing shortage.
How the Discount Rate Impacts Future Generations
A wonky policy tool can have significant effects on how public and private money is spent.
Kansas City Requests State Funding for Freeway Cap Park
The city has been working to raise $200 million to create a 5.5 acre park spanning a portion of Interstate 670.
Study: Renters, Women, Minorities Underrepresented in Land Use Decisions
The membership of decisionmaking bodies such as planning commissions rarely reflects the socioeconomic, gender, and racial characteristics of the local community.
USDOT Federal Grant Program Will Fund Wildlife Crossings
The funding will support projects that reduce the risk of vehicle-wildlife collisions and improve habitat connectivity.
New York Cyclist Deaths Spike, Worrying Bike Advocates
The number of people killed on bikes in the city has already surpassed 2018’s total for the entire year.
‘Missing Middle Housing’ Bill Passes in Washington Senate
The legislation would permit duplexes and, in some cases, fourplexes in residential areas in most Washington towns.
Tyler Technologies
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
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.
