The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Report: American Downtowns Safer Than You Think
A Brookings Institution study reveals that crime rates in major cities have risen, but downtown districts account for a negligible part of the growth.
Austin Could Eliminate Parking Minimums for Bars
Proponents of the resolution say the city’s parking mandates encourage drunk driving and drive up construction costs for small businesses.
Audit Finds Colorado DOT Contracting Process Inconsistent
A state audit criticized the agency for taking a haphazard approach to awarding contracts for major projects.
Study: Inequity Surfaces During Water Crises
As the world’s water supply becomes more threatened, the wealthiest people are exacerbating the crisis through non-essential uses while the poor are the first to lose access to water.
FEATURE
Opinion: Surprised by Your Neighborhood’s Walkability Score? Don't Be.
A cautionary tale of using indices.
D.C. Bus Cameras Will Ticket Drivers Blocking Bus Lanes, Bus Stops
The program will mark the first use of automated enforcement to ticket vehicles blocking access to bus stops.
Regional Leaders Call for Expanded Amtrak Service
City leaders and transportation officials met to discuss their wish lists for intercity rail service.
Eviction Protections Expire in Los Angeles County as Evictions Rise Around the U.S.
L.A.’s pandemic-era renter protections are credited with stabilizing homelessness in the region, but they ended at the end of March. Meanwhile, evictions are on the upswing around the country, led by L.A.’s neighbor to the east, Las Vegas.
How Commute Times Impact Office Vacancy
Workplaces that employees can reach more quickly are less likely to have high office vacancy rates, a new analysis finds.
Missoula Aims for Equity With Development Code Updates
The “Our Missoula Development Guide” is getting an update as the Montana deals with the contemporary pressures of population growth and gentrification.
Biden Signs Legislation Ending Covid 19 National Emergency
The Covid 19 national emergency enacted by then-President Donald Trump in March 2020 was officially ended on Monday by President Joe Biden.
When ‘Zero Emission Vehicles’ Aren’t
The growing popularity of large, heavy SUVS—and the energy needed to produce and operate them—could limit the environmental gains made by electric vehicles.
Walmart to Expand EV Charging Facilities to Thousands of U.S. Locations
A private effort will make a major contribution to the domestic capacity for electric vehicles.
Metro Atlanta Cities Weigh Zoning Changes
The southern city’s growth is prompting questions about how to increase the housing supply, maintain affordability, and accommodate new residents.
New York Must Make Almost All Subway Stations Accessible by 2055, Judge Rules
Another recent ruling is forcing the agency to accelerate its efforts to make all New York subway stations accessible to people with disabilities and mobility issues.
Center-Running Bike Lane Pilot Project Approved on Dangerous S.F. Street
A plan to reconfigure Valencia Street between 15th and 23rd streets in San Francisco has been approved despite stiff opposition from community members and bike advocates.
Events on Rural ‘Ranchos’ Cause Zoning Controversy in the Coachella Valley
Large events featuring live music have become popular on Coachella Valley ranchos. Some locals want to create a new land use category to clarify the rules about noise generated from the events.
Montana Legislature Considering Historic Package of Pro-Housing Development Bills
State legislators agree the cost of housing is a growing problem, but there is little consensus on how to boost the supply of affordable housing.
Charlotte Area Transit System Gets an Ultimatum: Fill Staffing Gaps or Cease Operations
The Charlotte Area Transit System must fully staff its Rail Operating Control Center or else. It’s only the latest challenge for the city’s troubled light rail transit system.
25.3-Mile BRT Route Approved for Houston’s University Corridor
The METRORapid University Corridor bus rapid transit route will become the backbone of the Houston Metro system.
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.
