The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Traversing LA One Bus At A Time
A Wall St. Journal reporter takes a five-day sightseeing trip to Los Angeles, sans rental car. Getting the Getty Villa and Watts Towers were two of the more challenging forays.
TOD Becoming Popular -- And Expensive
HUD-subsidized housing in transit-oriented developments could become more expensive as it ages out and TOD becomes more popular, says a new study by AARP, Reconnecting America and the National Housing Trust.
How Water Affects Renewable Energy
Renewable energy production takes a lot of water. With droughts and shortages plaguing many areas, the limited supply could crimp the ability of renewable energy providers to create green energy.
Are U.S. Winds Slowing Down?
Some recent studies show that the winds are slowing in the U.S., but others say it is speeding up. Regardless, variable winds could have a great impact on the wind power industry.
FEATURE
Creating Neighborhood Capital from Strip Malls
Strip malls are in virtually every American city, but they're rarely an important part of those cities. Ava Bromberg says they can be. Her idea is to turn strip malls into community-owned hubs that generate capital within their neighborhood and keep it there.
The Disconnect Between Architecture and Everyday Use
A new film focuses on the life of a home designed by architect Rem Koolhaas for a client in a wheelchair, which radically redefines domestic living, and the results of the experiment when put to actual use.
Billboards: Problem, or Solution?
In San Francisco, the mid-Market St. area has struggled for decades with blighted conditions. An area property owner thinks that digital billboards could solve the problem, and has put a proposition on the local ballot to get them built.
The Debate Over Metropolitan Planning Organizations
In the midst of an important debate in Washington, DC over the future of America's transportation funding, a report issued this month by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) identified several challenges facing regional transportation policy.
How to Speak Senior Citizen
Elaine Cogan gives these tips for talking about planning issues with senior citizens and getting the most out of them throughout the planning process.
Mapping Climate Change
Climate change is now being visualized in 3D maps on Google Earth.
U.S. Senate Set To Begin Climate Legislation Battle
The Senate will introduce on Sept. 30 its companion bill to the Waxman-Markey climate change legislation that has already passed the House of Representatives. Both bills rely on 'cap & trade' to meet their greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.
A World-Class Waterfront Once Again
San Pedro, a port city near Los Angeles, is looking to boost its image with a 1.2 billion dollar makeover. Plans include a promenade, a cruise terminal, and a vibrant commercial district and could take up to 10 years.
David Byrne (Hearts) Bikes
Musician David Byrne gathered a panel of planners and cyclists for a spirited conversation in San Francisco about the joys of urban cycling.
Attempt to Make Coal Sexy Fails
The Infrastructurist dissects the poor judgement behind GE's recent ads for supposed clean coal technology that feature scantily clad models posed as coal miners (offending video included).
World Cup Bus System Causes Conflict in Cape Town
Taxi and minibus drivers in Cape Town are concerned that a new Integrated Rapid Transport (IRT) system will put them out of work. The city cites lack of regulation, safety concerns, and standardized work hours as reasons the new system is necessary.
"Attached" to Urban Economic Growth
A new study suggests that cities for which residents have a higher degree of emotional attachment and loyalty have greater levels of economic growth.
Dead Malls: Suburban Planning Nightmare or Opportunity?
Failing malls didn’t get into trouble overnight: most began their descent long before the tough climate.
Stockholm's Congestion Pricing Cuts Traffic, Boosts Clean Vehicle Sales
Stockholm's congestion charge is not only reducing traffic and greenhouse gas emissions, it's also increasing sales of alternative fuel vehicles.
NYPD Putting the Brakes on Illegal Bike Rentals
High demand from tourists near Central Park has attracted unlicensed bike rental vendors in NYC. Competition is getting tougher as police crack down on the booming business.
BLOG POST
Rethinking Lower Manhattan: What If?
<p> Since its founding in the mid 1990s, Alliance for Downtown New York has long been one of the world's leading business improvement districts. This non-profit organization has presided over the reinvention of New York's historic Financial District as a thriving 24-hour live/work district, while retaining a respectable share of the city's financial services sector. The Alliance built a network of Wi-Fi hotspots that lit up nearly every major public space in the district - not just outdoor locations like Bowling Green and City Hall Park, but also indoor atria like the Winter Garden and 60 Wall Street.
Municipality of Princeton
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
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.
