The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

BLOG POST
Cities Are Back (At Least They Were Before COVID)
The 2020 Census results show that central cities were gaining population to a much greater extent than earlier Census estimates had suggested.

The Long Road to Portland's Historic Residential Infill Project
How the journey of one zoning reform campaign can inform future efforts.

BLOG POST
Take the A Train: A Musical Inspiration for Planners
"Take the A Train" is a beautiful celebration of rail transit, urban sophistication, and the Harlem Renaissance all packed into the most danceable 2:54 minutes of musical teamwork ever recorded on a 78 disk. It's my inspiration for great planning!

How Can NYC Keep its 'Open Streets' Post-Pandemic?
A debate over one Queens 'open street' project illustrates the challenges of maintaining open streets.

Gowanus Racial Impact Study Predicts Increased Diversity After Rezoning
The report outlines the potential impacts on the neighborhood's racial diversity and the availability of below-market housing units.

New Infrastructure Bill Guts Transit, EVs, and Safety Programs
The proposed bill keeps road funding almost intact while cutting funding for electrification, rail, and community development.

Why It's So Difficult to Measure Heat Deaths
Without a standard for recording and classifying heat-related deaths, experts believe the scale of the problem is much bigger than numbers let on.

Post-Pandemic Traffic: Easier Morning Commutes, Heading for Afternoon 'Peak Spreading'
The Boston Globe recently published an analysis of Boston-area traffic through the pandemic, finding that congestion is finally recovering to pre-pandemic levels, but in new patterns.

NYC Expats Struggle With Their Decision to Leave
Strong place attachment makes it difficult for New Yorkers to settle into their new homes, but many are finding ways to recreate their favorite parts of the city elsewhere.

Can Portland's Bike Boom Outlast the Pandemic?
"Anytime the city does something to dramatically improve streets for people and limit car access...it’s hard to take them back."

Cities in the South and West Keep Sprawling
New suburbs continue to expand into previously undeveloped areas, putting strain on local resources.

How to Maximize the Local Impact of the American Rescue Plan
A new report provides advice and guidance on how cities, with Philadelphia as its example, can make the most of the historic funding opportunities made available by the American Rescue Plan approved by Congress earlier this year.

One Pandemic Real Estate Bet: Condos for Cars
The possibility of many more urban dwellers driving than ever before, even in transit-rich locations like New York City, is still very real.

Former San Diego Mayor Leaves Pro-Development Politics Behind for Recall Race
While Mayor of San Diego, Republican Kevin Faulconer made a name for himself as a prominently YIMBY politician. He's abandoned those views now that he's running for Gov. Gavin Newsom's spot in the state's recall race.
New Mobilities: Smart Planning for Emerging Transportation Technologies
A recent Eno Foundation webinar critically evaluated the benefits, costs, and equity impacts of 12 emerging transportation modes and services. It's a timely and fun discussion. The video and slideshow are available for free.

Vaccinated Californians Estimated to Account for 20% of Current COVID Infections
State and national health authorities are unusually tight-lipped when it comes to so-called vaccine breakthrough infections, so one Bay Area newspaper editorial page editor did the math himself.

Quality Bike Infrastructure Saved Lives During the Pandemic, Study Says
Evidence from Arlington, Virginia.

Looking Beyond the 'Sidewalk Ballet:' Jane Jacobs in the 21st Century
While The Death and Life of Great American Cities remains an urban planning classic, today's planners must contend with challenges that Jacobs couldn't have anticipated.

How Virginia Communities Are Encouraging 'Missing Middle Housing'
Local leaders hope that streamlining permit processes and eliminating restrictive zoning regulations will set the groundwork for increased production of small and mid-sized multi-family housing.

D.C.'s Flexible Rent Subsidy Helps Families Avoid Homelessness
The program gives households a rent subsidy that can be used flexibly over time, making it a valuable tool for workers with fluctuating incomes.
Pagination
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
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.