The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Another Defeat for Statewide Zoning Reform in California
Another year, another defeat for sweeping changes to the status quo of single-family zoning in the state of California. SB 1120 would have allowed duplexes in areas previously zoned for detached single family zoning.
Eviction is Not the Answer
The Eviction Lab at Princeton University is using data to tell the story of thousands of tenant evictions. Matthew Desmond, the Lab's director, shares stories of tenants and insights about the compounding danger of mass evictions and COVID-19.
Micro-Units Considered as Affordable Housing Option
Long Beach, California is the latest city to consider small residential units, 350 square feet and smaller, as one way to combat the rising cost of housing.
Gas Tax to Climb More Than 9 Cents a Gallon in New Jersey
A 2016 law that locked in a specific amount of gas tax revenue for project funding every year has required a boost in the tax rate in New Jersey as drivers leave their car at home during the pandemic.
A Development Bonanza in Philadelphia
The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the real estate interests with designs on remaking the Penn's Landing site on the Delaware River in Philadelphia. But the team's vision for the waterfront reaches far beyond a single parcel.
The Outdated Models That Continue to Guide Transportation Planning
Transportation demand models offer predictions that are used to make important decisions, but their accuracy is questionable. The real issue, however, might be about the goals of planning and how urban life and livability are quantified.
'The City' Documents Formative Planning Advocacy on Film
Streaming on YouTube, the 1939 film "The City" is a powerful cinematic account of advocating for planned communities.
Wildfire Smoke Affecting Communities Across the Country
Wildfires in California and Colorado are spewing out smoke that is traveling to other parts of the country. The health effects of the dirty air are substantial, and they could last long after the fires are out.
Cincinnati Program Helps Renters With Security Deposits
For low-income renters, security deposits can be a hurdle they cannot overcome. Cincinnati's “renters’ choice” program aims to help with that challenge by providing alternatives to traditional security deposits.
Addressing Equity by Strategically Planting Millions of Trees
As part of the Trillion Trees Initiative, cities across the country are pledging to plant trees and restore urban forests to fight climate change and cool off disadvantaged communities.
Imagining Alternatives to an Enlarged I-90 Viaduct in Boston
Massachusetts Department of Transportation plans to heighten and widen the Allston section of I-90 viaduct do not align with the community's desire for an environmentally friendly and pedestrian- and cycling-oriented new solution.
California Unions Voice Strong Opposition to Housing Bills
Trades groups demanded provisions in housing bills that ultimately will stymie the construction of much-needed affordable housing in the state.
Affordable Housing Bond Sale Proposal Under Review in Atlanta
A new proposal could lead to legislation that sweeps $100 million into Atlanta's housing market to build affordable housing and purchase key land for future development.
How Urban Form Created Classic Rock
A great many factors converged to create the culture and music of the 1960s. A powerful, but often overlooked, factor was the Los Angeles neighborhood of Laurel Canyon. A new documentary provides a case study in urban creativity.
Census Undercount Will Have Long-Lasting Repercussions
An undercount is likely this year, particularly in communities that are traditionally underrepresented. As a result, cities will not have access to crucial federal funds over the next decade.
What Trump Gets Wrong About America’s Suburbs
The Trump administration’s talk about protecting the suburbs is based on misrepresentations of who really lives in suburbs and what these communities need.
Are Delivery Robots on Their Way to a Neighborhood Near You?
Amazon and FedEx are developing bots that would travel on city streets and sidewalks. The companies are also working behind the scenes on legislative efforts that would help them deploy the technology in the future.
College Campuses Offer Opportunity to Demonstrate COVID Containment Strategies
As college students return for the fall semester, college towns are rightfully concerned about an influx of COVID cases, yet self-contained campuses have the potential to succeed where local and state governments may have failed.
Owners and Renters of Manufactured Homes Lack Assistance During the Pandemic
Millions of people who live in manufactured homes were already vulnerable. The pandemic has made their housing situations even more precarious.
Critics Say Boston Tree Removal Plan Reflects Environmental Racism
A road project in Boston involves removing hundreds of mature trees. Residents say the plan is an environmental justice issue.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
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.
