The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Controversial Blight Ordinance in Gilbert, Arizona, Zeroes in on Backyards
Local officials in Gilbert, Arizona, say a new town ordinance that will fine homeowners for unsightly debris in their backyards is about fighting blight; critics say it’s a violation of their Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable search and seizure.
Louisville Creates its First Municipal DOT
The new department will be tasked with speeding up transportation and infrastructure projects.
Chicago Transit Leaders Oppose Merger Legislation, Pleading for More Funding
Ahead of a multi-million dollar fiscal cliff in 2026, CTA, Metra, and Pace pushed back on a potential merger at the first of several hearings to determine their futures in the wake of decreased ridership.
New York State Climate Plan Stalls
Of 35 recommendations presented in the state’s climate scoping plan, just one has been implemented so far.
BLOG POST
Playing With Numbers, Even for Environmental Justice, Isn't Justified
Environmental justice is an important issue, but does not justify playing with the numbers. But that's exactly what I found in a new study of the impacts of warehouses in New Jersey done by the Environmental Defense Foundation.
Seattle Law Eases Office Conversions
Despite city and state incentives, officials expect the program will result in a modest number of new housing units.
Long Beach Has Installed Nearly 100 Traffic Circles
They range from large traffic circles that reduce congestion to small neighborhood roundabouts designed to slow local traffic.
Chicago Tenants’ Union Distributes AC Units to Low-Income Renters
The group wants to draw attention to the dangers of extreme heat and encourage tenants to organize to demand improved conditions.
Invasive Beetles Put Oregon Forests at Risk
Two recently discovered borer beetles could lead to a significant loss of tree canopy.
FEMA Rule Calls for Updated Flood Modeling
Agency-funded projects will be required to be elevated at least 2 feet above the projected local flood level.
When Bathroom Access Restricts Mobility
For parents of young children, people with mobility equipment, and others, a lack of accessible public restrooms can mean limited outings.
Cincinnati ADU Legalization Slow to Catch On
Only four permits have been filed since the city made ‘granny flats’ legal last year.
Pittsburgh Nonprofit Awarded $200K for Urban Trees
The USDA grant is focused on providing disease-resistant fruit trees to local residents.
LA County Summer Youth Employment Program Empowering Thousands With Career Opportunities
The Youth@Work program offers up to 10,000 paid work opportunities to marginalized and underserved youth aged 14 to 24, providing them with valuable job training, skills development, and mentorship.
USDOT Unveils Strategies to Achieve Near-Zero Transportation Emissions
Three key strategies — reducing travel distances, increasing energy-efficient travel modes, and transitioning to zero-emission vehicles and fuels — are recommended to meet national climate goals under the Paris Agreement.
$127 Million Allocated to Clean Up Orphaned Wells in Five States
The funding will be used to plug orphaned oil and gas wells, addressing environmental hazards, creating jobs, and advancing environmental justice as part of a larger effort funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
California Secures $16.2 Million HUD Grant for Affordable Housing
The funding will be used to develop affordable housing, reduce regulatory barriers, and address systemic racism in land use policies.
Houston Could Face Stronger Storms. Is the City Prepared?
Experts say Hurricane Beryl, which landed as a category 1, revealed that the city’s infrastructure may not successfully withstand stronger storms.
Using AI to Model Climate Impacts
A German research team used AI to understand how thermal stress will impact urban infrastructure down to the street level.
Fixing the Notorious ‘Stroad’
Why roadways that try to serve everyone can be some of the most dangerous.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State 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.
