The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

There Goes the Neighborhood: Oh No, Not Burning Man!
Ben Brown unpacks the components of polarization. Recognizing some people are really pissed off for some really good reasons doesn’t seem to help us make better decisions, whether we’re talking about electing a president or planning a park.

In Brooklyn's Navy Yard, a New Manufacturing Incubator
New Lab repurposes a gritty shipbuilding warehouse, giving manufacturing startups the support that software firms get from your typical incubator.

Form Based Codes: Nashville Provides a Model for Charlottesville's Process
As Charlottesville, Virginia considers a new form-based code, the city of Nashville offers explanations and examples of the concept in action.

A Generational Challenge: Ending the Age of the Automobile
An author and educator calls on a new generation of Americans to challenge the status quo and overcome the limitations and impacts of the country's existing infrastructure.

Rent Control Gains Support in Oregon
A recent poll has found growing support for a repeal of the statewide ban on rent control in Oregon.

The Obama Administration Releases a Pro-Development Playbook
A new paper released by the White House offers a toolkit of economic evidence and policy recommendations designed to help cities overcome local opposition to development.

If LEDs Are Bad for Our Health, What Should Cities Do Now?
A report from the American Medical Association says LED lights are bad for our health, inspiring some cities to re-evaluate the technology.
The Battle Against McMansions Continues in Burbank
With a two-year Interim Development Control Ordinance set to expire in March 2017, Burbank, California is working on new design guidelines for single-family homes.

Middle Tennessee Adopts $6 Billion Regional Transit Plan
Middle Tennessee expects 1 million new people to move to the region by 2040. The new nMotion plan, adopted late last week, proposes a regional transit system to accommodate the region's future.

101 Small Actions With Big Effects in Cities
The Curbed team has compiled a laundry list of creative and effective ways for people to give some love to their cities.

How Detroit Beat the Silicon Valley to the Breakthrough Electric Vehicle
It costs less than $40,000 and gets over 200 miles to a charge. The Tesla Model 3? Yes, and also the Chevy Bolt, which goes to market first. A New York Times technology columnist writes that 'size matters' when it comes to innovation.
Pedestrian-Oriented Development Needs More Auto Parking
The new development near University of North Carolina Chapel Hill was called the 'Bicycle Apartments.' Students would bike or walk to campus so a parking reduction was granted. The apartments have been rebranded LUX — now a parking shortage exists.

Corruption Charges Sully Economic Development Scheme in Upstate New York
Though he was elected while promising to clean up corruption in the state government, recent corruption charges are hitting New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's inner circle.

Everything You Wanted to Know but Were Afraid to Ask About Prop. 13
A new report from the California Legislative Analyst's Office demystifies the highly consequential and controversial property tax limit enacted by Proposition 13.

Uber's Demand Curve Is a Breakthrough for Users and Economists
Uber users are getting massive amounts of value from the service, according to a new analysis only possible in the post-transportation network company era.
Bay Area City Rejects Crude-by-Rail Terminal, Could Set Precedent
Crude-by-rail opponents are hoping that Benicia's rejection of a proposed rail terminal for a Valero refinery will set a precedent: it was enabled by a U.S. Surface Transportation Board decision allowing the city to have the final word.

The Huge Cost of Improving Amtrak's Pennsylvanian Even a Little
This is Amtrak between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia: It could cost $13 billion to speed up the tip by 30 minutes, and $16 million to add just one more train.

Memphis Bus Riders Union Scoring Victories
Streetsblog USA has been keeping close tabs on the bus system in Memphis, recently noticing signs of progress from the local transit agency, MATA.

How to Manage Retreat in the Face of Sea-Level Rise and Nuisance Floods
"Strategic retreat" as a response to rising sea levels isn't an easy sell, but a new report endeavors to make the idea more palatable.

Op-Ed: Parking Concerns Can't Outweigh Affordable Housing
Recent development controversies in New York City inspired one writer to set some priorities.
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.