The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Glasgow's High Mortality Rate and a History of Poor Planning
Decades of poor urban planning and policy decisions have contributed to "the Glasgow Effect," which has seen higher rates of mortality for Glaswegians compared to similar de-industrialized cities.

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Are Garden Cities Sustainable?
The Garden City concept has a long and honorable pedigree within urban planning. Analysis of Sterling Ranch, a master-planned community outside of Denver, Colorado highlights some important issues around social and environmental sustainability.
Housing Initiatives to Appear on Northern and Southern California Ballots in November
Last week the Los Angeles City Council and Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved housing initiatives. "Build Better LA" requires large developments to have affordable units. Silicon Valley voters will vote on a $950 million housing bond.

Disneyland Wants a $200 Million Tax Break for a New Hotel
Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait says there is no legitimate reason to give Disney the tax break.

Legislation Advanced to Release State Funding for Caltrain Electrification
As a result of a critical lawsuit that California high-speed rail opponents lost last March, a bill to release $1.1 billion in 2008 bond funds has been advanced to fund high-speed rail 'bookend' projects, particularly Caltrain electrification.
Cleveland's Renovated Public Square Opening June 30
The $50 million renovation of Cleveland's Public Square, designed by James Corner Field Operations, will open in time for the Republican National Convention.

Who Does Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s New Funding Plan Leave Out?
If the Metro Board passes the proposed $40 billion expenditure plan, millions of Los Angeles residents will still not have access to good public transit for decades.

The Rise of the Smart City
It seems like behind every corner is a smart city waiting to happen. WNYC investigates.

Lessons for Urban Planning in 2016—From SimCity 2000
A tech writer had a chance to revisit SimCity 2000 after years away from the game for contemporary lessons in planning.

Preparing for Automated Vehicles: Recommendations From NACTO
The National Association of City Transportation Officials has spoken out on the ned to begin preparing for a future of automated vehicles.
Mayor Proposes Ambitious Housing Plan for Newton, Massachusetts
Mayor Setti Warren has a vision for his city that includes the opportunities that brought his parents to live in the city. That means more housing, affordable to various levels of income.

Landlords Who Evicted Tenants to Make Space for Airbnb Get Their Day in Court
More than 20,000 rent-controlled units have left the market in Los Angeles since 2001—a problem exacerbated by options for short-term rentals. Now the City Attorney's Office is fighting back.

Rezoning Proposed for Seattle's University District
Intended to make the most of a planned light rail station, the city of Seattle has proposed a zoning overhaul for the University District.
Lucas Museum Will Have to Find a City Far, Far Away From Chicago
The controversy over whether to located the Lucas Museum Site at a lakefront property in Chicago is no longer ongoing.

Denver Planning Department Hiring to Keep Up With Permit Backlog
As Denver's development industry achieves post-recession levels of activity, the city's Department of Community Planning and Development needs staff for pre-recession levels of capacity.

California Road Charge Pilot Launches July 1; Gas Tax Increase Still Needed
Two notable transportation developments occur in California on July 1. First, a pilot road charge program begins—5,000 motorists will be charged by the mile driven. Second, the gas tax drops by 2.2 cents. An analysis by ITEP looks at both.

Friday Funny: Watch These New Yorkers Just Miss Their Train
Ok, some are going to catch the train, too. You just never know when it's your lucky day.

Building a Thriving Economy in Downtown L.A.’s Historic Fashion District
As Downtown L.A. sees an impressive renaissance, learn how the Fashion District in L.A. spurred growth through piloting the first-ever "Business Improvement District" program.

Mapping The Movement of *Some* Millennials
The in-migration of Millennials is largely driving the changes that American cities are going through. More specifically, it is the ones with college degrees who are driving the change. Where are they moving, and what is their effect?

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The Well Has Run Dry: Redevelopment in Vallejo, CA Without Tax Increment Financing
A case study of Vallejo shows how the city is continuing revitalization efforts without the powerful tools provided by its former redevelopment agency.
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City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
New York City School Construction Authority
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
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.