The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Whole Foods to Undergo Unprecedented Downsizing
A symbol of urbanist affluence is getting its first reality check. 2017 has not been kind to brock and mortar retailers.

Unveiling Renters' Hidden NIMBYism
This research shows that renters in high-cost cities can be just as prone to NIMBYism as homeowners, even as they theoretically support more housing. This is housing supply's collective action problem.

The Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning Responds to Trump's Travel Ban
The Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) released a statement on the Trump Administration executive order that enacted a 90-day suspension of visas and other immigration benefits to all nationals of seven Middle Eastern countries.
Boston Neighborhoods Find Controversy Following Residential Zoning Changes
An in-depth look into the political controversies stirred up in the Boston neighborhood of Jamaica Plain as a result of a proposed, density-adding zoning plan.

Big Data Brings Bespoke Cities
This start-up uses an AI to comb through Google Street View images, matching users with cities that fit their "lifestyle preferences."

Sunday Fun: Behind Washington State's Monopoly on Sad Place Names
Yikes, Washington. What's the deal with all those sad place names?

Do Shorter Travel Times Really Justify Highway Expansions?
It all depends on one thing: How much are travelers willing to pay for a shorter trip?

NYC Housing Authority Announces Ambitious Climate Plan
New York plans to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions from public housing.

It's Time to Prepare for Census 2020
An article for Planning magazine readies the planning profession for the largest peacetime activity of the federal government. All indications are that the 2020 Census will include unprecedented changes.

San Francisco and San Jose Propose Joint Pilot Program for Speed Cameras
Legislation proposed by San Francisco Assemblyman David Chiu would authorize a red camera pilot program to last five years and apply only to the two cities. California lacks laws permitting automated speed enforcement.
How Fair Use Brought Pac-Man to the Streets of Seattle
Maybe we are going to jinx the city of Seattle by bringing it up, but not everything has to be expensive and litigious.

Unlikely Public Engagement Tactics Get Results for Small Towns
Four small cities across the country are seeing positive results with non-traditional public engagement strategies like bouncy castles, beer coasters, and ball games.

Op-Ed: Houston Should Try to Kill Fewer Pedestrians
City officials in Houston have shown little regard for the safety of its people when they're walking outside, argues an op-ed in the Houston Chronicle.

Uber Files Lawsuit Against Seattle Over Unionization
Uber kicks off its 'Year of the Driver' by suing the city of Seattle for allowing its drivers to unionize.

Airbnb Still at Odds with Barcelona City, Calling New Rule for Hosts a 'Joke'
After Barcelona City Council conducted inspections and imposed sanctions on illegal tourist rentals in the city, Airbnb responded by announcing restrictions on multiple listings in the downtown area. The city council responded bluntly.

The (Place) Doctor Will See You Now
How a small town in Oregon used a data-driven, analytical approach towards putting policies in place to increase their economic and environmental resiliency.

Ottawa's Rapid Transit Corridor Design Approved
Twenty-four stations and a new dedicated bus lane have been approved in Canada's capital city.

How Will Pricey Cities House Their Artists?
With rents on the rise even in "inexpensive" cities like New Orleans, artists and musicians are getting priced out. Affordable housing designated for artists is one way to help them stay.

L.A. Voters Approved Parks Funding—Now What?
An overview of the projects in the L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation pipeline, by L.A. County park planner Clement Lau.

Everyone in the Federal Government Seems to Want a New Infrastructure Bill
Deborah Fisher has proposed a highway bill, Chuck Schumer wrote an infrastructure bill, and Donald Trump campaigned on the issue. The shape the final bill will take is still in flux.
Pagination
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
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.