The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Developments Surrounding Houston's Distressed Dams
The Houston Chronicle continues a series of feature articles about the persistent flooding of the region. The latest installment examines the tenuous position of the Addicks and Barker dams.
Over $14 Million Awarded to Eight Projects to Find Alternatives to Gas Taxes
The U.S. Department of Transportation is funding ways to transition from the gas tax to other user-based revenue mechanisms to fund transportation infrastructure. The federal gas tax hasn't keep pace with transportation expenditures since 2008.

Anti-Fracking Initiatives Fail Before Getting to the Ballot in Colorado
An initiative to prohibit fracking within 2,500 feet of an occupied building and another that would have allowed local governments to ban fracking will no longer be on the ballot in Colorado.

A Story of Success: Manhattan, Kansas
The story of a revitalized economy in Manhattan, Kansas is a story of thorough partnership with Kansas State University.

The Market Rate of a Shorter Commute
Analysis by FiveThirtyEight offers a lesson in trade-offs. In this case: how much more New Yorkers are willing to pay for less time spent commuting.

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Urban Sanity: Understanding Urban Mental Health Impacts and How to Create Saner, Happier Cities
Some experts claim that city living causes mental illness and unhappiness, but a new study indicates that urban environments provide many mental health benefits. Better planning can help make sane and happy cities.

London's Cascading Displacement Effects Start at the Top of the Income Ladder
New research from the International Inequalities Institute at the London School of Economics finds evidence of the displacement of elites from affluent neighborhoods in London.

White Flight Continues From Ethnoburbs Around the Country
As affluent whites have returned to more urban areas, some might think that white flight is a relic of the 20th century, but overwhelming evidence shows that white flight continues, just in a different place and time.
Cap-and-Trade Bill Boosts California's Struggling Biomass Facilities
California's new rigorous renewable portfolio standard of 50 percent by 2030 will support a renewable energy source that serves the dual purpose of reducing forest fire hazards.
Chicago's South Side Gains New Bus Service
New and improved bus service launched on the South Side of Chicago over Labor Day weekend.

'A Taco Truck on Every Corner' Offers a Teachable Moment
The lessons to be learned when considering the idea of a taco truck on every corner include definitions of components of the built environment like corners, intersections, and taco trucks, as well as examples of concepts like supply and demand.

Demographic Changes and Environmental Leadership in Sacramento
It has been a good year for environmentalists, but it hasn't come easily, as seen in the much-celebrated but delayed passage of SB 32 that continues the landmark emissions reductions first set in 2006. Joe Mathews explains the transitions underway.

Meet Canada's 'Great Trail'—20,770 Kilometers of Car-Free Trail
It doesn't matter what country you're from, if you like to ride your bike in beautiful places away from cars, you'll be envious of Canada's Great Trail.

The Jersey Shore—Or Philadelphia East
People who own property on the Jersey Shore tend to have a lot in common when it comes to geography, income, and religion.

Minnesota's Southwest Light Rail Back From the Dead
Regional and county agencies figured out a way to move forward with the Southwest light rail plan without the help of the politically divided state. That could mean the state has time to climb on board by next year's legislative session.

Detroit to Expand Bus Service
Good news for transit riders in Detroit—new buses and 24-hour routes are coming soon.

Planetizen Week in Review: September 3, 2016
Books! Maps! Data! Renderings! What more could you want from one week?

More Study Needed: How to Make Green Streets Work
A review of the current research into the effectiveness of green streets and green infrastructure finds gaps in our understanding of what works, and where.

Serenity Now! BART Finds a Solution to Its Screeching Trains
BART trains have always made a lot of noise—impacting riders and the people who live along the regional system's routes. Now there's hope that the racket could be a thing of the past.

A New Road to Relieve Congestion on Denver's Southern Periphery
Castle Rock Parkway, which connects US 85 and I-25 south of Denver (or north of Colorado Springs, depending on your perspective), opened service to the public this week.
Pagination
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.