The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Expo Line

What L.A.'s New Expo Line Extension Won't Do

The $1.5 billion, 6.6-mile light rail extension from Culver City to Santa Monica is projected to double trips on the line by 2030, giving commuters a viable alternative to driving. Just the same, don't expect the extension to reduce congestion.

May 23 - Wired

Why Chicago Park Advocates Want to Preserve a Parking Lot

A Chicago nonprofit drew criticism for opposing the planned Lucas Museum in favor of a large parking lot. But the organization says it fits into their mission of promoting open space.

May 23 - Chi.Streetsblog

More Kudos for Denver's Rail Network and Newest Rail Line

Rail has transformed the Mile-High City, and the new University of Colorado A Line from Union Station to the airport is but one of many lines that has turned Denver one of the nation's fastest growing and attractive cities. And more lines are coming!

May 23 - Politico Magazine

Beg Button

In Support of the Right to Cross the Street

Benjamin Ross argues that the walk signal is a fundamentally flawed approach to creating walkable streets and shareable roadways—making walking slower, less convenient, and more dangerous.

May 23 - Greater Greater Washington

North view

What Distinguishes a 'Real' CSA?

Community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs originally let local buyers support local growers. But with a rise in subscription-based "food box" clubs, it's getting harder to say what a real CSA looks like.

May 23 - philly.com


Washington D.C. Row Houses

Photos: Why So Many Former Stores Are Now Homes in Washington, D.C.

If some residences look a little out of place in Washington, D.C., it may be because they were originally retail shops. A Tumblr is devoted to these homes, and the zoning laws that created them.

May 23 - CityLab

Toronto Construction

Ontario, Canada Working on Sprawl-Killing Legislation

It's hard to imagine a policy that so comprehensively acts to create disincentives for sprawl gaining political traction anywhere in the United States.

May 22 - Toronto Star


Washington Redskins Fans

Explained: D.C. Gains '1,000 New Residents Every Month'

Officials and residents in Washington, D.C. are often heard saying that the District is gaining 1,000 new residents every month. But what does it mean?

May 22 - Greater Greater Washington

Los Angeles STreet

An Interview with the General Manager of the Los Angeles DOT

What's it like to lead the department of transportation in a city trying to overcome decades of car-centric planning? Let LADOT General Manager Seleta Reynolds tell it in her own words.

May 22 - Los Angeles Downtown News

Downtown Houston

Opportunities for Urban Innovation in Houston

Kinder Institute director William Fulton discusses Houston's changing demographics and economic prospects. He sees the city as a place to pioneer and implement solutions to Sun Belt problems.

May 22 - Next City

Another McMansion

Report: Million Dollar Homes More Common Than You Might Expect

The share of homes with values topping $1 million rose from 1.6 percent to 3 percent nationwide between 2012 and 2016.

May 22 - Marketplace

Pershing Square

L.A.'s New Pershing Square Will Be 'Radically Flat'

After stakeholder engagement and an international design competition, Agence Ter's plan for "radical flatness" has been selected to replace downtown L.A.'s current Pershing Square. The preferred alternative is, above all, simple.

May 21 - Los Angeles Times

John Fry

The College President With the Sterling Redevelopment Résumé

John A. Fry lacks a terminal degree, but what he doesn't lack is land use and redevelopment know-how. Drexel University in Philadelphia is the latest to employ his talents.

May 21 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Seattle Waterfront

The Why and How of Locating a School in Downtown Seattle

A Seattle writer makes the case for a new school to be located in Downtown Seattle.

May 21 - The Urbanist

New York Subway Station

New Yorkers Bracing for L Train Closures

Two alternatives for repairs on the New York subway's L Train line will have severe consequences for 225,000 riders who cross the East River daily.

May 21 - New York Daily News

Chinese Developer Building $300 Million Project South of Houston

The Ivy District is notable for its scale as well as for the funding mechanisms that made the project happen.

May 21 - Houston Chronicle

Spin Class

Friday Funny: Take the Bus That's Also a Bike

Or maybe it's the bike that's also a bus?

May 20 - Mashable

Garcetti Expo Line

What It's Like to Ride the New Expo Line to Santa Monica

For a bit of fun, take this animated ride on the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's new Expo Line extension.

May 20 - YouTube

Raleigh Passes 10-Year Bike Plan Update

Completing a year-long process, the Raleigh City Council approved an updated bike plan this week. The plan includes major updates to the 2009 plan, including a 10-year priority plan, focusing on separated bike facilities and neighborhood bikeways.

May 20 - The Raleigh News & Observer

Beverly Hills Planning for Self-Driving Shuttles, Connecting to Transit

A city known for its opposition to transit might be on the cutting edge of first-last mile technology innovation.

May 20 - Fast Co.Exist

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