The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Designated Zones to Protect New York Manufacturing
Without designated industrial zones, New York manufacturing companies risk losing their facilities to the residential development market. The de Blasio administration has promised some zoning protections for industrial enclaves.
Palo Alto to Protect Single-Story, Eichler-Tract Neighborhood
The Palo Alto city council has approved one neighborhood's request to prevent the construction of two-story homes.
Five Ways to Measure the Need for City Parks
While standardized metrics for determining the number of and place for city parks cannot replace more fine grain analysis, they can be useful tools. Park planner Clement Lau writes about five park-need metrics, including a couple of the newest.
The Reality of Neighborhood Change: Planners Should Worry About Decline
City living is back. After half a century of relentless population decline and several false starts at revitalization, residential investment in America's urban centers began to pick up in the mid-1990s.
Where People Choose to Live—Simple and Also Not-So-Simple
A new study confirms much of what we already suspect about the choices people make about where to live, but with a far-reaching, scientific approach.
Offshore Wind Power Picks Up Momentum Along the Atlantic Coast
The potential for offshore wind power along the Atlantic Coast has moved closer to reality in fits and starts. Recent leases, however, indicate what the future of the industry could looks like.
How the Pope's Visit Reduced Traffic in Washington, D.C.
Pope Francis' much-publicized visit to the capital in late September saw reductions in congestion and better travel times. Event-specific telecommuting policies and transit route changes appear responsible for the minor miracle.
The Deadly Costs of Failing Infrastructure
Failing infrastructure is a life and death matter. Decaying roads, bridges, dam, pipelines, water delivery, and railroads lacking safety controls are responsible for the loss of thousands of lives annually, on top of illnesses and injuries.
Are Small Towns the Next Arts Districts?
As rising costs expel artists from urban cores, some small towns are positioning themselves as unlikely magnets for creative expression.
Gentrification and Affordability Worries Arise Over a Proposed Vancouver Tower
A 12-story residential tower proposed for a Vancouver neighborhood is receiving pushback from housing advocates and the local Chinese community.
Battling the Ugly: Denver Contemplates an Effective Design Review Process
As Denver booms, planners and architects discuss the good and the bad of imposing design guidelines on new construction.
Are Land Use Policies Mostly Hurting the Poor?
In a new paper, researchers find that land use regulations in cities have effectively created a "zoning tax," which primarily impacts the poor and renting class.
The Ride-Share Revolution
"If the 20th century was devoted to building the infrastructure to service the personal automobile, then perhaps the 21st century will be devoted to undoing most of it."
Madrid Takes Drastic Action to Curb Pollution
With a growing reputation for heavy local pollution, the city of Madrid will impose reduced speed limits and driving restrictions in its central core. On bad days, transit will be free to ride.
Asian Subways Are the Busiest
Rankings from the International Association of Public Transport have Tokyo on top, followed by Beijing and Shanghai. New York comes in seventh.
A Parking Kerfuffle in Downtown Dallas
The big, contentious question of contemporary downtowns is under consideration in Dallas: Is there too much parking or not enough parking?
Report: Detroit's Property Tax System in Need of Major Overhaul
Detroit's comeback has been well documented, as has its efforts to remove blight and demolish vacant properties. A new report sheds light on another of the city's deepest challenges: how to reform property taxes to achieve fiscal certainty.
Commercial Linkage Fee Approved—Seattle Moving Forward with Affordable Housing Agenda
The Seattle City Council recently took the first legislative step in the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda (HALA) process.
Researchers Finding Evidence of the Negative Impacts of Trees in Urban Settings
More and more evidence has emerged in recent years about the many benefits of trees in urban environments. Every now and then, however, a study finds evidence that tress might not always be as benevolent as they seem.
Can Climate Change be Addressed by Halting Drilling on Federal Lands?
A production-side approach to tackling climate change is the basis of new legislation by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). The "Keep it in the Ground Act" would prevent new drilling for any fossil fuel on federal lands or renewal of nonproductive leases.
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
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