The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Looking down train trains in downtown Toronto, Canada with CN Tower in background.

Toronto to Explore Potential High Line-Style Park

City staff will study options for transforming a defunct rail corridor into a linear park.

March 26 - CBC

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground during morning golden hour.

The Paradox of American Housing

How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.

March 26 - The Atlantic

Flooded road with red and white gate barrier blocking entry in Houston, Texas.

The Potential and Pitfalls of Climate Migration

As more Americans are displaced by wildfires, flooding, erosion, and other climate risks, safer regions should prepare for a wave of migration.

March 26 - The Atlantic

Gray moon surface with black sky and Earth in the background.

Train on the Moon? US to Explore Lunar Railway

Program proponents say this “visionary” endeavor “heralds a new era of human presence and economic activity beyond Earth.”

March 25 - The Economic Times

View looking down train tracks at San Clemente, California with grassy beach dunes and blue lifeguard tower on right side.

Southern California Rail Service Resumes After Landslide

The corridor has been closed multiple times in the past year as erosion and landslides put coastal rail infrastructure in jeopardy.

March 25 - Mass Transit


Aerial view of forest damaged by wildfire in Texas.

How Climate Change Drives Bigger Wildfires

In many places, climate change is creating ideal conditions for fires to grow larger and more destructive.

March 25 - USA Today

View of Seattle skyline on clear sunny day with Space Needle on left and Mount Rainier in the background.

Deconstructing Office-to-Residential Conversions in Seattle

In a two-part inquiry in GeekWire, Chuck Wolfe looks at clearing the path to office-to-residential conversions and the complex path beyond.

March 25 - GeekWire


Power lines and towers at a substation

Power Demand is Surging in US

The U.S. has entered a new power paradigm according to a new energy analysis that warns of unprecedented new demands for power, largely from “new manufacturing, industrial, and data center facilities,” and the grid is not prepared for the surge.

March 25 - The New York Times

Cose-up of person's hands on steering wheel driving down highway with sunset sky.

When High-Tech Cars Increase Road Risk

An overreliance on ‘partial automation’ can make drivers less attentive.

March 25 - Strong Towns

View down Pennsylvania Avenue from above with Capitol dome in background.

Draft Plan Takes Aim at Downtown DC Revitalization

The plan calls for policies that support adaptive reuse, new housing construction, and improved public parks and facilities.

March 25 - Smart Cities Dive

Aerial view of Trenton, New Jersey with gold state capitol down in foreground and golden hour sky.

New Jersey Law Clarifies Local Housing Needs

Cities will be required to submit plans for creating sufficient affordable housing under a new state law.

March 25 - Route Fifty

Close-up of man painting white and yellow crosswalk on asphalt.

Guerilla Urbanism: Small Interventions, Big Impact

Citizen-led projects can lead to broader changes — if cities will listen.

March 24 - Congress For New Urbanism

View of Red Rocks Amphitheater at sunset.

Public Transit Could Link Denver to Red Rocks Amphitheater

The venue, located just outside the city, currently lacks transit access.

March 24 - 9 News

New York City Subway

Opinion: Getting New York City’s Congestion Pricing Right

Improved transit service could make a major difference in how the program is received by New Yorkers.

March 24 - The New Republic

Night view of Ben Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania looking toward Philadelphia City Hall.

Reimagining a Major Philly Street for People, Not Cars

The Ben Franklin Parkway was originally designed as a bucolic escape from the city. It could be that way again.

March 24 - Next City

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22 - Urban Edge

Close-up of white electric car charging symbol on black pavement in parking spaces.

How New Federal Rule Could Impact EV Adoption

An adjustment to federal pollution limits will require a greater share of low-carbon vehicles, but the rule also gives automakers some flexibility in deploying electric and hybrid cars.

March 22 - The Hill

White three-story brick single-room occupancy hotel in downtown Los Angeles, California.

‘Micro-Apartment’ Trend Underscores Housing Crisis

SROs are making a comeback under a new name as the housing supply remains strained and costs soar.

March 22 - Associated Press via Yahoo News

Close-up of crash test dummy in orange jumpsuit leaning over steering wheel with Volkswagen logo.

NHTSA to Introduce New Female Crash Test Dummy

Modern crash test dummies have advanced features that account for different body types and genders, but government regulators have been slow to adopt the technology.

March 22 - ABC 7 Chicago

Trolley bus in San Francisco, California.

California Lawmakers Push Transit Funding Bill

The proposed legislation would also encourage consolidation of regional transit systems.

March 21 - Courthouse News Service

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