The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
To Auction or Not? Philadelphia Proceeds with Tax Lien Auction Despite Criticism
In an ongoing effort to turn around its stock of vacant, tax delinquent properties, the city of Philadelphia will send some 1,400 liens to auction.
Senate Committee Will 'DRIVE' Transportation Reauthorization
The Senate's DRIVE Act is shaping up to be the first six-year transportation reauthorization bill since 2009. Notwithstanding the acronym, it's not all that bad, writes Tanya Snyder of Streetsblog USA. Finding funding for it is another story.
Pope Goes Global: Let's Talk Local
Pope Francis, sticking to his job description, is out to save the world and all its creatures. Maybe we can help in our own little universes, where we can influence planning and design that makes for swell places and for reduced contributions to GHG.
Why Google's 'Sidewalk Labs' Is Such a Big Deal
Earlier in June, Google announced the creation of an "urban innovation company" called Sidewalk Labs. One writer explains the genesis of the company as well as its potential for the future of how cities operate.
11 of the Most Endangered Historic Places in the United States
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has announced the 2015 edition of its annual list of the most endangered historic locations in the United States.
Seattle Mayor to Create New 'Office of Planning and Community Development'
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray announced the creation of a cabinet-level Office of Planning and Community Development to address the city's explosive growth.
Harvard Report: U.S. Housing Recovery Losing Momentum
The State of the Nation's Housing, a closely watched report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, was released to the public today.
BLOG POST
UN-Habitat Launches University Network Initiative
UN-Habitat's University Network Initiative (UNI) has launched a new web portal.
A Small Hike in Oregon Gas Tax to Come at High Environmental Cost
Oregon may end its low carbon fuel standard, one of two in the nation, to increase the gas tax by four cents and implement a bevy of clean fuel alternatives to replace the three-month-old clean fuels program.
Is Boston Ready for Gold Standard Bus Rapid Transit?
Gold Standard is the term used by the Institute for Transportation & Development Policy to define world-class BRT service. A recently released ITDP study, underwritten by the Barr Foundation, argues for more Gold Standard service.
Hospitals Scaling Up Along With Houston's Population
Houston's status as one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country has not gone unnoticed by the healthcare industry.
Detroit's M-1 Rail Line Credited for Delivering Investment—A Year Before Opening
The 3.3-mile M-1 Rail line in Detroit has been described as a boondoggle of unparalleled proportions. Boosters of the project, however, have gathering evidence of investment in neighborhoods along the route.
Pittsburgh's Plan to Promote Diversity and In-Migration
Seemingly on the rebound after a 55-year decline in population, Pittsburgh is ready to move into a new era as an attractive destination for immigrants and a diverse population of residents.
Philadelphia's Rowhouse Remedy for Gentrification
Blessed with an innate resilience, Philadelphia's brick rowhouses risk disrepair and redevelopment. Local nonprofits are looking for ways to keep this resource equitable.
One Way to Vision Zero: Reward Good Behavior
A simple, innovative idea behind Seattle's Vision Zero initiative: good driving behavior should generate more positive outcomes.
Cleveland Clears the Way for its First Parklet
Cleveland will soon have its first park let—thanks to the leadership of the nonprofit Historic Gateway Neighborhood Corp., the collective generosity of Cleveland Collectivo and more, and the approval of the Cleveland Planning Commission.
Columnist Reacts as Complete Streets Come to Lawrence, Kansas
A local columnist wonders if complete streets upgrades like the one on 31st Street in Lawrence, Kansas are the new future of roads.
The Hidden Costs of Locating Schools on the Outskirts
St. Cloud, Minnesota is considering the question of whether to renovate or rebuild—and where to rebuild—a local high school.
Has Fuel Efficiency Been Scapegoated to Avoid Raising the Federal Gas Tax?
Vermont's Transportation Secretary points to increased fuel efficiency as reason to look for an alternative revenue option, favoring Oregon's Road Usage Charge. Meanwhile, U.S. DOT reactivated its "ticker" to warn of funding cutoff after July 31.
A Garden District Takes Root in Milwaukee
The 13th aldermanic district, located on the southeast side of Milwaukee, is working hard to back up its claim as the city's "Garden District."
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.
