The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
The Case for Desalination: Option of Last Resort for Some California Cities
In this radio report on the use of the expensive, controversial strategy of desalination to meet California's water needs in an epic drought, KQED's science reporter speaks with the mayor of Carmel, a V.P. of Poseidon Water, and an environmentalist.
Dallas Takes Largest Version of the Trinity Toll Road Off the Table
It seems like the political winds are moving against the Dallas Trinity Toll Road proposal—but the debate isn't over yet.
Zoning Code Update Sparks Vocal Opposition in Santa Monica
The liberal, affluent enclave of Santa Monica is infamous for its controversies over growth policy. A proposed Zoning Ordinance Update (ZOU), currently under consideration by the City Council, has struck a nerve.
NYC Public Housing Still in Grim Shape
Public housing doesn't suffer the derision that it used to, but housing agencies remain strapped. Critics and residents contend that the New York City Housing Authority, the largest landlord of them all, continues to let down the city's neediest.
Should a Parking Lot in D.C. Be Saved in the Name of Historic Preservation?
In the wealthy community of Spring Valley, just inside the western boundaries of the District of Columbia, residents are opposing a proposed development by claiming the site—a parking lot—is a historic landmark.
A New Remedy for America's Complicated Immigration History
Our immigration system is broken and needs comprehensive reform. Comprehensive reform would address all aspects of our immigration system, not just focus on enforcement measures, for example, or on updating a single kind of visa.
Not All Parks Are Created Equal
Parks almost always sound like a good idea. But some are vacant while others are transformative. Here's a list of ten recently completed projects that fall solidly in the latter category.
Inside the $1 Billion 'Hipster Mega-Project' at Brooklyn's Sunset Park
Henry Melcher reports on the massive investment plans for Industry City in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.
Caltrans Sets Ambitious Targets for Alternative Transportation
Following a string of developments in 2014 pushing the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) toward more multi-modal planning, a new Strategic Management Plan lays out ambitious goals for the increased use of alternative modes.
Protected Bike Lane Creates Controversy on Chicago's Kinzie Street
A brewing controversy pits a developer and politician against Chicago's Department of Transportation regarding how and where bike lanes work with the auto traffic created by building uses.
Ontario to Join Quebec in Cap-and-Trade Program
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne made a strong case for taking decisive climate change action when she signed an historic agreement to join the Quebec program that trades carbon with California.
Friday Eye Candy: Built Environments Expanded Beyond Wildest Dreams
The work of Marcus Lyons replicates images of already sprawling human development to the breaking point and maybe beyond.
Chicago to Host a Splashy Architecture Biennial
October through January in Chicago—the first architectural biennial in U.S. history.
The NBA's Future in Milwaukee Depends on Stadium Financing
A local alderman makes the case for a one percent sales tax dedicated to providing public funding for a new stadium to house the Milwaukee Bucks.
'Great Green Living Room' Proposed for Toronto's Central Waterfront
The winners of a design competition to overhaul a popular tourist destination in Toronto have been announced. Now comes the hard part.
'Lincoln Hub': A Polka Dot Makeover for Chicago Intersection
The intersection of Lincoln Ave, Southport Avenue, and Wellington Avenue in the South Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago is in the process of a major upgrade in pedestrian-friendly placemaking.
Sacramento Streetcar Funding Reaches Key Goal
Imagine taking a streetcar across Sacramento's iconic Tower Bridge for a three mile trip. Backers are en route to securing matching local funding for the project. However, local voters will have the final say in a June 2 Mello-Roos special election.
The New Bike Map of Los Angeles
A city known for its love of the automobile has been building out its bike network in recent years. The question remains: Is it enough?
New Park, Developments Reshaping Downtown East in Minneapolis
A new park and lots of new development will follow the under-construction stadium for the Vikings on the eastern side of Minneapolis urban core.
Planning Better Bike Infrastructure with Wikimaps
Fairfax County, Virginia is taking an innovative approach to crowdsourcing feedback on how to improve bicycle infrastructure around transit stations.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
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.
