The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

12 Studies that Make a Case for Converting Parking to Bike Lanes
CityLab has complied a thorough guide of economic impact studies of bike lanes that provides a clear, visual case for removing parking spaces.

On the Limitations of Density
Writing for FastCo.Design, Architecture Critic Inga Saffron provides a cautionary tale about density done poorly.
Utah on Verge of Hiking Gas Tax by 21 Percent
Just before adjourning for the year, the Republican-controlled Utah House and Senate settled on a compromise—increase the gas tax by a nickel; the first hike in 18 years. Gov. Gary Herbert, also a Republican, has indicated he will sign the bill.

What Will it Take to Make People More Comfortable With Biking?
A new national survey gathers evidence about what it would take to convert larger numbers of people to the bike lifestyle.
Report: 2014 Carbon Emissions Down as World's Economy Grows
A recent report offers optimism that will world is making progress in the right direction to reduce carbon emissions.

On the Psychology of Road Rage
Few of us are fully immune from the effects of road rage. Psychologists are asking why driving can provoke changes in behavior—and how to avert them.
If Rail Crossings Can't Be Grade Separated, Can They At Least Be Safer?
That's the question asked by legislation introduced after a Metro-North commuter train slammed into an SUV at a crossing in Valhalla, N.Y., killing six people. More than 200 people die annually in over 2,000 grade crossing crashes.
Study: Congestion Pricing Improves Traffic Safety
According to new research, London's congestion pricing program has improved traffic safety both in the cordoned city center and in the free adjacent areas. Although traffic is moving faster, fatalities have been reduced.

How Drones Can Improve Planning and Design
In February, the Federal Aviation Administration released rules for the commercial operation of drones that were (to many observers) surprisingly business friendly. A landscape architect imagines the potential of drones for planning and design.
Implementing Housing Vouchers for Veterans
A look at what HUD-VASH supportive housing vouchers can do, from the perspective of one of the agencies administering them.
Proposal Would Make an Urban Agriculture Incentive Zone for Santa Clara County
The county of Santa Clara is exploring the possibility of establishing an Urban Agriculture Incentive Zone—a relatively new land use incentive enabled by recent statewide legislation.

American Dream for Sale: $1,000 for an Empty Lot in Newark
In a bid for revenue and rejuvenation, Newark is selling vacant lots for $1,000. Buyers promise to build a home and stay for at least five years.

BLOG POST
Public Transit Turning Point for Vancouver
Metro Vancouver is about to vote on a historic Transportation and Transit Plan, and an associated sales tax increase to pay for it. Will the citizens of this model transit Metro vote against a transit-friendly future? Canadian urbanists weigh in.
Obituary: Michael Graves, Leading Post-Modern Architect
Michael Graves, founding principal of Michael Graves & Associates, who produced some of the world's most recognizable examples of post-modern architecture, passed away this week at 80 years old.
Change of Venue for Denver's Transit CEO: Los Angeles
Phillip Washington will leave his role as CEO of the Denver Regional Transportation District to take the same position at the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Exploring the Unique Geography of Detroit
One of Detroit’s most defining modern characteristics—and most pressing dilemmas—is its huge amount of neglected and vacant land.
Where Have All the Oil Trains in California Gone?
While many California were protesting oil trains carrying the hazardous Bakken crude, a funny thing happened—they stopped coming. While protests may have delayed the construction of new oil terminals, economics is at the root of the slowdown.
Businesses Band Together to Rebrand Their Block
It's just one block, but a block disrupted by changes happening just a quarter-mile away. So these businesses came together to rebrand their street and bring customers back.
Places Journal Launches New Tool for Public Scholarship
Places Journal has just launched Reading Lists: a new, interactive tool that enables readers to create and share topical lists of articles, books, and other media from diverse sources.
How Los Angeles Will Update its 1946 Zoning Code
Tom Rothmann explains how and why Los Angeles is updating antiquated language governing land use in the city.
Pagination
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.