The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Are Millennials Different, or Just Delaying Homeownership?
Big, diverse, and a little bit different, the Millennial generation is often cast as the solution to—or the cause of—many of America’s housing challenges.
Report: Global Metro Economies Reveal 'An Uncertain Recovery'
A new report by the Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program analyzes the growth of the world's 300 largest metropolitan areas.
Proposed Planning and Development Reorganization Stalls in Philadelphia
A drastic overhaul of the planning and development processes in Philadelphia is, at least for now, on hold so stakeholders can have more time to analyze the proposal.

The Challenge of Re-Orienting Strip Malls for Transit
Bill Lindeke writes of the daunting urban design and planning challenge presented by America's post-war fascination with the strip mall.
An Interactive Map of California's Urban Water Use
California has commenced new water use reporting requirements, which the Pacific Institute has compiled into an interactive map and database to provide accessible evidence about where the state's water goes.
Nashville MTA Ends Bus Rapid Transit Plans
One of the more hotly contested transit projects in the country—The Amp bus rapid transit project in Nashville, Tennessee—is dead. Nashville MTA officials promise a new strategic plan for the future of transit in the city.

Urban Millennials Stuck in the Three Largest U.S. Metros
For a variety of economic reasons in addition to urban preferences, young people are not leaving the country's three major metropolitan areas: New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, and that's not good for the nation's economy nor the individuals.
Mapping the Places Referenced by 224 State of the Union Speeches
If you're into place names and the history of presidential politics, we have just the map for you.
New York MTA Increases Transit Fares to Fund Capital Investments
The latest fare increase for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority comes against the backdrop of record ridership and a $15 billion funding gap for the system's five-year capital plan.
Friday Funny: Brooklyn Gentrification Gets the Saturday Night Live Treatment
A Saturday Night Live skit satirizes the change that has come to Bushwick, Brooklyn.

BLOG POST
High-Rises and Streetlife
The common claim that "high-rises kill streetlife" is often incorrect.
Does Limiting Rowhouse Expansions Preserve, or Prevent, Affordable Housing?
The Washington D.C. Zoning Commission is considering a proposal to limit the ability to convert or expand rowhouses. The proposed ordinance has provoked controversy about the effect of the law for the city's supply of housing.
Critiquing the Missouri Department of Transportation's Funding Agenda
Without the sales tax it desired to fund state transportation spending in place, the Missouri Department of Transportation is moving forward with a new plan called the Missouri 325 System.
New 'Infrastructure Financing District' Proposed for Los Angeles River Improvements
Los Angeles officials are hoping to create an "Infrastructure Financing District" (i.e., tax increment financing) to help finance ambitious goals for revitalizing and restoring the Los Angeles River.

Should a Residential Street Ever Lack Sidewalks?
You're probably familiar with the sight of a long, quiet residential street unadorned by sidewalks, pushing pedestrians, pets, and kids on bikes onto the street. Is there ever a good reason for such a typology?

Pittsburgh Launches GPS-Enabled Snow Plow Tracker
Pittsburgh has a new web-based portal for residents to track snow removal operations as they happen. It's the latest example of a city allowing public access to the details of city operations during snowstorms.
Strategic Plan for Philadelphia Land Bank Gains Approval
By all accounts, the Philadelphia Land Bank has completed a high quality strategic plan to guide its actions over the coming years.
Land Swap could Bring Obama Presidential Library to Chicago's South Side
Chicago is putting the pieces in place to land the Obama Library. One proposal hinges on the availability of parkland on the South Side near the University of Chicago.
Critiquing Gov. Cuomo's LaGuardia Airtrain Proposal
LaGuardia lacks an AirTrain, unlike the two other airports that serve the New York City area, so public transit access is available via Queens and Manhattan buses. But would a $450 million proposal by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo remedy the problem?
Disparate Impact: A Texan's Perspective
It’s important to remember, as the Texas disparate impact case reaches the Supreme Court of the United States later this month, the actual people who bear the brunt of Texas' history of housing discrimination.
Pagination
City of Clovis
City of Moorpark
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
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.