The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Plummeting Oil Prices Bring Economic Challenges to U.S. Petro-States
While U.S. motorists are enjoying the cheapest gas prices in five years, domestic oil producers are suffering, though not as badly as oil-exporting nations like Iran, Russia, and Venezuela. How are Texas, Louisiana, North Dakota, and Alaska faring?
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The Best Planning Apps for 2015
A list of mobile apps that support planning, as part of an annual update. Learn about exciting new ways to explore cities and enhance planning via mobile apps. Please feel free to add your own favorites.
Coal Ash Finally Regulated—But Not as Hazardous Waste
Six years after one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history, the EPA adopted a rule to regulate a byproduct of coal power plants. The new regulation puts coal ash in the same category as household garbage, disappointing many activists.
Imagining a Self-Contained, Vertical City
A new book makes the case for vertical cities, following a 32-point manifesto about the needs of future cities.
Op-Ed: Christie Administration Hobbles Affordable Housing
The Mount Laurel doctrine, as its known, has been a constant sticking point for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's administration. The New York Times editorial board suggests that the court must take control of affordable housing.
The Online Tool for Comparing Bus Rapid Transit Data
A tool from EMRARQ Brasil allows users to compile and compare data on the use and growth of bus rapid transit around the world, including in the United States, where 18 cities now use BRT or bus priority corridors.
Explaining the Ups and Downs of U.S. Wind Power
A Vox post explains the fickle trends of wind power production in the United States.
Chicago Moving Forward with Residential High Rise Designed by Robert A.M. Stern
The Chicago Plan Commission approved a 67-story residential high rise earlier this month, as the latest evidence of the city's changing skyline.
Will Electric Vehicles Feel the Pinch from $2.30 Gasoline?
Having posted two environmental pluses from low oil prices, we look at a negative—the effect on sales of EVs would seem to be one of the more evident downsides. How will alternative-fueled vehicles compete in the marketplace when gas costs $2.30?
Is America's Best Bike Lane Overrated?
The SF Examiner reports on America's top-rated bike lane, as rated by People for Bikes. The protected contraflow lane runs from Market Street to Grove Street, all of two blocks; only one block in opposite direction is separated
'Self-Sufficiency Standard' Reveals Distressing Levels of Poverty
Most policies regarding poverty are driven by obsolete metrics. Another model, which measures the very basic needs for survival, reveals deep poverty in New York City.
Northern Avenue Bridge Shut Down in Boston
The Northern Avenue Bridge in Boston—a 100-year-old swing bridge used by pedestrians and cyclists—was closed abruptly due to structural defects.
Critical Support for New NBA Arena Proposal in San Francisco
After controversy derailed an earlier plan by the Golden State Warriors to build a new arena at Piers 30-32 along the Embarcadero in San Francisco, a new plan at a new location has made progress toward completion.
Prince Charles Lays Out a 10-Point Planning Agenda
The Prince of Wales took to the pages of The Architectural Review to share his vision for the future of architecture and planning.
Seattle Tenants Force Public Housing Not To Raise Rent
Seattle tenants win in rejecting public housing's proposal to quadruple rent.
Could Keystone XL Become the Next Casualty of Falling Oil Prices?
Recently we noted that Chevron had dropped their Arctic lease due to falling oil prices. With falling gasoline prices, Americans may no longer see the Keystone XL pipeline as urgent. In addition, President Obama appears likely to oppose the project.
Traffic 'Crisis' in the Birthplace of Jesus
If Jesus and Mary came to Bethlehem in 2014, they'd be frustrated by high levels of congestion before finding a place to settle down for the night.
Mapping America's Toy Manufacturing
All those toys under the Christmas tree came from somewhere.
Google Searches Reveal Christmas Lists for 24 U.S. Cities
The New York Times Upshot and Google team up to reveal the top three most-searched holiday gift items for U.S. cities, revealing local and regional trends.
Santa Claus for Digital Natives
The death of suburban malls at the hands of online shopping is well documented. It turns out Santa also has a cyber proxy rendering the old way of doing things obsolete.
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.
