The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
BLOG POST
The Economist and Suburbia: A Fistful of Myths
A recent set of articles in the Economist argued that the continued spread of suburbia was inevitable and perhaps desirable. But the article's arguments are not always applicable to North America.
Urban Mobility Plans Key To More Efficient and Integrated Planning
"Urban Mobility Plans – National Approaches and Local Practice," a new guidebook by the Sustainable Urban Transportation Project, describes specific policies and planning practices to maximize urban transport system efficiency.
Mind the Gap: Media, Researchers Identify Gentrification Differently
A new study by a sociologist at Louisiana State University examines the differences between qualitative and quantitative descriptions of gentrification. Even the New York Times, according to the study, reveals its bias.
Bus Rapid Transit Key To Improving Urban Transport in India
Buses are the backbone of urban mobility in India. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is the key to creating efficient and attractive bus services that attract increasingly affluent residents.
International Climate Accord Reached in Lima
Known as the Lima Accord, after the capital of Peru where representatives from 200 nations met for two weeks, a deal was reached to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in preparation for talks to be held in Paris in December. But is it strong enough?
Federal Spending Bill Passes—TIGER Trimmed But Still Alive
With most of its funding intact for 2014, and a proposed ban on funding for active transportation projects off the table, fans of TIGER grants can take a deep breath.
Groundbreaking for Controversial 'Atlantic Yards' Development
The development formerly known as Atlantic Yards—now called Pacific Park—broke ground this week, finally setting in motion a massive development beset by fierce controversy in the 11 years since it was first proposed.
Report Shows Which States Lead the Net-Zero Building Market
Although net-zero buildings have yet to scale to mass adoption, a new report hopes to inspire architects and developers to join the ranks of the most energy efficient buildings in the country.
Fair Housing and Community Development: Better Together!
Conversations about fair housing and place-based work too often lead to a perceived need to defend turf. Reece and Kriesberg got together instead to talk about common ground, using Rooflines as a hub for debate!
12 Cities Awarded 'Innovation Delivery Team' Grants from Bloomberg Philanthropies
After announcing a first round of grants in August, Bloomberg Philanthropies expanded its $45 million innovation teams program to 12 cities in the United States and two abroad.
Race, Poverty, and Change in America: The Persistent Dilemmas of Equity and Equality
The themes of race, poverty, and change in America are as relevant as ever, as our nation grapples with the recent tragedies in Ferguson, Missouri and Staten Island, New York.
FEATURE
Back to Basics: the Diggs Town Public Housing Revitalization
Some of the most effective solutions in urban design involve the simplest design changes. Revitalizing public housing is difficult, but not impossible, as shown by Ray Gindroz and his team at Urban Design Associates in Norfolk, Virginia.
Audit Finds Room for Improvement on Management of Citi Bike
The office of New York Comptroller Scott Stringer has performed an audit of New York City Bike Share's contract with the New York City Department of Transportation. The audit finds poor oversight and maintenance of the Citi Bike system.
$188 Million ARTIC Transit Hub Opens in Anaheim
The Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center opened earlier in December. Although planners expect 10,000 daily boardings at the hub, the big payoff will come if a high speed rail and a streetcar find their way to the station.
Retrofitting Suburban Downtowns for Walkability
Ian Law of Place Alliance spoke to the 2014 ASLA Annual Meeting in Denver at the end of November about what it takes to accomplish a vision for a more dense, walkable suburban downtown.
After Keystone Delay, Enviros Challenge Other Pipelines
After successfully stalling the Keystone XL pipeline that would transport tar sands crude from Alberta to Gulf area refineries, environmental activists are targeting other proposed pipelines, although the result may be more crude-by-rail shipments.
BLOG POST
Dumping in Dixie and the Inequity of Place
Only by better addressing issues of inequity can we create truly sustainable and livable communities. But is that even possible today?
BLOG POST
Nature and Art: A Christmas Plea for Cities
I wrote an urbanist Christmas wish list last week for Fast Forward Weekly. I figured I'd elaborate on one of my wishes for weedy nature and public art: disturbance oriented art.
Study: Passenger Vehicle Fleet is Older and More Polluting
Arguably just as important than the sales of new vehicles, e.g., hybrids and EVs, are the consequences of not buying new cars.
Willamette Falls Access Approved as Part of Redevelopment Plan
The first U.S. incorporated west of the Rockies—Oregon City—is moving forward with a redevelopment plan that will provide public access to the stunning Willamette Falls.
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.
