The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Alaska Voters Reject Higher Taxes on Oil Companies
Alaskans agreed, but not by much, with Gov. Sean Parnell and not former Gov. Sarah Palin that oil companies needed to pay less taxes if they are to boost oil production. Voters rejected a tax referendum that was on Tuesday's ballot to repeal SB 21.
Pedestrians vs. Bicyclists: How to Make Peace
In this op-ed special to The Sacramento Bee, Michael Andersen of PeopleForBikes and Melissa Merson of America Walks make a convincing argument for protected bike lanes to improve both bike and pedestrian safety by getting cyclists off the sidewalk.
The Future of Urban Planning: Zoning for Drones
Efforts to regulate the use of drones within the United States have consisted entirely of banning their use, rather than taking advantage of their utility. Yet an alternative approach does exist, relying on municipal zoning ordinances.
Five Reasons Why Peak Driving is Here to Stay
The Great Recession ended in the summer of 2009. Unemployment has fallen and consumer spending has risen, as have most economic metrics save one: vehicle miles traveled. There is a list of reasons why VMT hasn't risen, and perhaps won't.
FEATURE
The Power of Public-Private Partnerships: Mobile Phone Apps and Municipalities
Private, crowdsourced mobile phone applications addressing urban mobility collect troves of data on how cities flow. So how can municipalities tap into these databases to accurately understand the movement of their citizens?
Sprawl and the 'Death of the American South'
A post by Sustainatlanta reacts to the recent study that predicted massive, sprawling growth in the South in the next 50 years. The post's concern is that sprawl will "eviscerate' the Southern lifestyle.
Developers Fail to Meet Affordable Housing Quota in Portland's Pearl District
Despite a contractual obligation, Hoyt Street Properties under-built 258 affordable housing units in Portland's Pearl District. The city has to react.
Living the TOD Lifestyle in Denver: Growing Transit and Affordable Housing
Dana Hawkins-Simons writes about how the Denver TOD Fund produces and ensures equitable, affordable development around the city's expanding transportation network.
Floods Create Trash Collection Stink in Oakland County
Recent heavy rains in Oakland County, north of Detroit, have required the local waste authority to make temporary arrangements for sewage-soaked trash. Residents are not happy.
Cash Buyers are Dominating the Real Estate Market
Kriston Capps shares news of a report by RealtyTrac.com showing just how much, and where, cash homebuyers are blocking the middle class from homeownership.
U.S. Street Safety Compares Poorly to Other Developed Countries
A new report from the International Transportation Forum (ITF) shows America's shortcomings on street safety compared to its peer nations.
Denver's Social Media Campaign to Celebrate the City
The Denver Community Planning and Development department unrolled a new social media campaign this week utilizing #favoriteplacedenver to celebrate the city's unique characteristics.
Study Measures Impacts of Climate and Land Use Changes
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Aarhus University in Denmark understand for the first time the combined potential impacts of both climate and land-use change on plants, animals, and ecosystems throughout the United States.
Review Finds Flaws in St. Paul's Draft Complete Streets Design Manual
Andy Singer reviews the new Complete Streets Design Manual Draft for the city of Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Planned Epicurean District in Paris Raises the Specter of Gentrification
A new corridor planned as a haven for local gourmet food in the quiet Haut Marais neighborhood of Paris concerns residents with the threat of gentrification.
Zen and the Choice of Commute Mode
A new study found that commuters opting for active travel modes and rail are more satisfied with their commute than those who take bus, metro, or drive.
BART secures $760 Million for 10-mile Extension to San Jose, California
On Wednesday, officials celebrated the final fiscal installment of the $2.3 billion 10-mile BART extension planned to open in 2018.
Los Angeles is the Least Affordable Rental Market in the Country
A new study confirmed that the average Los Angeles renter allocates 47 percent of their paycheck towards rent.
Voters in Cleveland to Decide Fate of Automatic Traffic Cameras
In November, voters in Cleveland can decide whether or not to ban the use of automatic traffic cameras to catch red-light violators.
Friday Funny: The 10 Best Simpsons Commuting Jokes
The FXX cable network is amidst a massive marathon of all 552 episodes of the Simpsons. Joseph Rose, took a break from cartoon bliss to produce ten of his favorite scenes building jokes out of transportation experiences.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul 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.
