The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Can Billion Dollar "Shock and Awe" Investment Jump-Start Buffalo's Economy?
Two years after Governor Andrew Cuomo outlined an ambitious 10-year, $1 billion effort to revive the Buffalo Niagara economy, the areas targeted for investment are beginning to become clear, reports David Robinson.
The Land Where Electric Vehicles Reign
In this European country, the Nissan Leaf is the third best seller and Tesla's Model S luxury car is number one. The major reason is not its environmental ethos, which is strong, but because of the perks that EVs receive. What county is it?
P3 to Repair 500 Bridges in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania P3 Act was approved in 2012 to help fund the cost of repairing and maintaining the state’s structurally deficient bridges. PennDOT has recently expanded its goals for the program—to 500 bridge repair projects.
Which U.S. Cities Have the Best Transit?
Walk Score has published its analysis of the quality of public transit in 50 of the biggest cities in the United States. The rankings may surprise you.
The Demographic Trends That Will Change Planning
The work of Professor Arthur C. Nelson from the University of Utah in projecting demographic and real estate trends contains some critical insight for planners looking to prepare the way for the cities and towns of the future.
NYC's Street Design Revolution in 25 Images
The transformation in the way New York's streets are designed, used and conceived is one of the most visible legacies of the Bloomberg administration. Branden Klayko assembles before and after images of 25 of the city's transformative road diets.
Federal ‘Fishery Disaster’ Declared in Washington State
The U.S. Secretary of Commerce has declared the Fraser River sockeye salmon run a “fishery disaster.” The declaration will produce funding to offset the impacts for nine tribes and non-tribal fishers in Washington state.
The Night That Sprawl Drove Dixie Down
You can point the finger at unprepared politicians or mistaken meteorologists for paralyzing Atlanta this week. But to find the real culprits, you'll have to look at the region's history of land use and transportation decisions, argues Rebecca Burns.
Charlotte Bets On Federal Funding for Streetcar
The Charlotte City Council approved $12 million in engineering work for a proposed 2.5-mile streetcar extension. The city hopes the investment will help it win federal funds for the $126 million project.
What Can Ancient Cities Teach Modern Urbanites?
These 15 ancient cities can help modern urbanites plan more efficient and sustainable municipalities.
Riverside, CA, Could Scrap Citywide WiFi
The hit or miss efforts of cities to deliver citywide wireless networks has its latest case study: the city of Riverside in the Inland Empire of California is considering an effort to shut down or downsize its 2007 network.
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How Should We Measure Traffic Congestion?
Transportation system performance is often evaluated using congestion intensity indicators, which favor automobile-dependency and sprawl. Strategic planning requires more comprehensive and multi-modal indicators which measure congestion costs.
Doubts Over Development Benefits of New Atlanta Braves Stadium
The Atlanta Braves are planning a new stadium, opening in 2017, in suburban Cobb County. How much residual development investment should local stakeholders expect?
Energy Policy in State of the Union Upsets Some Environmentalists
In his State of the Union address, President Obama touted his "all of the above" energy policy which was bemoaned by some environmental groups who are upset with his embrace of natural gas as a "bridge fuel" to a clean energy future.
Using Data to Design St. Louis' Redevelopment Efforts
A HUD funded project has provided the city of St. Louis with a fine-grained map of residential real estate conditions across the city. Officials are hopeful the data will better guide the distribution of precious community development dollars.
Congress Still Exploring Fix for Flood Insurance Expenses
With the National Flood Insurance Program deeply in debt, homeowners are struggling to afford new insurance rates resulting from legislation passed in 2012. The House could still block the Senate bill that would delay more rate increases.
Is Lowering the Speed Limit the Best Way to Improve Street Safety?
In the aftermath of recent pedestrian fatalities, a lot of attention has been placed on lowering speed limits across New York City to improve safety. But the city's former traffic commissioner argues that other approaches would be more effective.
BLOG POST
Jittery Places, Reducing the Right to Just Be
You’re being monitored. Everything you are is tracked and stored in a data centre. How do you feel about these digital and physical forms of regulation? Do they make you jittery? Do you feel more secure? Are you a wiser consumer?
What Makes San Diego Walkers Stop So Much?
San Diego's downtown street grid features smaller blocks than almost all other major U.S. cities. Small blocks mean more intersections, less distance between them, and a lot of interrupted bipedaling. Bill Adams reviews some potential fixes.
State of the Union Notable for What Wasn't Addressed
In prior State of the Unions, President Obama has put forth bold plans for building high-speed rail, tackling climate change and transitioning to alternative energy sources. Facing an obstinate Congress, he outlined a more modest agenda last night.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
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.
