The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Batkid Saves San Francisco
Thousands of people helped transform San Francisco into Gotham City on Friday on order to fulfill a young cancer patient's wish. Miles Scott experienced a day he'll never forget and those following from afar were treated to a heartwarming story.
Friday Funny: Flex Your Way to a Free Subway Ride
As Russia prepares to welcome to world to the 2014 Winter Olympics, subway riders in Moscow are being treated to a free trip. The only caveat: You'll need to complete 30 squats to earn your ticket.
An Argument for Eliminating Traffic Lights
For far different reasons, uncontrolled intersections are proliferating in Northern Europe and Southeast Asia. But how can they be safe? Matthew Yglesias uses a video of such an intersection in Siem Reap, Cambodia to prove their functionality.
New Study Calls Into Question Chicago's Extensive Use of TIFs
Chicago is America's undisputed leader in using tax increment financing (TIF) to spur economic development. But what is the city getting in exchange for its efforts to fight blight? A new paper says: Not much.
Do London's Cyclists Deserve Blame for Spate of Recent Deaths?
Tragic collisions have claimed the lives of five London cyclists over the last nine days. Though the causes for the collisions have yet to be determined, Mayor Boris Johnson has suggested the deaths resulted from cyclists' "risky" decisions.
Record U.S. Oil Production, but How Long Will it Last?
A milestone was reached last month in oil imports: For the first time in 18 years, the U.S. produced more oil than it imported thanks to fracking and reduced consumption. But according to a new IEA report, shale oil growth will peak within a decade.
Visualizing the Earth's Vanishing Forests
A new study appearing in the journal Science details the devastating loss of 1.5 million million square kilometers of forest across the globe between 2000 and 2012 and presents a stunning visualization of the data using high-resolution maps.
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The Google Barge and the Future of Mobile Retail
The Google Barge is fascinating not for what it is but what it could herald: a future where our retail stores come to us rather than us to them.
How the Ford Fiasco Jeopardizes Toronto’s Financial Future
Taking office on a promise of fiscal responsibility, scandal-plagued mayor Rob Ford threatens Toronto’s reputation and future prosperity. Adam Giambrone shares insights from some of Toronto’s business leaders and financial experts.
New Neighborhood Sets Extraordinary Bar for Sustainability
Sure, reusing an existing building is probably the most sustainable method of construction, but a new neighborhood on Bainbridge Island, Washington sets an enviable standard for environmental responsibility in every aspect of its design.
The U.S. City with the Highest Median Rent is....
If you guessed the Big Apple, you'd be wrong. It's the City by the Bay with a median rent of $1,463; New York City had the fifth highest at $1,187. San Jose, Boston, and Washington, D.C. were ranked second, third, and fourth respectively.
Explaining Traffic Waves - the Likely Cause for Your Congested Commute
For many drivers, the only experience more aggravating than being stuck in traffic is not being able to figure out why there's a jam in the first place. An explanation of the phenomenon called "Traffic Waves" may help ease the aggravation.
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JPER’s Top Cited Articles: The Debate over Communicative Planning
JPER has existed since the early 1980s but 4 of the top 5 articles date from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s and focus on the theory behind collaboration and communication in planning.
North America's 10 Smartest Cities
A year after he unveiled his list of North America's top "Smart Cities" based on a new metric meant to bring clarity and measurability to the discussion, Boyd Cohen is back with a refined methodology and a new ranking.
Replacing Parking with People: The Next Wave of Adaptive Reuse
The trend towards less driving and auto ownership is causing designers to rethink the future of America's ever-growing supply of parking garages. Eric Jaffe explores what it means to design a garage with an eye towards a less car-dependent future.
Planning May Pay Decently, But Is It Low-Stress?
Urban and Regional Planning has landed a spot on Business Insider's list of the "15 High-Paying Jobs For People Who Don't Like Stress", a claim we're sure some of you may take issue with.
U.S. Traffic Fatalities Increase After Multi-Year Decline
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released its traffic fatality data for 2012. Though the overall number of deaths remains historically low, the percentage of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities continues to rise.
Are U.S. Workers Ditching Public Transportation?
Recent census data suggests that, while public transit use increased in U.S. cities during the recessionary period, it may be on the decline yet again.
As Seas Rise, Can South Florida Keep its Head Above Water?
With much of its highly-developed coastline located just a few feet above sea level, Florida is highly vulnerable to global warming. But you wouldn't know that by the actions (or inaction) of state legislators and business leaders.
A Successful Commuter Shuttle that Serves more than Commuters
The Emery Go-Round is a shuttle service that meets the "last mile" challenge that prevents many commuters from using public transit. Unlike other commuter shuttles, it serves the greater Emeryville community as well. And the buses are full.
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.
