The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
More Physical Activity and Better Diets Leading to Less Teenage Obesity
In another sign that efforts to reduce childhood obesity may be having an impact, a new study published in the journal Pediatrics has found increases in physical activity and the consumption of healthy foods among 11 to 16-year-old Americans.
San Francisco Fights to Keep Chains Out as It Invites the Wealthy In
The battle over whether to allow a proposed Jack Spade store to open in San Francisco's Mission District points to the incongruities of a city desperate to maintain its retail diversity while it loses its residential diversity.
Are the Dangers of Cycling Over-Hyped?
It goes without saying that cycling entails a degree of risk - but are they unduly discussed to the point that it reduces ridership? Cyclicious blogger Richard Masoner gave the issue thought when he heard of a cyclist fatality in a familiar area.
Brutal or Beautiful? UK Celebrates Post-War Architectural Heritage
A warehouse, electricity substation, and brutalist apartment complex are among the buildings recently granted heritage protection by the British government. Heritage designation for post-war architecture, however, remains contentious.
Should We Pay People Not to Drive?
Build more lanes, improve operations, let cars do the driving: Are these the best ways to reduce traffic congestion? Richard Mudge thinks a more effective route may be to offer financial incentives to keep people off the roads.
Dueling Narratives Describe a Changing Cincinnati Neighborhood
Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood has been the focus of battles over gentrification for decades. Sarah Wesseler examines recent developments in the neighborhood in light of this history.
Cities Hit Back at 'Patent Troll'
City transit authorities are fighting back against a notorious non-practicing entity, or patent troll.
Wanted: Funding Source for Transit Investment in Canada’s Largest City
Additional sales taxes, increased property taxes, and a tax on commercial parking spaces are just some of the 11 funding options being considered to pay for a long overdue transit expansion in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Can the World's Largest Office Park Change its Suburban Stripes?
North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park has a problem: the massive business park is woefully outdated, in both economic and architectural terms. Can it regain its status as a cutting-edge center of innovation by taking a page from the New Urbanism?
Skagit "Miracle" Bridge Opens on I-5 in Washington
In this editorial, The News Tribune takes aim at the WA State Department of Transportation - in a complimentary way - at the speed and efficiency in which it handled the collapse of the Skagit River Bridge on May 23. The replacement opened Sept. 15.
Paris Tests a New Approach to Urban Space
Any visitor from America would think that Paris had found the solution to creating great public spaces and taming the automobile. But the city's new approach to urban space suggests city leaders and residents feel otherwise.
What Causes Traffic?
You're probably thinking "Way too many cars on the road, duh!" But the real answer is a bit more complicated, and counterintuitive. Tom Vanderbilt explains in a 20-minute presentation.
Can a "Rare Slice of California" Stave Off Sprawl?
San Luis Obispo County, along California's Central Coast, is at a crossroads. Will it go the way of Orange County and succumb to development pressures or will it follow Napa and Ventura Counties and protect its rural lands from exurban sprawl.
After 20 Years in Office, Boston Mayor's Legacy Writ in Concrete and Steel
After five terms in office, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino's most enduring impact may bee seen in the city's changing skyline. Rather than go out with a whimper, the Menino era is ending with a bang as the pace of development accelerates.
What is a "Community"?
As communities based on proximate and personal relationships decline, the application of term "community" multiplies. Anand Giridharadas looks at the hijacking of the word and what its new applications say about our contemporary culture.
Friday Funny: New York's Weirdos Saddle Up for Bikeshare Shenanigans
Though the Wall Street Journal's editorial board and Victoria's Secret Angels are unlikely to ride one, Citi Bikes have attracted a wide swath of New Yorkers. Apparently this also includes the city's ample supply of weirdos.
Co-Ops Provide a Path to Preserve Affordable Housing
Unlike in New York, housing cooperatives are a rare find in DC. Tucked into neighborhoods like Logan Circle and Columbia Heights, they are "relatively unknown". But they provide a "great source of stable, affordable housing," writes Elizabeth Falcon.
EPA Announces Controversial Limits on Power Plant Emissions
A year and 2.5 million public comments after the Obama Administration first proposed setting limits for the emission of carbon dioxide by power plants, the EPA is set to announce its final plan today. Could this mean the end of new coal plants?
Happy Park(ing) Day! Should This Be the Last One?
Though Park(ing) day organizers stopped tracking numbers last year, it's safe to say that dozens of cities will be turning their parking spaces into public spaces today. But for Alissa Walker, participants could better spend their time and energy.
Fed. Appeals Court Upholds CA's Low Carbon Fuel Standard
The Calif. Air Resources Board received uplifting news from the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals this week when they rejected the charge that the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, designed to reduce carbon intensity in fuel, impeded interstate commerce.
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.
