The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

The three finalists vying to redevelop 67-acres of Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Northwest Washington unveiled their vastly different visions for the historic site in public presentations this past week.

July 21 - Washington City Paper

For Alan Durning, curb-parking territoriality is the root cause of many of America's urban ills, from housing affordability to economic vitality. He describes the circumstances that've led to the current state of affairs and introduces the way out.

July 21 - Grist

When people think of Moscow, they're unlikely to envision lush green landscapes. But over the last two decades, thanks to a burgeoning environmental movement, the city has rapidly expanded its protected green space.

July 21 - POLIS

Over the heckles of hundreds of residents opposed to higher density and the two regional planning agencies making the decision, the Bay Area's growth plan designed to cut carbon emissions 15% by 2040 through better planning was approved.

July 20 - Pleasanton Weekly

As the Occupy Movement, Gezi Park protests, and everyday urban reclamation projects demonstrate, power and politics are embedded in place. As public spaces disappear, reclaiming the commons becomes increasingly important, say Leo Hollis.

July 20 - Aeon

Tasked with developing a plan for how D.C.'s underperforming neighborhoods could improve their attraction to shoppers and retailers, consultants Streetsense whittled down hundreds of factors into an 8-step guide to creating vibrant retail streets.

July 20 - Elevation DC

Urban Land looks at the reinvention of America's inner-ring suburbs. The authors explore the challenges of mixing uses, integrating cars and attaining authenticity as planners and developers seek the right recipe for the next big wave of development.

July 20 - Urban Land

NYC's revised plan for rezoning the area known as East Midtown met with a chilly reception from a variety of community and interest groups when unveiled last week. Planners are trying to finalize the controversial plan before Mayor Bloomberg exits.

July 20 - The New York Times

If you're looking or a sign that Bike Share has hit the big time this may be it: Victoria's Secret Angels have come out firmly against it.

July 19 - New York Post

The Planning Report asks Long Beach Mayor, CAISO Chair, and former Southern California Edison president Bob Foster what impact the closure of the San Onofre nuclear power plant will have on energy supply in the Southland.

July 19 - The Planning Report

Why is Amtrak spending $500 million on new locomotives for the Northeast Corridor that are "fat, expensive and slow"? Americans have the the Federal Railroad Administration's "globally-unique crash safety standards" to thank.

July 19 - The New York Observer

Vancouver has apparently overcome the obstacle that's prevented the city from hopping on the 'urban trend of the century'. When the city's bike-share system begins operation this fall it will feature 'the continent’s first helmet-dispensing system'.

July 19 - The Globe and Mail

While cities are growing, it's comparatively easy to keep a healthy balance sheet. But for cities like Charlotte, managing the transition from a growth economy to economic sustainability is a treacherous one. Aaron Renn delivers a cautionary tale.

July 19 - Governing

A pilot program will reserve 900 on-street parking spaces for car-sharing vehicles. While the number of spaces is just .3 percent of the on-street supply, the program is expected to generate controversy in a city "where parking is at a premium".

July 19 - San Francisco Chronicle

Vexed in your attempts to capture the true character of a place through photographs? Richard I'Anson shares the secrets to taking great city snapshots.

July 19 - The Guardian

Gina McCarthy's confirmation has been stalled by Senate Republicans who claimed she hadn't answered the 1,000 questions they gave her. Her confirmation vote, 59-40 on Thursday, results from a filibuster compromise that the Senate reached on Tuesday.

July 19 - Los Angeles Times

Is your city's transit agency caught in a cycle of rising fares, declining service, and chronic financial problems? Mark Aesch has used an innovative approach to turn around the bus systems in Rochester and Detroit. Could it work in your city?

July 19 - The Atlantic Cities

Yesterday, Detroit became the largest municipality in U.S. history to declare bankruptcy. Such an action is unprecedented, so the path forward is murky. Yet one word seems to signify what lies ahead over the next year: battles.

July 19 - Detroit Free Press

After months of speculation, and decades of mismanagement and population decline, Detroit has filed for bankruptcy. The milestone is the culmination of a turbulent half-century for the city. But some see it as a chance for a new start.

July 18 - Jonathan Nettler

The derailment of an intercity train south of Paris last week is drawing attention to France's two-tiered rail system. While high-speed trains are celebrated and expanded, local lines suffer from underinvestment and neglect.

July 18 - The Guardian