The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
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Obtaining Letters of Reference for Graduate School in Planning
<p> <span><span style="font-size: small"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman">I’ve had a lot of students ask me recently about who should write a letter of reference as they apply to graduate school. I have a policy on my own web site stating when I will <a href="http://www.annforsyth.net/forstudents.html#ReferenceLetters" target="_blank">write a letter</a> but there are more general principles that hold across many faculty members and programs.</span></span></span><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small"> </span></span> </p>
A Nation of Traffic Is Holding Us Back
A new report is cause for concern in Canada. It shows that poor public transit and bad traffic are damaging the economic engine of cities like Toronto.
"Podiumism" and it's Discontents
Developer Brad Lamb is cranky about urban planners' insistence on building tall buildings on podiums that meet the street, then taper off in the Vancouver style to let in light and views.
New Study: Car Ownership Not Essential to Everyday Commute
A new study, "Tech for Transit: Designing a Future System," concluded that four-fifths of research participants felt car ownership was not essential to their everyday commute.
Tools of Inspiration
Landscape architect and designer Ken Smith talks about some things that inspire him, such as William H. Whyte's classic book The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces.
How Egyptian Planning Helped Breed Revolution
Egyptian architects and planners cite the number of large public spaces as a factor in the success of protests in that country leading to the ousting of Hosni Mubarak.
Preservation Challenges on Peddocks Island
At the 210-acre Peddocks Island in Boston Harbor Island State Park, two different visions prevail over preserving -- or destroying -- the 26 historic buildings on the island.
Will Safety Concerns Curb the Spread of Wind Power?
Speigel Online reports that wind turbines are proving to be prone to breakdowns and accidents. In Europe, the wind business is booming, but growing concern about safety could put a crimp in the growing industry.
How an Infrastructure Bank Could Work
Last week, a bill was submitted to Congress to create an entity to "facilitate efficient investments and financing of infrastructure projects." Robert Puentes of the Brookings Institution explains how he thinks a natl. infrastructure bank could work.
Bicycles Empower Women and Boost Economic Development in Uganda
Over 200 Ugandan women met in Buhoma,Uganda to learn how to ride and repair bicycles in an effort to promote bicycling and provide economic development opportunities.
Ping Pong in the Park
Following trends seen in Europe and China, a public park in New York City has installed a ping pong table.
States Cut Funds to Cities
State budget problems are trickling down to cities, which are being cut off from funding by their governors.
The Fake "War on Cars"
Sarah Goodyear points out the absurdity of the idea that urban planners who are seeking to raise tolls and parking fees while increasing transit accessibility are mounting a "war on cars".
Visualizing the Cost of Water
This visualization compares the costs of providing water in cities across the world, and shows how those costs have grown or shrank in recent years.
More 'Parklets' Heading to San Francisco
The City of San Francisco is expanding its program of "parklets" -- small public patio-like spaces built on parking spots.
A Debate Over 'Fully Contained Communities'
Rural Kitsap County, Washington, has been debating over a policy change that would allow new communities to spring up in the area.
The World's Water-Smart Cities
This collection of city profiles looks at cities around the world that are making major improvements to the way they handle and provide water.
The New Terrorist Threat: Bike Lanes
Jess Zimmerman, writing for Grist, takes a look at the absurdly overheated rhetoric coming out of New York concerning that city's new bikelanes.
Car Ban Proposed in Central Park
A lawmaker in New York has introduced a plan to ban cars from Central Park and Prospect Park.
Combating Gas Prices with Transit and Urban Design
As gas prices rise, more voices are calling for increased investments in transit and more multi-modal city planning.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
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.
