The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
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.
Reusing Empty Office Space
Through a rule that allows landlords to financially benefit from allowing charities and non-profits to use their spaces, empty office buildings in the UK are being utilized by groups for a variety of projects, including an art exhibition.
Cities Losing Black Populations
Cities with high populations of black Americans are losing them, according to figures form the U.S. Census Bureau.
BLOG POST
A War On Cars? Let There Be Peace!
<p class="MsoNormal">Our job as planners is ultimately to <a href="http://www.vtpi.org/tdm/tdm114.htm">manage change</a>, which is often fun but occasionally ugly. A good example is a current debate over a supposed <a href="http://daily.sightline.org/daily_score/archive/2011/01/03/war-on-cars-a-history">“war against the car.”</a> </p>
Streetcar Success in New Orleans
The experience of rebuilding a streetcar line in New Orleans and the subsequent neighborhood growth that followed offers lessons to other cities considering streetcar plans, according to this piece from <em>Architect Magazine</em>.
Lagos to Expand Bus Rapid Transit System
Lagos, Nigeria's bus rapid transit (BRT) system, established in 2008, will expand its services more than 13 miles from Oshodi to Ikorodu, announced Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the managing director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
24 Hrs. In Terrible Traffic
Data from mobile app Waze is used to create a visualization of the throbbing, insistent pulsing of Los Angeles traffic.
Environmental Justice Advocates Deal Major Setback To AB 32
Environmental justice advocates have been able to do in court what oil companies unsuccessfully attempted at the polls in November: deal a severe blow, if only temporarily, to CA's landmark climate law AB 32 by challenging the cap & trade provision.
Detroit Census Confirms Unprecedented Desertion
Detroit's population plunged by 25% over the last decade, according to census figures - the largest decline of any major city in American history.
New York's Zoning Needs An Update
On the 50th Anniversary of New York City's 1961 Zoning Resolution, President of the Municipal Art Society of New York Vin Cipolla argues that New York "needs a new zoning resolution for a new era."
Making Retail Work in TODs
Built around a BART station in 1999, Oakland, California's Fruitvale Village has had a tough time keeping its retail space alive (as have many TODs). The property managers have learned some lessons over the years about how to overcome the challenges.
FHWA Approves Contraflow Bike Lanes
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) confirmed contraflow bike lanes with proper signage and pavement markings as permissible under the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
One Hundred Miles
County of Mendocino
planning NEXT
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Montrose County
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
