The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Opening Data Makes Finding Urban Solutions Easier
<em>Next American City</em>'s Christian Madera reports on a series of seminars looking at how the growing open data movement is helping to offer cities solutions to some of their operational problems.
Pianos in Public Places
A public art piece titled "Play Me, I'm Yours" entails putting pianos in public spaces around Manhattan (27 in all) for anyone to sit down and bang out a tune.
High Speed, High Price
As China Expands its high speed rail system, some of the country's rural poor have criticized the trains for being too expensive.
With Transit Funding in the Dumps, Seattle Could Ditch Ride Free Area
A section of downtown Seattle has for decades been a fare-free public transit zone. Those days could be coming to an end.
Inside an Urban Water System
Urban water systems are immense -- and little-understood. <em>Places</em> presents this video from the Center for Urban Pedagogy looking down below the streets to illuminate the mystery city water delivery.
Houston, A Model City for the U.S.
Houston is often the butt of many urban planners' jokes. With no formal zoning, wide roads and huge houses, it's often what urban planners are trying to move American cities away from. Joel Kotkin argues Houston is a model city for the U.S.
Carpooling Falls Out of Favor
In Seattle, parking spaces are reserved for people who carpool into downtown. But in recent years, an increasing amount of those parking spaces are empty.
The 11 Most Endangered Places
The National Trust for Historic Preservation presents its annual list of the most endangered places in the U.S. This year, natural landscapes take some of the spotlight away from architecture and the built environment.
BLOG POST
Data Rules the Day: Live from CNU
<p> I'm at the 18th Congress for the New Urbanism, always a stimulating affair and this year is no exception. We're in Atlanta, Georgia, although I've unfortunately not seen much of the city beyond a few leafy, upscale blocks past the anonymous section of downtown. Right now, I'm waiting for a session on "The Great American Grid" to begin, undoubtedly a topic of some interest to our readers considering the comments inspired by Fanis Grammenos' <a href="/node/41290">dismissal of America's grid worship</a>. </p>
Retrofitting a "Planned" City in Mumbai
Navi Mumbai was a planned community built in the 1960s to reduce congestion in the city. The design catered only to the rich, with a golf course and upscale residential development. With a mandate to get more diverse, Navi Mumbai is at a loss.
Locavore Movement, Ecological Concerns Spur Urban Apiaries
In an effort to help rebuild bee populations and support healthy diets and urban ecosystems, more cities are encouraging efforts at urban beekeeping.
"Creative Village" Plan for Orlando's Amway Arena
The Amway Arena in Orlando is being torn down and rebuilt, but meanwhile another developer is proposing a "creative village" for 68 acres nearby, with housing, education, gaming, retail, office space, and a "signature central park."
Public Toilets Make a Comeback
Will a new automated, self-cleaning public restroom system provide relief to Torontonians?
Tensions Between House & Administration Stymie Transportation Progress
Tensions have arisen between the Obama administration and Oberstar, who is anxious to get working on the transportation reauthorization bill. DOT Secretary LaHood is calling for an extension of the 2005 highway bill instead.
Chickens Come Home To Urban Roost?
Another city, South Florida's Delray Beach, wrestles with whether chickens can co-exist with urban residents.
Amtrak Line Meets Ridership Goals for First Year in 6 Months
The new Northeast Regional extension to Lynchburg, Virginia has met its goal of 51,000 riders project for its first year in the first six months.
How The Census Affects Cities
The Census is being collected and urban officials are waiting to see how this decade;s count will affect how federal funding is distributed. <em>Next American City</em> talks with the Brookings Institution's Andrew Reamer about what's at stake.
Small Farms Growing On Top of New York Schools
Green roofs are growing on the tops of schools in New York City, where small farms are being integrated into the curriculum.
State Views Redevelopment Funds As Piggybank
A judge ruled that the state of California is allowed to pluck $2 billion out of local redevelopment tax increment funds. Redevelopment agencies ponder near-shutdown of new projects.
'Virtual Subways' and Suggested Solutions to L.A.'s Transit Problem
<em>Los Angeles Times</em> columnist David Lazarus offers broad suggestions for fixing public transit in L.A.
City of Fort Worth
planning NEXT
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
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.
