The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Greens Vs. HOAs
HOAs are mandated to protect the aesthetics of their community. That goal is clashing with many who want to install solar panels on their roofs. States are fighting back with laws prohibiting HOAs from banning panels.
God and the Granny Pod
A Methodist reverend has a vision of a portable living space for aging seniors that could be set up in a family's backyard. Local officials worry about them becoming permanent if zoning changes.
Using Highways to Make Biodiesel
Student Dallas Hanks saw unused land on the sides of highways being landscaped and thought the land could be used more effectively. His ideas have resulted in a project to grow crops for biodiesel on these embankments.
Schwarzenegger Loots Redevelopment Agencies
A Sacramento State Court gave the Governor permission to redirect money from local redevelopment agency funds to prop up local education.
Masons, the Mighty Mites, and Historic Preservation
In Fort Worth, Texas, the former Masonic Widows and Orphans home is a 20-acre historic campus of red brick buildings that is up for redevelopment. Architect Lee Hill talks about their plans for the site.
Making Mecca a "Mecca" for Public Transit
Already a substantial city of 1.5 million, Mecca more than doubles its population during the annual hajj pilgrimage -- which is expected to bring in 8 million people by 2030. Moving so many people will require a world-class public transit system.
Toronto's "Dysfunctional" Planning
With its planning department reporting to a deputy manager several steps removed from the mayor's office, Toronto's planning system is "just insane", writes Christopher Hume.
City And Business House Homeless
San Antonio, Texas, is partnering with business and nonprofit groups on a project aimed at curbing homelessness.
China Says West Gets Their Urban Regeneration Story Wrong
Iain Mills reports on the competing storylines describing China's transformation. Is China wantonly destroying historic buildings and displacing people, or constructing a future, harmonious society?
Complete Streets Bill Heats Up
In Albany, NY, a "complete streets" bill that would dictate that all new roads follow guidelines for bike and ped accessibility is gaining ground as it passes through the state Congress.
Zoning and Fashion? Amanda Burden in Vanity Fair
Focusing on her Armani outfit, her upscale background, and the beet salad she was ordering, Vanity Fair finally gets down to brass tacks with New York's Planning Director Amanda Burden.
Quality Public Space vs. Lack of Funds
The group that maintains Philadelphia's famed Rittenhouse Square has put a lot of maintenance work into making it a lovely space, but is faced with mounting expenses and needs new ways to pay for them.
Women Feel Safer in Mumbai
A study in India has shown that more women gather in public spaces in Mumbai than any other city in the country, even though free and open access continues to be a problem.
Who You Gonna Call? City Repair!
In this interview with the City Repair Project co-founder Mark Lakeman, Yes! Magazine writer Brooke Jarvis learns how residents can fix their neighborhoods by creating public space where it never existed before. [Includes photo essay].
Could Lake Erie and Ontario Be Next for Wind Power?
Residents of Chautauqua County are weighing in on the possibility of offshore windfarms in both lakes. Locals fear a drop in property values, the consistency of wind as a power source, and a lack of direct benefit.
Microsoft Knows Where You're Going
Microsoft uses GPS data collected from your trips to predict where you're going and give you advice on how to get there more efficiently.
Urban History, Coming to a TV Near You
In case your knowledge of urban history is a bit fuzzy, tune into the History Channel this week.
Ceding Local Control to Highway Planners
Roger Valdez looks back at the history of highways, and the switch from local control to state and federal control due to the burden of financing and maintaining roads.
New Housing/Mobility Measurement For Affordability Is 45%
The housing affordability rule of thumb is that you should not pay more that 30% of your income in rent or mortgage payment. Yet that ratio doesn't include the transportation costs that vary by community. What would it be if it was included?
Reconquering the Banks of Paris
Paris plans to eventually phase out automobiles in the city center in order to create a pedestrian friendly riverbank.
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.
