The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
The Impact of 'Top Cities' Lists
Countless publications have released listings of the "Top Cities" in a wide range of topics. They definitely get attention, but do they make a difference?
Chinese HSR Producers Accused of Copying Technology
Japanese and European train producers are having to compete with Chinese firms they alledge stole their blueprints during joint ventures years earlier.
Connecting Job Centers With Transit in L.A.
Sirinya Tritipeskul delves into the data and creates maps that illustrate clearly where the job centers are in Los Angeles and where new transit plans will connect them to the region.
Do Rainforests Grow on Money?
In an effort to halt the destruction of rainforests, increasing amounts of money are being offered to countries for preservation efforts. But some wonder whether throwing money at the problem will yield a solution.
The Rise And Fall of Cities
Victor David Hanson uses a broad historical perspective to examine the causes of the rise and fall of former world cities. He argues that the computer driven, global age will accelerate the process of growth and decline.
Transportation Solutions Illustrated
This article from <em>OnEarth</em> magazine looks at ideas for improving transportation in the United States, and offers some illustrations to help explain.
HUD With an Emphasis on the 'UD'
The federal government is attempting to pay closer attention to urban issues, and its Department of Housing and Urban Development is leading the way.
LA Finally Approves Dedicated Bus Lanes Along Wilshire Boulevard
The Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority finally approved the construction of 7.7 miles of bus lanes along Wilshire Boulevard, with the exception of a one mile stretch in Westwood known as 'Condo Canyon.'
Bing on Detroit, 18 Months into Office
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing has been in office for a year and a half. Some progress in the troubled city has been made, but much work remains, as is revealed in this interview.
New Study Builds Case for Pay-As-You-Drive Auto Insurance
The more you drive, says a new study, the more you are at risk of getting in an accident. So if how much one pays for car insurance was linked to mileage, there would be a significant reduction in driving - and fender benders.
LaHood Announces New HSR Winners & Losers
The loser list is short and no surprise: The governor-elects of OH and WI had campaigned against HSR projects in their states-they got their wish. The recipients of the redirected $1.2 billion were the surprise,with CA, FL, and WA being the happiest.
Predictions for California Planning in 2011
Paul Shigley of the <em>California Planning and Development Report</em> offers three predictions on what the state can expect to see in 2011 in terms of urban planning and development.
BLOG POST
US Planning Isolationism
<p> Recently, the new <a href="http://www.planning.org/japa/" target="_blank" title="JAPA">Journal of the American Planning Association</a> editor Randall Crane circulated a message to US planning academics in which he asked for new submissions: </p> <p> <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'">"A reminder that JAPA is interested in your best work in any aspect of planning scholarship -- quantitative or qualitative, foreign or domestic -- that informs practice. We would particularly like to broaden subject content over the next few years." </span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Temple Uni urban studies prof Ben Kohl replied: "For years I have wished that JAPA would show some interest in the lessons that ‘foreign’ planners and planning experience might have to offer.
Waterfront Redevelopment Hinges on Theater Expansion
A new expansion to a theater in Washington D.C. is seen as the centerpiece of a massive neighborhood revitalization effort.
A Photographic Tour of a Foreclosure Hotbed
Modesto, California has one of the highest rates of foreclosure in the U.S. This collection of photography documents the city's abandoned homes.
Fort Worth Kills Streetcar Plan
City officials in Fort Worth, Texas, have backed out of plans to build a streetcar downtown.
Coastal Communities Swallowed
Thousands of Louisiana residents are being forced to retreat from their rapidly disappearing coastal communities.
Calthorpe's Saltworks: Is it Smart Growth?
The Redwood City Saltworks development designed by Peter Calthorpe has taken a lot of flack from environmentalists -- and rightfully so, says John Parman, in particular for its susceptibility to potentially rising bay waters from global warming.
Linking Infrastructure and Environmental Concerns
In a part of Staten Island largely developed before formal sewer systems were in place, the effort to address both logistics and environmental issues offers lessons for other urban areas.
Opening Government Easier Said Than Done
Federal government entities are supposed to be "opening" their data, publishing it online for any and all to see. While the goal is good, the reality of meeting the requirement is creating problems.
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.
