The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

The Shifting Tide of Public and Private Space

In Malibu, CA, private property extends to the high tide waterline, where public land begins. An unofficial group of "urban rangers" is giving tours and dance performances along that line to explore the absurdity.

August 17 - The Los Angeles Times

Building Communities With Legos and Plastic Bottles

GOOD Magazine follows planner James Rojas as he engages a community in the act of planning in his own particular fashion, using everyday objects and building blocks.

August 17 - GOOD Magazine

Don't Just Blame the Cyclists

In response to the Vancouver Sun's recent editorial chastising cyclists for blocking traffic with Critical Mass rides, Gary Engle declares that the op-ed didn't go far enough: there are lots of other villains responsible for causing traffic chaos.

August 17 - Vancouver Sun

Feeding the World in 2050

Growing populations and diminishing land will make feeding people a challenge in the near future. This piece from <em>Popular Science</em> looks at eight strategies to keep the world fed.

August 17 - Popular Science

First Small-Scale Urban Wind Turbines Rising

Developers in Portland has begun installation of a set of wind turbines atop a new tower in downtown Portland.

August 17 - Portland Business Journal


The Future of the Human Relationship with the City

A recent episode of the Australian radio program <em>Future Tense</em> examines how humans interact with the city and how it will likely change in the future.

August 17 - Future Tense

The Problem With Coal

In his new book,<em> Big Coal: The Dirty Secret Behind America’s Energy Future,</em> author Jeff Goodell uncovers the damage the coal industry has done to America's landscape.

August 17 - Great Lakes Bulletin News Service


Homeless Shelters Go Unregulated

In Louisville, Kentucky, urban planning professor John Gilderbloom decries the lack of regulations on homeless shelters in the area.

August 17 - Courier-Journal

A Survey of American Drinking Fountains

Public drinking fountains are a useful if underappreciated urban amenity. <em>The New York Times</em> asked eight illustrators around the U.S. to watch one fountain in their cities and report back.

August 17 - The New York Times

Recovery Through Self-Discovery

Some economists are starting to believe that the U.S. is on its way to economic recovery. But recovery from what, asks William Shutkin in this piece. He suggests the recovery should really be a discovery of better ways of developing and using land.

August 16 - Citiwire

Highway Funding an Endless Source for Appalachian States

A seemingly never-ending incentive program for Appalachian states provides $4 dollars for every $1 dollar spent by the state on interstate highways.

August 16 - Next American City

Finding a Home for California's Renewable Energy Transmission Lines

A new report from an interdisciplinary group of officials and advocates outlines where new energy transmission lines are needed in California, where they should be sited, and how best the state can transition to a renewable energy future.

August 16 - San Francisco Chronicle

Expanding the El: $2 Billion for Chicago's Elevated Rail

On Weds., the Chicago Transit Authority approved plans to create three new rapid-transit extensions to the classic system.

August 16 - the transport politic

Utah Edges Closer to First BRT System

Officials in Utah have approved plans for a bus rapid transit system between Provo and Orem, which will be the state's first BRT system.

August 16 - Deseret News

The Top 30 Housing Markets in America

According to some real estate data, there are more than 30 housing markets in the U.S. that are seeing increases in housing prices. Topping the list is Boulder, Colorado.

August 15 - Business Week

Eight Cities on the Edge

WebUrbanist features photographs of abandoned spaces in cities that are in decline, from the ramshackle homes of Detroit to the sinking piazzas of Venice.

August 15 - WebUrbanist

As World Expo Host, Shanghai Aims for Bigger Splash Than Beijing

As the host of the 2010 World Expo, Shanghai is sparing no expense. Civic investment and projects are expected to eclipse those of Beijing when it hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics.

August 15 - The New York Times

Home on the Runway

More than 100 trailers and RVs sit in a parking lot at Los Angeles International Airport, creating an odd community of airline pilots and mechanics.

August 15 - Los Angeles Times

Mapping Software That Isn't Just Google Maps Plus

MIT researcher Jeffrey Warren has just released the latest version of Cartagen, a software platform for interactive mapping. Julia Galef takes a look.

August 15 - Metropolis Magazine

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