The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
A Form-Based Code For Cincinnati
Cincinnati City Council has approved $50,000 in funding for the development of neighborhood-based form-based codes. The funding is the first step of 'Smart Code' implementation throughout several Cincinnati neighborhoods.
Inland Empire Seeks Solutions to Foreclosure Crisis
Ron Loveridge, the mayor of the Inland Empire's largest city, Riverside, details how regional and local leaders are working to recover from the effects of the foreclosure crisis.
Why San Francisco's Bike Sharing Plan Won't Work
This piece from <em>Streetsblog San Francisco</em> looks at the city's recently announced plans for a bike sharing program and why the 50-bike pilot is likely to fail.
Taking Local Food Production Year-Round
Though the use of new portable greenhouse techniques, one farmer is looking to extend his local food growing season year-round -- in Northern Vermont.
The Aesthetic Dangers of Group Decisionmaking
In response to an essay on restricting outdoor advertising in L.A., designer and lawyer Lawrence Barth argues that putting these decisions into the hands of groups -- whether city- or activist-led -- can lead to unintended consequences.
A Look at the Cities of the Future
This slideshow from <em>Treehugger</em> offers visions of the future of cities -- from decades ago and today.
Can the Stimulus Bill Boost Affordable Housing?
Affordable housing initiatives have stalled with the collapse of the market in tax credits which fund construction. Advocates are resting their hopes in the stimulus bill to turn things around.
Drive Like an Ant, Eliminate Traffic
The patterns of leafcutter ants are not unlike vehicular traffic patterns, yet they never get stuck in traffic or get in accidents. This article shows what we can learn from them, and why we probably never will.
Redevelopment Plan for Queen Mary Hits Rough Waters
An investment group that bought the Queen Mary had big plans to redevelop the parking lots and moribund area around the grand ship. The difficult economy, however, appears to be jeopardizing those plans.
Bus Funding Plans Draw Criticism
The chairman of the Twin Cities' Metropolitan Council announced Monday plans to use federal stimulus money to fund the bus system rather than "shovel-ready" projects for which they were intended.
New York City's Fleeting Middle Class, Broken Down
A new study shows that New York City is losing is middle class, and quick. However, says one planner, the findings, though detailed, don't give the big picture.
Visualizing the World's Dwindling Water Supply
As long as temperatures, population, and industrialization continue rising, the earth's water supply is in big trouble, as mapped here by German researchers.
Subsidize Green Neighborhoods, Not Green Cars
DC writer Alec Dubro questions the pursuit of the green car, concluding we should cease its financial support. Though people may prefer the car culture, it would make more sense to pursue a ‘post car future’, citing Portland’s compact neighborhoods.
Study Finds Quality of Life Undamaged by Wal-Mart
The arrival of a town's new Wal-Mart is notorious for being detrimental to the community. But when it comes to social capital, obesity, leisure time, and social and political values, Wal-Mart might not be so bad after all, according to one study.
Puget Sound Suburbs Could Follow Cities' Tougher Runoff Rules
After a recent state ruling requiring Seattle and other Puget Sound cities to control polluted stormwater runoff, smaller cities and suburbs could be brought on board as well.
Niemeyer's Plan to Refresh Brasilia Meets Opposition
Architect Oscar Niemeyer has released plans to build new iconic buildings near the UNESCO-protected cultural and government center he designed in Brasilia 50 years ago. But locals have voiced opposition.
Chu: California Could Lose its Cities to Climate Change
Energy Secretary Steve Chu delivers a grim warning for California: Slow the pace of climate change or the state will lose its agriculture and cities.
Dig After Design for Shovel-Ready Infrastructure
Before officials get too excited about using stimulus money to repair the nation's infrastructure, they should carefully consider design, according to this oped.
What Future Awaits the Suburbs?
The suburbs are struggling right now, but they are still around, physically. Allison Arieff asks what will happen to them next?
Twin Cities Transit Ridership Up, Funding Down
Ridership is up on transit in the Twin Cities. Fewer cars are being sold, and tax revenues are down. With little funding expected to fill the gap, transit fare increases may be on the horizon.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
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.
