The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Better Downtowns May Not Need Cars, But They Will Need Parking
Downtowns can be designed to both reduce driving and boost the economy. But they're still going to need parking, according to urban designers George Crandall and Don Arambula.
New Urbanism Needs To Age To Become True Urbanism
In this episode of the <em>KunstlerCast</em>, James Howard Kunstler looks at New Urbanism, compares it to regular urbanism, and argues that criticized New Urbanist developments will get better with age.
Vélib Not Going Anywhere
A BBC story on Paris's groundbreaking bike-share system greatly exaggerates the threat posed by theft and vandalism.
Research Shows TOD Works
Responding to an opinion piece that claims there is no proof that transit-oriented development works to reduce auto use and emissions, writer Eric De Place catalogs the significant body of literature that proves it.
Will Stimulus Dilute Highway Bill?
Peter DeFazio and others on Capital Hill are concerned that the funding going towards highway construction and transit in the stimulus package may mean delays or worse for the upcoming $600 billion surface transportation bill.
Saudi Oil Minister Warns Against Moving Quickly to Alternative Energies
In a speech in Houston on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi expressed concern that too much emphasis on alternative energies would mean lack of funding for oil investments.
How to Strengthen New York City's Middle Class
David Giles explains the economic extremes that now characterize New York City and offers four suggestions on how to retain and strengthen its middle class.
Vegas Development Comes Up Short
A Las Vegas hotel-condo project's height is nearly cut in half--not due to budget cuts, but faulty rebar installation. Experts are reportedly unable to recall "such a drastic midconstruction downscaling."
Ending the "Auto-Industrial Society"
The woes of the automobile industry--and the prospects for a federal bailout--must be seen in terms of the need to transform not just the industry, but our entire automobile-oriented society, writes Emma Rothschild.
SB 375 Likely to Affect Neighborhood Growth Battles
This report takes a local perspective on CA's new land use law, in the context of two preceding environmental laws, CEQA and AB 32. While the former enabled activists to fight new growth, the pendulum has begun to swing toward developers.
Vermont's Farms Cropping Up, Diversifying
The spike in farms can be seen statewide. They are more diverse than they used to be, and probably a response from young people who "want to know where their foods comes from" and have taken direct action.
With Higher Densities Come Smaller Footprints
This article's author reports his and economist Matthew Kahn's recent findings on metropolitan areas and carbon emissions. As it turns out, living in a high density area is one of the best things one can do for the environment.
My City's More Man Than Yours
It may come as little surprise to some that the tech-heavy city of San Jose has more males than females. But in other parts of the Silicon Valley, just the opposite is true.
North Carolina Tries Toughening Up Emissions Standards
NC Rep. Price Harrison hopes that the third time's a charm when he reintroduces legislation requiring higher auto emissions standards. If it passes, the state's standards may start looking more like California's within the coming year.
Population Growth Still An Issue
Population growth, and its impact on land use, should not be overlooked, argues environmental writer John Feeney, who's set up a conference of scientists to examine the issue. This article looks at how population growth is affecting Oregon.
Do You Live in a Miserable City?
The latest Forbes Misery Index sees a number of changes in the roster, with housing bust "ground zero" Stockton California at the "top" of the list.
New Deal Legacies Endangered
Buildings and homes built as a product of the Works Progress Administration of the 1930s are being torn down at a rate that some find unsettling.
The Fight to Line Dry
Now that the eco-friendlier--albeit more unsightly--way to dry laundry is making a comeback, line-drying activists go face-to-face with homeowners associations to make it safe to do it.
Plan Brings New Vision To The Two Augustas
A new master plan for the Georgia cities of Augusta and North Augusta looks to create a unified vision for the area geared around economic development and new housing beyond the traditional downtown.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
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.
