The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
ASCE Report Warns of "Deteriorating Conditions"
The American Society of Civil Engineers has released their 2009 report card on America's infrastructure. Its GPA is equivalent to a D.
Comeback for Little Rock's Little Rock
The rock after which Little Rock, AR is named will be excavated to cap off the revitalization of the city's riverfront. No one knows how much of the rock, estimated to be 300 million years old, is left, which raises the question: Is it worth it?
FEATURE
Streetsblog: Advocacy Journalism and the Reconquering of the American City
The Internet is a trove of great ideas about improving cities. Filling blogs and personal websites, the vast majority of ideas out there are little more than that: ideas. New York City's Streetsblog -- now a growing nationwide force -- is transforming the conversation into action.
Concerns Over Tolls and Sprawl May Determine Bridge Width
Plans for a new bridge over the Columbia River in Oregon have local officials in a debate over lanes, tolls and sprawl.
BLOG POST
Inside the Mind of the Green Market
<p> The green marketplace is the marketplace of the future. From Wal-Mart to Toyota to the neighborhood dry cleaner, it seems like every business is going out of its way to tell us how green they are. That could either be a great thing because these businesses are actually using environmentally-friendly practices, or it could be a bad thing because they're just claiming to be green. Regardless of whether it's one or the other, what's certain is that they say they're green because that's what we want to hear.<br /> </p>
White Light, White Streets
Fighting global warming could be as simple as a paint job -- a global, sun-reflecting, white-wash paint job, according to scientist Hashem Akbari.
"Eco-Unfriendly" Manitoba?
New statistics show that the province of Manitoba throws out more, recycles less and conserves less water than any other province in Canada.
You Can't Teach A Big Box New Tricks
A Home Depot Expo in Charlotte, NC, is closing. Mary Newsom explains that the real problem with big boxes like this is that they don't make sense over time.
Coastal-Heartland Energy Divide (Amongst Democrats)
It's not Blue vs. Red, but Green vs. Brown when it comes to energy policy debates on Capitol Hill.
Wind Power Proposed For Windy Alaskan Villages
The Alaskan government has announced plans to build wind turbines in six small villages along the state's windy western coast. Locals applaud the investment.
Turning Unbuilt Project Sites Into Open Space
DeLuca Homes planned to build condos in Bucks County, PA- until the bottom fell out of the market. Now they're one of many developers cutting deals with governments to create open space.
U.S. May Look to Replicate EU's Infrastructure Bank
According to sources in Europe, the Obama Administration has sought advice from European Union officials about emulating the EU's infrastructure bank.
African Immigrants Revive Mill Town
When a Somali population moved into a dying city in Maine, the benefits of the "new injection of energy" they brought with them has been clear ever since--particularly eonomic growth.
Infrastructure, Housing Spotlighted in Canada's Budget
The Budget tabled by Canada's Conservative government doles out billions of dollars for infrastructure and housing, but it comes with a proviso: the Provinces and municipalities have to ante up billions as well.
Shrinking Budgets May Hurt Ridership Levels
Many commuters still find buses, trains, and subways to be more cost-effective than driving. However, mass transit funds are drying up, and increased fees and decreased service may deter riders from sticking to mass transit.
A Historic District, In Name
This piece from <em>Preservation</em> magazine looks at how historic districts in Portland fall short in preventing incompatible uses.
Canada's New Budget to Boost Infrastructure?
With the fate of Canada's conservative government at stake, details are leaking regarding the proposed federal budget, including billions of dollars in new infrastructure spending.
Pending Ruling By Congress May Subvert Local Zoning Authority
The telecommunications industry is pressuring Congress to add language to upcoming bill that would preempt local zoning authority if they 'take too long' to approve cell phone towers or sites.
How 'Level of Service' Measurements Ruin Cities
"Level of service" is a ranking used by transportation engineers to assess the performance of roads. Streetsblog argues that LOS distorts the development of mobility infrastructure by prioritizing cars over people.
California Towns Bailout Car Dealerships
Too important to fail? Victorville and Norco, CA have approved loans to local car dealers to keep them afloat.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
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.
