The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Congregation Hits Wall in Bid to Raze Historic Chicago Church
The high costs of preservation and the current economic downturn have pushed the Chicago archdiocese to request a demolition permit for a historic church. But preservationists are pushing back.
In Japan, a Billboard That Watches You
Two digital cameras atop a billboard at a Tokyo rail station will scan passersby. One will record who is looking at the billboard, the other will count the number of people passing by.
When Neighborhoods Improve, Social Safety Nets Unravel
Residents of one Las Vegas community fear being evicted as an urban renewal project goes underway. According to this article, projects like this often hurt neighborhoods by destroying the social ties they once contained.
Raise the Gas Tax, Reduce the Payroll Tax
Time's Michael Kinsley explains why now is the perfect time to introduce a revenue-neutral gas tax, with the revenue used to lower the payroll.
Nighttime Urban Renewal
One lighting artist's work has helped revitalize and make nightlife possible in a number of European cities.
Housing Authority 'Charging for Everything'
The Paterson Housing Authority in New Jersey will soon enact some new rules and fees, including charging $20 for every washer, dryer and large screen plasma television.
Republican LaHood Chosen As Transportation Secretary
Surprising many, IL Congressman Ray LaHood, a Republican, was selected to fill the transportation position in Obama's administration, presumably to show a bi-partisan approach. Transportation reauthorization and the stimulus package await LaHood.
OC City May Snatch Up Foreclosed Properties
Huntington Beach is one of a few cities that is weighing the option to purchase its own foreclosed properties, and eventually making them affordable housing.
Infrastructure In Canada Threatened By Climate Change
An internal report to the Canadian government written nearly two years ago concludes that infrastructure in the country is at serious risk from climate change. The study came to light recently under the Access to Information Act.
First Homes Completed in Brad Pitt's New Orleans Effort
In New Orleans' Ninth Ward, Hurricane Katrina's devastation is painfully evident. But a philanthropic homebuilding effort led by actor Brad Pitt aims to help the neighborhood rebuild. The first homes in that effort have just completed construction.
Locals Oppose Jewish Developments
Around already-overdeveloped parts of Los Angeles, large developments planned by Chabad and other Jewish organizations have been facing some strong local opposition.
BRT Fails in Delhi
The Bus Rapid Transit System has failed to meet the demands of New Delhi's riders and pedestrians. A better strategy, according to one report, is to improve its mass transit instead.
Report Shows Driving Trends Have Been on Downward Path For Years
Though the recent decline in vehicle miles traveled has been commonly linked with this year's rise in gas prices, VMT has been on the way down for years, according to a new report from the Brookings Institution.
Homogeneity Prevails in East LA
Although Southern Californian suburbs are more ethnically integrated than ever, the census shows that East LA is 98% Latino--a decline in diversity.
Houston Lights go LED
The city of Houston moves to convert all the bulbs at its traffic stops to LEDs, aiming to save energy and money.
An Architectural Beacon of Hope in Skid Row
On the edge of Los Angeles' Skid Row, a gleaming white arts complex opens. A "stubborn declaration of hope," the center is intended to show architecture's power to create community.
Missouri Streets are a Little More Complete
DeSoto and Ferguson are the first two cities in Missouri to adopt Complete Street plans. The ordinances are in place to encourage walking and biking, and, ultimately, healthier lifestyles.
Air Board Approves Diesel and Climate Protection Plans
In back-to-back rulings, the Californian Air Resources Board approved the nation's strongest climate protection plan and the strictest on-road diesel emissions plans that will mean the oldest, most polluting trucks and buses will soon be no more.
Understanding San Francisco's Congestion Pricing Study
In this op-ed, the executive director of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority makes a case for congestion pricing in the City, though he is quick to indicate the SFCTA is only studying the concept to see if it could be applied there.
Seattle's Affordable Housing Plan Blasted For Poor Timing
The Seattle City Council recently approved a new affordable housing plan allowing builders to develop larger buildings if they include a certain amount of affordable units. But developers say the plan is ill-timed and they plan on ignoring it.
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.
