The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
The Cost of a Hypothetical High Speed Rail Line
Economist Edward L. Glaeser crunches the numbers on a hypothetical high speed rail line between Dallas and Houston and finds the costs prohibitive.
FEATURE
Brainstorm: Who Are the Top Urban Thinkers?
Planetizen is creating a list of the most important people who have shaped urban places, and we want to know what you think. Vote on people nominated by the Planetizen community, or suggest your own. The polls close September 7.
How to Build Chicago
This video from <em>WTTW</em> looks at a huge new model of the city of Chicago, and shows how it was built.
BLOG POST
Art for Urban Planners - Part One
<p> Urban planning is one of those things people don't realize they can relate to. Everybody understands cities, so why can't they understand how they are planned? Well, there's really no reason. Urban planners -- steeped in the inner workings of the urban world -- probably aren't the best to try to communicate this idea. So bring in the artists.<br /> <br />
The Charter City of Guantánamo Bay?
Economist Paul Romer proposes the creation of new "charter cities", taking uninhabited areas and creating new innovative charters for cities that avoid the burden of national regulations. Guantánamo Bay is an ideal location, he says. (VIDEO)
'Distracted Driving' Summit Called By LaHood
In a sign of how serious the administration is taking traffic safety, DOT Secretary Ray LaHood called for a special meeting to deal with 'distracted driving', primarily the technological type - cell phones, both hand-held and hands-free, and texting.
The Dwindling, and Highly Necessary, Property Tax
Tax caps, assessment limitations, and other property tax relief programs have caused significant damage to the largest source of revenue for ailing cities, says a new book by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.
Density Isn't Everything
Neal Payton says that density gets too much of the limelight when planning transit-oriented development, and that design and diversity should get more focus during the planning stages.
Big Box Retail to Destroy Ancient Indian Mound
Officials in the city of Oxford, Alabama have approved the construction of a Sam's Club retail store that will use the dirt of a 1,500 year old Native American ceremonial mound as fill, arguing against reports of its historical significance.
Becoming an Energy-Independent City
The City of San Jose, California is on its way to becoming the nation's first energy-independent city, deriving all of its energy from renewable sources.
Free Parking
At a digital security conference in Las Vegas, a presenter showed that newer "smart" parking meters can be hacked, giving the hacker free parking wherever they go.
Free Bus Rides Coming to New York?
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently announced an idea to speed up buses in Manhattan by eliminating crosstown bus fares.
The Fall of Windsor, Canada's Detroit
The Economist reports that the collapse of Detroit's auto industry has had a ripple effect up north, particularly in Windsor, Ontario.
Understanding Atlantic Yards
Katherine Melia explains the relevant points on the Atlantic Yards controversy in Brooklyn for those not embroiled in the controversy over eminent domain, starchitecture, and more.
Mortgage Modification Bad for Banks
James Surowiecki dispels the myth that banks are better off renegotiating mortgage then foreclosing.
Office of Urban Affairs on Tour
Adolfo Carrión, Jr., Director of the White House Office of Urban Affairs, reports from a tour he's taking to spur a national conversation about the role cities and metropolitan areas should take in national policy.
Why Portland is Better than Vancouver
Typically at the top of "best cities" lists, Vancouver and Portland are highly coveted places. This piece looks at why Portland is really number one.
Climate Change May Be Greening the Sahara
The Sahara desert is becoming increasingly green, according to satellite imagery -- which scientists are attributing to rising temperatures associated with global climate change.
Park Built On Top of Contaminated Site
New public space has opened in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in an unlikely place. The new park sits a few feet above the contaminated grounds of a deactivated municipal incinerator.
San Francisco's 7-Bike Sharing System
The City of San Francisco has taken a babystep towards developing a citywide bike sharing system. The city recently hosted a bike sharing sampler, with 7 bikes being displayed and available for use at Golden Gate Park.
One Hundred Miles
County of Mendocino
planning NEXT
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Montrose County
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
