The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

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.

December 17 - Los Angeles Times

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.

December 17 - Land Online

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.

December 17 - San Francisco Chronicle

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.

December 17 - San Francisco Chronicle

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.

December 17 - The Seattle Times

<em>New York Magazine</em>'s list of reasons to love New York includes a nod to the city's streets and their recent renovation into pedestrian- and bike-friendly thoroughfares.

December 17 - New York Magazine

BLOG POST

In late 2007, it was with increasing frustration that I penned and op-ed entitled &quot;Make Miami a Bicycle-Friendly City.&quot; Appearing in the December 13th edition of the Miami Herald, the article implored City officials to make the city more amenable to bicycling (It was no surprise in the spring of 2008 when Bicycling Magazine named Miami <a href="http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s1-2-18-17082-1,00.html">one of the three worst cities in America in which to bicycle</a>). <br /> <p class="MsoNormal"> The City&#39;s response exceeded all of my expectations. </p>

December 16 - Mike Lydon

U.S. News and World Report picks Urban Regional Planner as one of thirty careers 'that offer strong outlooks and high job satisfaction.' Architects, on the other hand, are 'overrated'.

December 16 - U.S. News And World Report

To retain its young and educated, Baton Rouge officials must identify what they want and follow through in giving it to them.

December 16 - Business Report

By mapping rat infestations, New York City's health inspectors have found a whole new way to beat back the rodents.

December 16 - Time

BLOG POST

<p class="EC_MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size: small"><span style="color: #000000"><span style="font-family: Garamond">You have heard it, or seen it, before.<span> </span>A developer comes in for a presubmittal meeting, and he is <em>excited</em>. He has the best project your city has <em>ever</em></span><span style="font-family: Garamond"> seen, and, when all is said and done, he insists that the city will never be the same.<span> </span>And he’s right.<span> </span>

December 16 - Justin Steinmann

As part of its bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, the city of Chicago has proposed a slight change to the layout of its Olympic stadia. The only problem is that the newly proposed site for the aquatics center is listed on the National Register.

December 16 - Chicago Tribune

The City of San José, CA is reviewing proposals from 18 companies to create a PRT system connecting the airport to other transportation modes.

December 16 - ABC KGO TV 7 - San Francisco

Planners in Washington D.C. are bracing for the arrival of millions of visitors for President Obama's inauguration -- which they expect will overwhelm the parking supply and the public transit system.

December 16 - Salon.com

Two years ago, Canada opened the door to American subprime lenders, leading to a game of one-upmanship with Canada's federal mortgage insurer, CMHC.

December 16 - The Globe and Mail

Mesa, AZ is adding a new land use category to its general plan to promote mixed-use, high-density development along the light-rail corridor- specifically in an area of West Mesa formerly dominated by WalMart.

December 16 - East Valley Tribune

With a new four-lane highway and bridge, West Feliciana Parish in Louisiana is preparing for growth -- despite the economic downturn.

December 16 - Baton Rouge Business Report

Prince Charles makes a case for the commercial viability of green housing with traditional design, as opposed to the modernist styles typically associated with the future of low carbon homes.

December 16 - Building Design

The State of Connecticut will enact a new green building code in January, and builders are already calling it "awkward" and "unworkable".

December 16 - The New York Times

BLOG POST

When Chris Steins approached me with his idea to write a kids book about urban planning, I was a little skeptical. We had gotten a hold of a book from 1952 called <em>Neighbor flap foot. The City Planning Frog</em>, by Bill Ewald, Jr. and Merle Henrickson, and to be generous, it wasn’t fit for a modern audience. Here’s a sample: <br /> <br /> <blockquote> “Did you know that there is a special rule from City Hall to make sure each house has plenty of light and air, Mickey?” the wise frog asked. <br /> “No, I haven’t heard about that.”<br /> “Well, there is. Blue Nose told me about it,” answered Flap Foot, hopping about to limber up his stiffened legs. “It’s is called <em>zoning.</em> It is a good rule, like brushing your teeth, only this rule is for people who build buildings.”<br /> </blockquote>

December 15 - Tim Halbur