The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Traffic-Fighting Proposition Falls Short
According to Neal Payton, Santa Monica's Proposition T, intended to cut traffic growth, is useless.
Sprawl To Blame for Lack of Community Involvement
In central New Jersey, all the signs that usually indicate extensive community involvement are there: affluence, education, and diversity. But in reality, participation levels are low. A new study shows that sprawl may be the culprit.
Leafy Skyscraper Going Up in Singapore
Construction on architects TR Hamzah & Yeang's EDITT Building (Ecological Design in the Tropics) is underway in Singapore
Phoenix Hopes for Light Rail Revitalization
Phoenix is counting on a new light rail system to revive one of the city's long-ignored commercial corridors when trains start operation at the end of the year.
The Dreaded 'Empty-Lane Syndrome'
As a new 2.7 mile dedicated bus lane opens in Austin, transportation planner Ralph Trapani of Parsons Transportation Group says to watch for 'empty-lane syndrome': the tendency of drivers to use open lanes illegally when in bad traffic.
Right to be Homeless - With Shelter - Established in B.C.
A court decision in British Columbia allowing people to camp in public parks has resulted in tent cities for the homeless. It is a precedent that may have ramifications across the country.
NIMBY Couple Fights Bus Route
This column looks at the NIMBY-minded attitude of one couple that has been fighting to prevent a bus line from coming into their neighborhood.
Home Builders Stepping In To Help Home Buyers
Builders are creating online educational programs to help potential buyers clean up their credit and obtain loans.
Land Use Reform Tops China Agenda
China's government has announced major changes in property rights for farmers, giving them the ability to 'lease, exchange, or swap' their plots.
California's $10 Billion High Speed Gamble
Sacramento Bee columnist Daniel Weintraub evaluates the pros and cons of California's $10 billion High Speed Rail Proposition 1A. With state revenues are already expected to be over $10 billion short than projected, he thinks it is a risky measure.
Neighborhood Mapping A Booming Business
Bernt Wahl is a pioneer of neighborhood mapping techniques. This profile in <em>Wired</em> profiles this growing industry, and Wahl's struggles with intellectual property. Who owns your neighborhood?
Kotkin's 'New Localism'
Joel Kotkin thinks that the effects of the financial crisis may not be all bad, and may even encourage a new focus on family and community ties.
Scranton, PA - Not What You Think!
In this election, Scranton has come to symbolize blue-collar America, with visits by all four national candidates, parodied on Saturday Night Live, as well as the scene of NBC’s The Office. But the city is in a turnaround after decades of decline.
Road Closures, Pedestrianization Key to Successful Urbanization
Chris Turner looks at successful car-free pedestrianization and bicycle planning in Copenhagen and Melbourne and wonders why Canada's sprawling, frigid cities can't adopt these ideas as well.
A Way Out of the Housing Mess?
Joseph Nocera reports on a proposal to rescue homeowners that lets people live in their homes, and doesn't require any government money.
Home Prices Expected to Keep Falling
Home prices are falling across the country, but there are signs that they're not done falling yet.
Property Rights Redux
Roy Gothie, a planner for the Maryland State Highway Administration, argues that 'only a societal decision to redefine an individual's rights regarding property can restore [Chesapeake Bay].'
Le Corbusier's Baghdad Sports Complex Revealed
In the mid-1900s architect Le Corbusier designed a grand sports complex for Baghdad as part of the city's bid for the 1960 Olympics. That bid failed and the project was never built. Now, original drawings and designs are on display.
EPA Failing to Control Urban Runoff
The Environmental Protection Agency has not done enough to control pollution from stormwater runoff in urban areas, according to a report from the National Academy of Sciences.
Climate Protection Jeopardized By Financial Crisis & Recession
The worldwide credit crisis will affect the ability of the developed world to tackle climate change. Businesses in Europe and U.S. are asking for delays in meeting emission reductions mandates notwithstanding the drop in oil prices.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
