The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Minneapolis Leans Into Bus Rapid Transit
The city wants to become North America’s ‘bus rapid transit capital.’

Ohio to Demolish Thousands of Vacant Buildings
The state is funding a $150 million effort to raze blighted buildings to accelerate revitalization.

Using Data to Identify and Prioritize the Most Vulnerable
The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) is a resource that can be used by public agencies to identify parts of a community that are most in need of investment.

Helicopter Noise Complaints Surge in New York
Residents argue the city and state must do more to regulate the hundreds of flights that criss-cross the area on a daily basis.

PLANOPEDIA
What Is Defensive Urbanism?
If you’ve ever noticed a public bench split in half by a metal bar, or a series of seemingly ornamental boulders blocking the sidewalk under a high-rise overhang, you’ve seen what is often described as defensive urbanism or ‘hostile architecture.’

How Big Data Informs Park Planning
Data analysis and research by national organizations are helping to ensure equitable distribution and provision of parks and recreational facilities.

Placemaking Redefined by a New Era of Federal Investment
Six tips for ensuring that new placed-based funding programs, such as the Build Back Better Regional Challenge, achieve the full potential of a new era of place-based federal investment.

How Mutual Aid Increases Community Resiliency
Recent devastating weather events highlight the importance of community connection in keeping people safe when infrastructure fails.

Chicago Makes ‘Pop-Up’ Bus Lanes Permanent
Even with the addition of 3.5 miles of permanent bus-only lanes, Chicago trails other cities in miles of dedicated bus lanes.

Baltimore’s Red Line Rail Project Back on the Table Thanks to New Governor
One of the most infamously anti-transit decisions of the past decade—Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan’s decision to cancel the Baltimore Red Line system expansion—could be reversed by the incoming governor.

New York City’s Tree Map Gets More Data
The online tool now shows granular, tree-level data that highlights the public health benefits and economic contributions of urban trees.

The Importance of Restoring Degraded Lands in Los Angeles County
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors just approved the Parks Needs Assessment Plus (PNA+), which highlights the need for transforming degraded lands such as landfills and oil fields into parks and open spaces, particularly in underserved communities.

Ohio Debates Expanded Rail Service
The state has the chance to apply for a piece of $2.3 billion in federal funding to improve and expand Amtrak service.

Chicago Transit Faces Steep Budget Gap
The region’s transit riders could see major fare hikes and reduced service if agencies don’t find new ways to make up for reduced fare revenues.

New York Mayor Announces ‘Get Stuff Built’ Housing Plan
Mayor Adams says the new plan will cut building processes by 50 percent to accelerate badly needed housing construction, but parts of the proposal still face hurdles to get approved.

Bike Lanes Pitted Against Fire Safety in Oakland
The city’s fire department is pushing back on proposed bike lanes and narrower streets, citing concerns about emergency access.

Oregon Could Launch E-Bike Rebate Program
If approved by the state legislature, a $6 million program would help fund the purchase of e-bikes, helmets, and other accessories.

A Simple Fix for Blocked Bike Lanes
A bike lane detour in Seattle illustrates a cheap and easy way to safely direct bike traffic around obstructions such as utility work.

Brookings: A Demographic Post-Mortem of the Midterms
Young adults, according to a deep dive analysis by Brookings Metro demographer William Frey, were a key demographic group responsible for stopping the red wave that most polling predicted as the likely outcome of last month's midterm elections.
Pagination
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
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.