The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

<p>Randall Crane offers an introduction to the research literature around place-based versus people-based policies for economic development as he begins his research into systematic comparative assessments of the two policies.</p>

February 20 - Randall Crane's Blog, Urban Planning Research

<p>A recent report has revealed some shortcomings of San Francisco's Municipal Railway system: Muni busses and railcars arrive on schedule only 70%of the time. The issue is underlined by a 1999 measure that sought an on-time percentage of 85% by 2004.</p>

February 20 - The San Francisco Chronicle

<p>While the national and local perception of the region is bleak, with the right strategy and mindset, Upstate New York could revive its economy.</p>

February 20 - Post-Standard

<p>Increasing conflicts between suburbanites and wild critters battling for habitat prompts urban biologists to find solutions for coyotes, racoons, and feral pigs.</p>

February 20 - The Houston Chronicle

<p>Motels fill a critical housing niche in Montana's booming mountain resort region known as "Big Sky" outside Yellowstone Park: they house area workers as well as guests. While the rooms are shared to reduce costs, dangerous commuting is eliminated.</p>

February 20 - The New York Times via International Herald Tribune

FEATURE

With positive effects on public health, safety, and environmental quality -- walkability has become the new buzz word in planning.

February 20 - Wayne Senville

<p>A Swedish town is being forced to relocate as decades of mining have compromised the bedrock on which the town was built. The relocation of the city's entire housing stock, public buildings, town center, and rail line is projected to cost billions.</p>

February 20 - The Washington Post

<p>With Metro Atlanta's senior population set to mushroom, the region's planning agency says that area communities are not prepared to deal with the consequences of an aging population.</p>

February 20 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

<p>The city of Greensboro, North Carolina plans to create gardens that will serve as a gateway on the city's southeast side.</p>

February 20 - News & Record

<p>Participating on Oakland’s Inclusionary Housing Blue Ribbon Commission, a home builder points to the futility of inclusionary zoning and lists effective alternatives that should be included in a comprehensive approach to building affordable housing.</p>

February 20 - The Oakland Tribune

<p>London's mayor takes on the traffic challenge by expanding his congestion pricing experiment into West London -- an area with posh shopping areas and celebrity townhouses.</p>

February 19 - CNN

<p>As cities and counties contribute millions to its budget, the Southern California Association of Governments continues to take flak from planners and local officials who deplore its unrealistic planning efforts and inaccurate growth projections.</p>

February 19 - L.A. Weekly

<p>A movement is afoot to make schools more than just places to store kids for eight hours a day. Planning Director Gail Goldberg and child advocate Yolie Flores Aguilar are helping lead the way in Los Angeles.</p>

February 19 - The Planning Report

<p>Former California State Health Officer Richard Jackson offers a prescription for a country suffering from obesity, diabetes, and poor fitness: design neighborhoods, schools, and buildings that promote incidental exercise.</p>

February 19 - The Planning Report

<p>Residents living near bars in Seattle lament about the late-night antics that surround their lives. Some residents and local officials call for an increased police presence, but others call that a waste of resources.</p>

February 19 - The Seattle Stranger

<p>Many citizens have voiced concerns over approved developments in Philadelphia. As zoning issues take center stage in public hearings and disputes, the city readies itself for a May vote to create a zoning commission that will revise the process.</p>

February 18 - Philadelphia City Paper

<p>Residents have voiced their concerns over Baltimore County plans to purchase a 26-acre farm that include using part of the open space as a school bus depot.</p>

February 18 - The Baltimore Sun

<p>This report from <em>NPR</em> looks at a neighborhood activist who's leading a movement to revitalize a rundown West Oakland neighborhood into a black cultural district.</p>

February 18 - NPR

<p>As plans to develop a Wal-Mart and a shopping mall draw thousands of protesters in Austin, Texas, the public seems to be demanding a new kind of development.</p>

February 18 - The Austin Chronicle

<p>In this article from <em>Metropolis Magazine</em>, architect and planner Andrés Duany looks at New Orleans through a new lens to find the city's true character -- and to redefine how the city can restore itself.</p>

February 18 - Metropolis Magazine