The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

<p>With the oldest zoning laws of any major city in the U.S., it's time to retool the rules that govern Philadelphia's growth, argues a recent editorial.</p>

December 15 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

<p>With the city's planning and zoning rules outdated and elected officials often catering to the interests of developers or NIMBYs, many decry Toronto's "let's-make-a-deal" planning.</p>

December 14 - The Toronto Star

<p>The city's strained infrastructure can't handle the forecasted growth, say experts. To remain globally competitive, the city is faced with the challenge of major upgrades.</p>

December 14 - CNN.com

<p>In spite -- or because -- of federal inaction on climate change, dozens of cities and states are taking their own actions on reducing greenhouse gases.</p>

December 14 - The Los Angeles Times

<p>A design competition asks planners and architects in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago to reimagine their cities for the future.</p>

December 14 - History Channel

<p>Though the numbers show that ridership on MARTA's rail service is up 10 percent, the increase could only be a result of new fare gates that have curbed turnstile-jumping.</p>

December 14 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

<p>Responding to Joel Kotkin's critique of cities who woo "creative class" over the middle class, Jerold Kayden, director of urban planning at Harvard Graduate School of Design, argues that revitalizing cities isn't as simple as copying sunbelt cities.</p>

December 14 - Christian Madera

<p>In a bold, creative attempt to bring more federal and state funds to solve the air pollution problem in California's Central Valley, local leaders hope to declare the region an "air quality empowerment zone".</p>

December 14 - The Sacramento Bee

<p>The new site, the latest in a growing number of online tools used to cultivate investment, allows companies to research demographics, find vacant parcels, and identify business assistance programs.</p>

December 14 - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

<p>In New York and across the country, the number of single women buying houses and condominiums is on the rise.</p>

December 14 - The New York Times

<p>As the carbon neutrality market grows, some experts wonder if the non-regulated practice is having any real effect on the environment.</p>

December 14 - Portland Sunday Telegram

<p>In a test case that could serve as an organizing model for other communities, the non-profit West Harlem Local Development Corporation has been created specifically to negotiate with Columbia University as it plans a major campus expansion.</p>

December 13 - City Limits

<p>Critics of sprawl argue that sprawling, low-density development weakens social capital and the level of social interaction. A new working paper finds that these criticisms are unfounded, and in fact, the reverse is true.</p>

December 13 - UCI School of Social Sciences

<p>Sixty years ago, chains like A&amp;P and Woolworth transformed American citizens into consumers. Shedding this consumer identity is key to turning back the big-box tide, says Stacy Mitchell, the author of a recent book on mega-retailers.</p>

December 13 - AlterNet

<p>With a new study projecting major future growth, New York City Mayor Bloomberg is set to unveil a major planning initiative with an emphasis on sustainability.</p>

December 13 - The Wall Street Journal

<p>With "localism" being trumpeted by all sides of the political spectrum, maybe it's time to ask if local needs are better served by nation states, writes Doug Saunders.</p>

December 13 - The Globe & Mail

<p>For the first time since 1994, more residents left California than arrived -- and this time the outflow includes even Hispanics. High housing costs are blamed for the shift in migration.</p>

December 13 - Associated Press via San Francisco Chronicle

<p>A person must earn at least $28,475 a year to afford the fair market rent on a one-bedroom apartment in the U.S. in 2006.</p>

December 13 - CNNMoney

<p>A new world is emerging midway between Orlando and Tampa along Interstate 4. Some say as soon as 10 years, others, in 20 years, strawberry fields and pastures will be paved over and Tampa to Orlando will be one big metropolitan area.</p>

December 13 - Sun-Sentinel

<p>One Maryland county cites that the state plan to restore Chesapeake Bay will actually create more sprawl and pollution.</p>

December 13 - The Baltimore Sun