The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Reducing Oil Consumption as a Foreign Policy Measure
From stopping terrorism to the promotion of democracy, U.S. foreign policy is being stymied by America's gluttonous oil consumption.
The Best Green Schools In The U.S.
Alternet recently used LEED criteria as an example to cite the top 10 environmentally-friendly schools.
Underground Land Values
Very often, underground land values appear to be a missing factor in land economics and planning.
Friday Funny: A Magical Zoning Amulet
Urban revitalization efforts enhanced by use of the long-lost Amulet of Surr-Vey, Lord Of Demarcation, He Who Measures And Assesses.
Where To Find A $75K Per Month Beach Rental
Welcome to Malibu Beach, California, where you can have lease beachfront home amid the stars for a mere $75,000 per month.
Bicycling, Urban Design May Help Quell Obesity
While a recent study observed climbing obesity rates across the county, Oregon saw no change. A study attributes this to the state’s strong emphasis on bicycling, walking, and urban design.
What Does America Need From Its Universities?
A new college ranking report attempts to answer this question based onguidelines of social mobility, ethics and service.
'New Ruralism' In Florida
Two acre lots selling for up to 1$ million for "people who have always wanted to live on a farm but don't see themselves as farmers."
Want Affordable Housing? Move To Charlotte
New homes and condos are keeping prices at a moderate level, well below the national average.
Growing Demand For Urban Planners
Growing cities scramble to hire city planners as many professionals move to the private sector.
Profile And History Of L.A.'s Skid Row
The Los Angeles Times takes a gritty look at a 50-block area of "grime, despair, struggle and hope known as skid row."
Reshaping A Neighborhood, With The Pedestrian In Mind
A look at Hong Kong's most crowded neighborhood.
Inside Santa Fe's $90 Million Urban Development Project
Plans include a new commuter rail and office building for the Department of Transportation.
How Can Cities Adapt to Peak Oil?
Cities must begin to plan now for the coming decline in affordable gasoline and natural gas supplies.
A Visionary Planner Takes On Howard County's U.S. 40 Project
The Baltimore Sun profiles William Mackey Jr., former planning director for the City of South Miami and the new project manager for the U.S. 40 project in Maryland, who used the opportunity to return to his planning roots.
BLOG POST
GIS more than just maps
<p>Yes, we are all riding on the hype that Google Maps started, and the endless possibilities it provides. But looking at it from a planners/geographers perspective, are these possibilities really endless?</p><br /> <p>In the Directions magazine, Adena Schutzenberger points out:</p><br /> <p><a href="http://www.directionsmag.com/editorials.php?article_id=906">http://www.directionsmag.com/editorials.php?article_id=906</a></p><br /> <ul><br /> <i>...</i><i> these services (Google Maps, Yahoo Maps, MSN Earth….) give programmers all the tools they need to make maps. Indeed. It may be time again to explore that age old question: what’s the difference between map making and GIS? The former is about presentation (“a map is a representation of structure, and a structure is a set of elements and the relationships between them”). While paper maps are not interactive, electronic maps may be, but that does not make them components of a GIS. GIS, its proponents argue, is more than just mapping; it’s analysis; it’s exploring what if; it’s using models; it’s developing more intricate visualizations</i>
Michigan's Hot Cool Cities Initiative Underway
Despite criticism and delays, Michigan's Governor Jennifer Granholm pushes forward to make urban areas in Michigan attractive to young professionals.
Amateur Enviro-spies
To catch polluters, the government is turning to volunteers with digital cameras.
'Peer To Peer' Public Transportation
In Lyon, France, an ambitious new public transportation program uses pedal power instead of gas.
Will Kelo V. New London Become Another Roe-vs-Wade?
In the wake of the recent Supreme Court decision on eminient domain, more and more Americans are concerned about their property rights.
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
County of Mendocino
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Montrose County
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
