The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
A Deadly Plague Of Slums
Mike Davis warns that concentrated poverty and poor santitation in Asian and African slums could cause a worldwide public health catastrophe.
Wal-Mart Forced To Prove The Value Of Its Supercenters
Next month, voters in Contra Costa County, CA, will decide if Wal-Mart supercenters belong in their community.
Portland, Maine: Growth Comes At A Price
Portland, Maine tops a variety of lists as one of the most livable communities in America, but can it afford to pay the price of its success?
Political Power Gravitating to Canada's Cities
Canada's new urban reality is making provincial governments appear increasingly obsolete.
Is Gambling A Solution For California?
The Golden State considers whether more Las Vegas-style gambling is an answer to its giant budget shortfall.
Is Licensing Street Performers A Good Solution?
Would a city ordinance that regulates the bleak street performing scene in the City of Baltimore be an impetus for its growth and enliven the city streets? Or would it have a crippling effect?
The Success Of Transit Villages
Transit villages are becoming popular -- and economically successful -- throughout Southern California.
Does Density Make A City Thrive?
The population density of Paris is about three times that of Boston. If Boston's population were tripled, would it would become another Paris?
Too High A Density Can Also Promote Sprawl
Densification is often promoted as a solution to sprawl, but too much density too quickly can also backfire.
Supermarket Darwinism
Detroit-area supermarkets are shrinking in face of "wholesale stores" with Walmart still to come.
Houston's Focus On Planning Gets Noticed
A Super Bowl visitor to Houston writes that although the city's reputation for visual blight is deserved, the city is catching on to good city building.
BIDs: An Export Innovation?
The mayor of Hamburg, Germany's second city, promotes the idea of "business improvement districts".
FEATURE
Too High a Density Can Also Promote Sprawl
Densification is often promoted as a solution to sprawl, but too much density too quickly can also backfire. Adequately implementing a smart growth strategy involves positive publicity, family-centric environments, and motivated developers.
A Gas Tax To Finance Transportation Infrastructure?
Alaska Rep. Don Young argues that a deteriorating transportation infrastructure burdens the economy more than a gas tax increase would.
Sustainability for Canadian Cities Possible Within A Generation
Dr. David Suzuki presents new environmental report to conference of Canadian municipal and federal leaders
Eyesore Of The Month
James Kunstler's eyesore of the month highlights architectural blunders in his home town in Upstate New York and around the country.
Fight Or Flight From A Company Town
Faced with rising complaints near a coal-fired power plant, the polluter makes an offer the people of Cheshire, Ohio can't refuse.
The Quest For The Holy Rail
Fixed rail is one of the most expensive and least effective transportation alternatives around -- why hasn't this gotten through to local officials and business leaders alike?
Retirement Villages: The Next Cash Cow?
With a forecast 195% increase in the number of 65-84 year olds in Australia to 2026, retirement villages could be the next development
What Makes A City Feel Real?
Can a city experience be packaged and delivered? Or is it something that just happens with the right combination of serendipitous elements?
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
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.
