The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Jaywalking Legalized in Virginia
Beginning in March, police will no longer be able to stop people for crossing the street outside of a crosswalk, a small component of reform intended to protect BIPOC from the historically discriminatory application of traffic laws.
Big Light Rail Expansion Planned in Montreal
Montreal officials recently announced details of a major expansion of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM).
Housing Field Reacts to Marcia Fudge HUD Nomination
Surprise, frustration, and optimism mingle in response to left-field choice.
Water Use and Land Use Are Deeply Intertwined
It's time to recognize the interconnectedness of land use planning, water policy, and sustainability initiatives.
Lawsuit Challenges PennDOT's NEPA Process on Erie Bayfront Parkway
Despite 80% of survey respondents wanting a reduction in volume on Erie's waterfront parkway and improved pedestrian and bicycle access to the city's waterfront, PennDOT plans instead to double traffic as part of a $120 million high-speed bypass.
The G20 and Cities
The Penn Institute for Urban Research's latest issue of Urban Link features Eugénie Birch writing on the important roles of cities as strong partners with nations in supporting the G20’s goals.
New Single-Family Homes Shrank in 2019
The Census Bureau's "Characteristics of New Housing" report shows declining size among single-family homes built and sold new in 2019.
Historic Climate Legislation Included in COVID Relief Spending Deal
The $900 billion COVID relief bill along with a $1.4 trillion omnibus bill allowed for the inclusion of unrelated legislation and funding for 2021, from border wall spending to phasing-out some of the most potent greenhouse gas pollutants.
Civil Rights and Historic Preservation: A Case Study from Northern Virginia
The civil rights debates of the 1960s and 1970s influence city planning in Alexandria, Virginia to this day.
Coping With Rent Burden
The rent eats first, they say. But how do people survive when the rent also eats almost everything?
Comprehensive Update to Washington State's Growth Management Act Expected in 2021
Effective planning processes offer immense financial savings, and there's never been a more pressing need for both. The state of Washington is setting out to prove the planning dividend.
Open Container Laws Ditched in Cincinnati's The Banks Entertainment District
The trend toward the liberalization of outdoor drinking laws continues in Cincinnati. The turned is prevalent enough that this isn't even the first example of a "designated outdoor refreshment area" on the Ohio River.
BLOG POST
Another Fun Neighborhood Analysis Toy
A Trulia feature offers lots of interesting information about neighborhoods (or at least about how their residents perceive them).
Special Permits Could Be Required to Develop a Hotel in New York City
It could become a lot harder to develop a hotel in New York City, even in areas where hotel developments are zoned as-of-right and even after the pandemic has ravaged the industry.
PLANOPEDIA
What Is a Central Business District (CBD)?
A central business district (CBD) is a geographic area sometimes referred to as downtown, but with key distinctions critical to an understanding of city and regional planning.
COVID Stimulus Details for Planners
A few last minute changes were included in the version of the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, approved by Congress last night.
Adapting Building Codes to Natural Disasters Saves Billions
New research shows that modern building codes have prevented around $27 billion in damage from natural disasters between 2000 and 2016, yet many cities still operate under decades-old regulations.
The Race to Preserve America's Black Cemeteries
America's historic Black cemeteries, which have long fallen victim to displacement, relocation, and outright destruction, could have a new ally in the fight for preservation and recognition.
Upzoning Isn't a Silver Bullet for Housing Affordability
Zoning changes have been a popular way to increase density and affordable housing, but more diversified policies could fill in the gaps where zoning fails.
2019 Crash Fatality Data Reveals Relative Calm Before the Storm
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's latest crash fatality data for 2019 showed improving safety conditions for road users from the year prior. That progress is likely to vanish when the data for 2020 are complete.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
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.
