The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Electric Scooters

Scooter Curfew in Effect in Atlanta

A fourth scooter-related fatality has the city of Atlanta taking drastic measures.

August 8 - Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Helicopter New York City

The Elite Helicopter Commutes of N.Y.C.

Helicopters are an exclusive mode that lets those who can afford it avoid the time and inconveniences of on-the-ground travel. But, say critics, it just highlights the gap between the city's haves and have-nots.

August 8 - The New York Times

Commute

How Much of Traffic is Created by Uber and Lyft?

New data from Fehr & Peers shows services like Uber and Lyft account for a larger share of the total traffic than previously thought, especially in city centers.

August 8 - CityLab

Commuter Train

Study: Good Access to Transit Attracts Startups

Startups are increasingly abandoning the suburban office park to try their luck in denser urban cores. According to this study, good transit is one factor behind that trend. But it's not the only one.

August 8 - CityLab

Footprint on sand at beach

Sand and the Modern World

Sand has always been an essential part of human life and the rise of cities. but its impact and the world’s dependence on it have been largely overlooked.

August 8 - 99% Invisible


Gentrification

It Doesn't Matter if Your Neighborhood Is Going to Eventually Gentrify

“We could use some gentrification here.” Let's never say this—we must refrain from debating the long-term likelihood of gentrification in distressed places.

August 7 - Shelterforce Magazine

Natural Gas

California Takes Step Toward Replacing Gas with Electricity in Buildings

Two weeks after Berkeley became the nation's first city to outlaw natural gas lines in new buildings, the California Public Utilities Commission voted to update an old regulation to allow funding for 'fuel switching' from gas to electric appliances.

August 7 - Utility Dive


Trail

Parks Levy Headed for Approval in Seattle's King County

King County, Seattle spends 80 of its parks operating budget with money generated from a levy imposed on homeowners. After approving the levy most recently in 2013, voters are supporting it again this week.

August 7 - The Seattle Times

Yonkers

APA Lists Recommendations for State Housing Policy

In attendance this week at the National Conference of State Legislatures, the American Planning Association has announced its intentions to lobby attendees on housing policy.

August 7 - American Planning Association

Church

'Yes In God's Backyard' Offers a New Way Forward for Housing Advocates

San Diego housing advocates have coined a new term: "YIGBY," or "Yes in God's Backyard," to advance prospects for affordable housing development on property underutilized by houses of worship. The city's planning department is receptive.

August 7 - Next City

Phoenix Light Rail

Scoop: Koch Brothers Connections to Phoenix Anti-Transit Initiative Revealed

New evidence reveals the deep involvement of Koch Industries funding in the Phoenix anti-light rail campaign.

August 7 - Phoenix New Times

Protected Bike Lane

A Utility Pole in the Middle of a Raised, Painted Bike Lane: 'It's Utterly Ridiculous'

You've probably never seen anything like this before, but if you're a bike advocate, it probably still feels familiar.

August 7 - The Boston Globe

Single-Family Neighborhood

Debating the End of Single-Family Zoning in Toronto

A retired city planner takes a position against "lot splitting," or allowing more than one unit on properties zones for single-family residential as it's known in Toronto.

August 7 - The Star

Universal Orlando Resort

Plans Revealed for 'Epic Universe': the Country's First New Theme Park Since 2001

The Universal Epic Universe, proposed for Orlando, Florida, has aspirations as a transit-oriented theme park.

August 7 - The Next Miami

New York City Zoning Map

Zoning Codes, Explained

Looking for a way to describe zoning codes, and their role in city planning, to a newcomer to the field? Maybe start here.

August 7 - CityLab

Valencia, Spain

The Sustainability Challenges of E-Scooters

Scooters have helped diversify the mobility landscape, but companies need to better address the recycling and reuse process and the environmental impacts of defunct devices.

August 6 - Smart Cities Dive

Democratic Debate

Dems Debated in the Perfect Place to Talk About Cities, But Didn't Talk About Cities

An opportunity missed in Detroit.

August 6 - Detroit Free Press

Newport Beach High-Rise

Lawsuits: Not Just for Development Opponents Anymore

Details of the "Sue the Suburbs" movement wielding a new legal tool to counteract the traditionally obstructionist methods of land use regulation in California.

August 6 - The Mercury News

Toronto GO Transit

In Canada, Suburban Transit-Oriented Development on the Rise

Transit expansions are providing incentives to companies to locate outside of city centers, upending traditional housing, work, and commute patterns.

August 6 - The Globe and Mail

Virgin Trains USA

Ridership Stagnant, Virgin Trains Prepares to Expand

Depending on your interest and perspective, the lede might be buried here.

August 6 - Treasure Coast Newspapers

Post News

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.

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.