The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

New York Hasn't Been the Same Since the Avengers
A satirical take on the "Leaving New York" genre of confessional makes believe Marvel Comics style. No spoilers included here.

The New Trend in Transit: $0 Transfer Fees
After Detroit eliminated its fee to transfer between DDOT and SMART buses. Advocates in Pennsylvania want Philadelphia to be next.

Commute Frustrations Boil Over in Massachusetts Poll
A recent poll of Massachusetts voters was able to connect the realities of the housing market to the frustrations of the daily commute.

Denver to Restructure Homeless Services After Audit
The city will commit new funding and potentially a new department to better manage its homeless services.
On-Demand Shuttle Expands Service Area in Chicago
Via will now operate in a much larger portion of Chicago.

Thinking Outside of the Transit Box in L.A.
Metro is analyzing new geolocational data to look beyond conventional understandings of travel behavior.

One Less Protected Bike Lane in Baltimore
A bike lane on Roland Avenue in Baltimore had been separated from vehicle traffic by vehicle parking, but no longer.

BLOG POST
Do You Believe in 'Ghost Apartments'?
"Ghost apartments" (empty apartments owned by rich foreign investors) have gotten a great deal of media coverage. But how common are they?

How Not to Do Growth
The state of Florida is moving forward with the Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (M-Cores) plan to build several new toll expressways in rural parts of the state.

When Does a Public Space Plan Rely Too Much on Pavement?
The debate leading up to the recent approval of the Arlington County, Virginia Public Spaces Master Plan reveals the competing pressures on park planning in 2019.

How Mega-Project Financing Tools Gerrymander Distressed Communities
The developers of Hudson Yards received $1.2 billion in financing from the EB-5 program, all made possible by a map that gerrymandered the project into the same neighborhood as Harlem public housing.

Tax Relief as an Affordable Housing Boost
The city of New Orleans needs approval from the State Legislature and the state's voters before it can implement tax relief measures meant to give more first-time homebuyers access to the housing market.
Helping At-Risk Homeowners Stay Put With a Land Trust
For homeowners at risk of losing their home due to a medical crisis, divorce, or unexpected repair costs, City of Lakes Community Land Trust has been able to keep them in place by bringing their home into the land trust.

Housing Costs Rise for Philly's Poorest Residents, Fall for the Wealthy
Poor households in Philadelphia are spending nearly much on housing as wealthy residents. And while costs for the wealthy are going down, costs for the poor continue to rise.

How Smaller Cities Are Trying to Attract Opportunity Zone Investors
Cities and states are altering local policies to maximize benefits for private investors in Opportunity Zones.

If You Build It, They Will Ride (400% More)
A more than 400 percent increase in bike ridership following the opening of a protected bike lane on Second Avenue proves that Seattleites are more inclined to ride with safe facilities.

Street Design Principles by Sidewalk Labs
Sidewalk Labs, a smart cities shop within the Alphabet corporate structure, is working to revolutionize technology's role in city planning. Sidewalk Labs recently released the street design principles it's using to guide that effort.

New Developments Must Be EV Ready in Seattle
It's not the same as requiring that all new development have charging facilities and parking spots for electric vehicles, but it's close.

Amtrak Connection Between Indianapolis and Chicago Cut by State Budget
The state of Indiana didn't have $3 million to spare to keep the Hoosier State Amtrak passenger rail line operational.

Fighting for the Right to Drive in an Autonomous Future
There is a growing movement of humans who don't like the idea of being forced to hand the wheel over to robot drivers.
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New York City School Construction Authority
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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.