The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Exploring Options for Tucson-Phoenix Rail
Brightline, a private train operator, is an intriguing option for train service to some rail advocates.

California Pot Farms Stink (Literally), Say Neighbors
Officials overseeing cannabis implementation are having to deal with residents’ complaints that the smell from marijuana operations is overwhelming.

Op-Ed: Cities Leading the Charge to 100 Percent Clean Energy
Four mayors hammer home the point that moving to 100 percent clean energy on the municipal level is environmentally, economically, and politically desirable.

Mobility Plans and Dynamic Planning
A new survey by Governing and living Cities examines what it takes for cities to innovate.

Year in Review: The APA's Advocacy Work in Washington, D.C.
The APA noted that the 115th Congress was "marked by divisive rhetoric, partisan stalemates, and threats to programs on which local communities rely." At the end of the year, however, it could still celebrate substantial victories.

Black-White Segregation Decreasing, Slowly
Segregation is decreasing, even in America’s most segregated big cities.

Chicago Gets Federal Money for TOD Planning Efforts to Accompany Red Line Extension
The long-discussed 130th Street Red Line stop gets federal money for planning transit-oriented development to accompany the proposed new station.

Previewing NYC's Next Big Megadevelopment
Sunnyside Yard, a 180-acre railroad yard in Queens, is in the initial stages of a planning process that may eventually bring development surpassing the scale of Hudson Yards. This time, it is hoped, there will be greater focus on affordability.

In Oslo, Streets for People, Not Cars
New measures will greatly reduce vehicle traffic in the city center as Oslo moves to put pedestrians, cyclists, and air quality before cars.

A Growing Texas City Rethinks its Transportation Plan
The city of San Marcos, located halfway between Austin and San Antonio, recently adopted its first transportation plan update since 2004.

Too Many Conferences Miss the Bus
Nonprofits often advocate for local transit spending, but when we gather, we seem to forget these values. How would we know what the transit of a given city is like if we never ride their buses?

Population Growth at 80-Year Low
William H. Frey reveals the most important takeaways from the recent population data released by the U.S. Census, and recommends the country focus on caring for an aging population and leveraging immigration for economic growth.

Oklahoma City Wins Federal Money for BRT Planning
Money would be used to begin work on a bus service that would connect downtown Oklahoma City with the northwest Side.

Dealing With the 'Seattle Squeeze'
Sections of the Alaskan Way Viaduct will begin closing on January 4, 2019. The city's new tunnel to replace the route doesn't open until February.
Pennsylvania Borough's Rezoning Snags on Last-Minute Public Opposition
The borough of Homestead, Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh, is in the middle of its first comprehensive planning process since 2001.

Street Reconfiguration Work Anticipates L Train Closure in Brooklyn
More priority will be given buses as 275,000 daily commuters find new ways to and from work while the L Train is closed for repairs in New York City.

Lamenting the Decline of Caracas, Once the 'Jewel of Latin America'
"A generation ago, Venezuela’s capital was one of Latin America’s most thriving, glamorous cities; an oil-fuelled, tree-lined cauldron of culture that guidebooks hailed as a mecca for foodies, night owls and art fans."

Japan Offers Up Free Abandoned Houses
Due to an aging populace, lackluster construction quality, and other factors, Japan is facing a glut of abandoned homes. For those with the ability to live there, these homes can be had for next to nothing.

New Traffic Management Tech Coming to Downtown Las Vegas
The city of Las Vegas is experimenting with a new traffic management partnership that will add traffic cameras and sensors to the streets in its innovation district.

Atlanta’s Planning Commissioner Won’t Tolerate Bad Design Any Longer
Tim Keane says quality design isn’t negotiable and developers need to aim higher.
Pagination
Borough of Carlisle
Smith Gee Studio
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
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.