The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Second Avenue Subway

An Investigation of New York's Record Shattering Subway Construction Costs

The New York Times devotes feature-length coverage to the soaring costs of subway construction in New York City, where the cost of construction has reached as high as seven times the average around the world.

January 2 - The New York Times

Beach Driving

Texan Offers Very Texan Plan for the Coast of Texas

In a new book, lawyer Jim Blackburn suggests that engaging private landowners is the only way to manage the coast of his home state.

January 2 - Offcite via The Urban Edge

facades of victorian style residences in San Francisco

The Landlord's Case for Stronger Rent Control

A small San Francisco landlord argues for repealing state restrictions on rent control.

January 2 - San Francisco Chronicle

Rich Suburban House

A Decade of the Millennial Urban Exodus

Time magazine charts which American cities have reached "peak millennial."

January 2 - Time

Dead

Historic Preservation vs. the Housing Crisis

How can cities balance the benefits of historic preservation with the need for new housing?

January 2 - Sightline


Female Cab Driber

Women-Only Ride-Hailing: A Safety Solution?

In Mexico, one popular app illustrates the feasibility and efficacy of women-only transportation models.

January 2 - CityLab

Bus Lane

Sunnyvale Rejects Bus Rapid Transit Pitch

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority is pitching local governments on the idea of restricting lanes for use by buses during peak hours on a major inter-city thoroughfare. One city, at least, doesn't like the idea.

January 1 - The Mercury News


Urban Solar Power

California Program Promotes Multifamily Rooftop Solar

The state's SOMAH program, now finalized, provides rebates to multifamily affordable housing developments that use solar, and lets tenants share in the benefits.

January 1 - PV Magazine

Chicago Divvy

Chicago Bikeshare Rides Are Up, But Revenue Is Down in 2017

As the Chicago bikeshare service extends to more area in the city, some of the stations are in less dense locations and get fewer riders. Thus, though Divvy's revenues have gone up, the income to the city from the program has gone down.

January 1 - Chicago Tribune

Seattle KeyARena

Seattle Will Woo the NBA and NHL With Renovated Arena

Following a city council vote, Seattle's moving forward with a $600 million plan to renovate KeyArena in the hopes of attracting hockey and men's basketball.

January 1 - SeattleMet

Bikes and Train Station

Berlin Unveils Transformative Bike Plan

The German capital could see a new system of cycle superhighways, an expanded bike lane network, and more by 2025.

January 1 - CityLab

Times Square

Get Home Safely Tonight (Or Tomorrow Morning)

CityLab has produced a pair of articles geared toward safe driving behaviors on New Year's Eve.

December 31 - CityLab

Snowplow

How Cities Plan for Cold Winter Days

Planning for snow, and for cold days, is a professional practice unto itself.

December 31 - Smart Cities Dive

Silicon Valley

Expecting a Mass Exodus of Tech Talent From Coastal Cities

An expert says the Republican tax bill is likely to accelerate an exodus away from traditional tech hubs toward more affordable areas.

December 31 - CNBC

California

Three Housing Stories to Watch in California

California's housing crunch finally became a top legislative priority in 2017. More of the same is expected in 2018.

December 31 - Los Angeles Times

Victorian Townhomes

New Zoning in Historic Philadelphia Neighborhood Will Protect Victorian Homes

A rezoning expected to go into effect in the neighborhood of Spruce Hill in Philadelphia chooses historic preservation over potential student housing developments.

December 31 - PlanPhilly

Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve

Esri's Jack and Laura Dangermond Make Massive Land Conservation Gift

The Nature Conservancy's largest ever gift will preserve 24,000 acres of highly prized land in California. Jack and Laura Dangermond (cofounders of Esri) made the donation.

December 30 - The Atlantic

Bus Shelter

Whistler's Secret to Transit Success: Reduced Fares and Free Rides

Faced with a booming population and heavy peak traffic during tourists seasons, Whistler decided to make transit much more affordable—ridership increased as a result.

December 30 - CBC News

Popular but Controversial Seattle Express Toll Lanes Face Possible Termination

The two-year-old I-405 express toll lanes are actually a trial. It's up to the legislature to decide whether they will be permanent. Two metrics were laid out: revenue and performance, but there's controversy there as well.

December 30 - KIRO Radio

Gilpin County, Colorado

Colorado Tax Mandates Will Continue to Hurt Rural Areas

When home values rise, the state constitution requires cuts to residential tax rates that severely impact less-developed areas.

December 30 - The Denver Post

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.