The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Challenges in Rebuilding Houston Extend Beyond Development
Michael Kimmelman, architecture critic of The New York Times, looks beyond sprawl and development issues that challenge Houston in its rebuilding efforts. An anti-urban, anti-regulation bias from the statehouse isn't helping matters.
New Poll Shows Californians Would Repeal 12-Cent Gas Tax Hike
On Nov. 1, fuel taxes increased for the first time in 23 years in California. Next November, Californians will likely decide whether to return those taxes to 1994 levels, as well as repeal other tax and fee hikes passed by the legislature in April.
The First Year-Round UPS Bike Delivery Route Arrives in Pittsburgh
The electric bicycles appeared in Portland last year, but Pittsburgh will get the company's first dedicated non-truck delivery route.
Oakland to Turn Vacant Properties into Affordable Housing
Oakland pilot program to buy up vacant lots and properties, whose owners have defaulted on their property taxes, to transform them into low- and medium-income housing.
Advice for Repairing Relations Between Planners and the Public
Planners and the public must improve their relationship, according to this article.
Proof-of-Payment Transit Ruled Unconstitutional When Enforced by Police
Cleveland Municipal Court Judge Emanuella Groves ruled that the city's HealthLine must use civilians, not police, to check tickets.
On Demand Ride-Sharing Finds New Homes
Via Transportation Inc is picking up where Bridj left off—offering on demand ride sharing in cities in California and Texas.
FEATURE
Could Autonomous Vehicles Save Lives in Disasters?
Autonomous vehicles could provide life-saving assistance in the event of a large-scale evacuation, if a shared fleet of autonomous vehicles is built with this purpose in mind.
Smog So Bad United Airlines Won't Fly There
It's not the poor visibility but the air quality, ten times worse than Beijing, that has caused the airline to stop flying to New Delhi.
Detroit Transit Expansion on the Table
Bidding for the second Amazon headquarters got the creative juices flowing in Detroit, and one outcome is a new regional transit plan
3-D Crosswalks Slow Traffic, For a While
Traffic officials around the world are testing 3-D crosswalks in hopes of slowing traffic, and having some success
Rent Control's Mixed Effects in San Francisco
As California debates the future of rent control in its municipalities, a group of Stanford economists have conducted research that connects San Francisco's existing policy with higher housing costs.
Lessons on the Future of Prefab Housing from Japan
When it comes to prefabricated housing, Japan is far ahead of the rest of the world. Will techniques from Japan's efficient modular home manufacturers inform a growing prefab industry in the United States?
Analysis: Vancouver Housing Affordability Worsens Despite Foreign Buyer Tax
The trends in the Vancouver housing market have reverted back to normal, after a foreign buyers tax that went into effect in 2016 had an initial effect on parts of the market.
Study: New York Suburbs Need to Zone for Higher Density Transit Oriented Development
The Regional Plan Association released a new study that recommends steps toward higher density transit oriented development in transit adjacent communities around the New York region. The study also teases a big release coming later this month.
Houston's Latest Push for Walkable Neighborhoods
Building on 2009's Transit Corridor Ordinance, Houston's Walkable Places Committee is creating a process for specific neighborhoods to adopt new rules emphasizing walkability.
On the Pitfalls of Dockless Bikeshare
App-driven bikeshare, without the station, has been spreading rapidly, especially in China. But the system comes with its share of problems, including its own version of the tragedy of the commons.
Details of Denver's Voter-Approved $937 Million Bond Package
A long list of projects—from roads to projects to libraries and other cultural facilities—will benefit from a $937 million bond initiative approved by voters earlier this month in Denver.
Study: Nonprofits, Ordinary Citizens Played Major Role in Crime Decline
As many wonder whether the nation's multi-decade crime decline will continue, research suggests that community groups and local nonprofits have played a larger role in that story than they're given credit for.
Alternative Transportation Pays Dividends for Income Equality in Midsized Cities
A new study finds a connection between multimodality and income inequality in midsized cities.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
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.
