The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Human Error, Not Crumbling Infrastructure, Caused NYC Subway Derailment
While the New York subway's need for infrastructure investment is well documented, it was an improperly placed rail that caused two subway cars to derail on a southbound A train on Tuesday morning in Harlem.

Chicago's Black Residents Continuing to Leave the City
The Census shows that black residents are leaving Chicago and the surrounding areas. Many tie the trend to disinvestment in black neighborhoods, including the closings of schools.

Denver to Fund Convention Center Expansion With a New 'Tourism Improvement District'
Denver has approved a new Tourism Improvement District to help cover the cost of the $233 million expansion project at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.

Do Members of Congress Need a Housing Stipend?
The cost of living in Washington, D.C. might make it difficult for less wealthy members of Congress to pay rent or mortgages in their home state and the seat of power. Thus, a surprising voice has suggested housing assistance for Congress.

Bus Lane, Not Bike Lane, Should Be Chicago Avenue's Priority
Chicago Avenue bus is one of Chicago's busiest. It deserves a bus lane.

Is Car Ownership Coming to an End?
The Wall Street Journal sees the end for car ownership, it's been predicted before, but they see moves from the industry and predictions from consultants as proof that this time it's for real.

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As Medical Cannabis Grows, So Does the Space Needed for It
Despite its medicinal benefits, cannabis will negatively impact the environment if we don’t plan accordingly.

Los Angeles' New Tower and the Silly Rules That Govern Building Height
Los Angeles' new Wilshire Grand tower is tall and impressive. But, in reality, it's about 100 feet shorter and perhaps less impressive than the arbiters of skyscrapers say it is. Whatever the definition, it might be time to quit venerating height.

Union Strike Halts Construction in Philadelphia
Operators of cranes, bulldozers, hoists, and all kinds of other heavy equipment walked off construction sites around the Philadelphia region earlier this week.

Louisville's Sprawl Threatens One of its Last Clean-Running Streams
New subdivision planning and construction is expected to expand the footprint of the Louisville metropolitan area. The question is whether those new developments will protect or harm the beloved Floyds Fork.

Transit's No Good, Very Bad Day
Transit commuters in New York and Washington, D.C. were understandably frustrated yesterday. One wonders when enough will be enough, and what happens then?

$6 Million: The Cost of Removing the Trump Brand from Toronto Hotel
JCF Capital ULC wanted so badly to reboot the branding at the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Toronto, it paid $6 million to start over.

With Resources Scarce, Bridge-Builders Cultivate Creativity
Innovation means different things to different people. For Bridges to Prosperity (B2P), a nonprofit that builds footbridges in the developing world, it’s a way to help people thrive despite limited resources.

Black Home Ownership Rates in Seattle's King County Continue to Shrink
King County, Washington was once home to a large number of black homeowners, today the county lags far behind the rest of the country.

The Dutch: Ready to Export Their Flood Control Expertise
For those who want it, the Netherlands is willing to share the fruits of its centuries-long relationship with the unruly seas. In Rotterdam, lots of local urban solutions are also on display.

Public Engagement Helping Pittsburgh-Area Bus Rapid Transit Proposal Take Shape
The Port Authority of Allegheny County is moving forward on a proposed bus rapid transit (BRT) system that connects Downtown Pittsburgh with Uptown, Oakland, and Wilkinsburg, with branches to Squirrel Hill and Highland Park.

Who's Mapping Gentrification, and Where?
In these cities, data on gentrification has been compiled to build mapping tools documenting the process. The hope is to identify neighborhoods where low-income residents are at risk of displacement.
Hosting a City Planning Minecraft Lounge for Kids
Want to engage kids in your summer city planning projects? 12-year-old Roman Borys gives some pointers on how to host a Minecraft lounge in your downtown.

Louisiana's Subsidence Problem Looks Dire
According to a new study, the state's coastal lands are sinking at a quicker rate than previously estimated.

Public-Private Partnerships: Cost-Effective or Cash Cow?
Public-private partnerships between local governments and private contractors have the Trump Administration's favor. But in a "P3 market in its infancy," can they cut costs or simply line pockets?
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New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
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.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.