The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Gas Taxes Advance in New Mexico and Wisconsin in May
The Democratic-controlled New Mexico legislature passed a 5-cents per gallon fuel tax increase and the Republican-controlled Assembly in Wisconsin backed a plan to apply sales tax to fuel, but their Republican governors oppose any tax hikes.

Santa Monica Proposing Balanced Approach With Downtown Plan
After residents soundly defeated the anti-growth Measure LV in November, city officials are still trying to propose a plan that addresses the traffic and livability concerns that led to the initiative being placed on the ballot.

Detroit Making its Streets 'Sticky'
The word "sticky" when applied to the urban design context has come to mean attractive and comfortable—the kind of place that makes people want to stay away and make return visits. Detroit is the latest city to experiment with the concept.

David Beckham's Big Idea: A New Soccer Stadium in Miami, With Zero Parking Spaces
A group led by David Beckham is working to build a stadium in Miami that would house a Major League Soccer team. There are two twists (besides Becks): the stadium would require zero public financing and the stadium would build zero parking.

Roanoke Launches a New Bikeshare System
Bikeshare isn't just for the country's largest cities anymore.

Seattle Kicks the Tires on the Seattle Center Again
Proposals to revamp the Seattle Center seem to arise with every mayoral administration in Seattle. This time, however, the Seattle Center is at the literal center of an explosion of growth.
Residential Developments to Supplement New Detroit Hockey Arena
The Illitch family is continuing to reveal details of the big vision surrounding the new home to the Detroit Red Wings.

Study: Ignorance of the Law Leads to Road Rage Toward Cyclists
A new study out of the U.K. will vindicate the suspicion of many cyclists: drivers often misdirect their anger at cyclists who are only following the rules of the road.

Atlanta Commits to 100 Percent Renewable Energy by 2035
Atlanta announces its leadership on the issue of renewable energy

Taller, Denser, but More Affordable Housing Coming to San Francisco
Following a similar ordinance signed into law by Mayor Ed Lee last July that dealt with developments that are 100 percent affordable, the new housing density ordinance apples to market-rate developments that have 30 percent affordability.

Why Great Cities Need Great Universities
Universities do more than teach classes; they can help transform economies and elevate cities to greatness. UC San Diego is banking on it.
Fracking Opponents Charge Gov. Jerry Brown with Environmental Hypocrisy
The California governor, known for his outspoken climate advocacy, signed the nation's toughest fracking regulation bill in 2013. His response to those who want to ban fracking is that priority must be on reducing oil consumption.

Coming Soon to Suburban Dallas: $1 Billion Mixed-Use Development
The city of Irving, a suburb of the city of Dallas, will soon add a $1 billion mixed-use development, complete with a light rail station.

U2 Concert Costs Transit Agency $61K
The Bay Area agency had to extend service into the night hours when the show ran overtime.

Missing Middle Housing: An Austin Case Study
The "missing middle" of housing is a concept familiar to many planners, but it's still probably unknown to most of the public. A story for Austin's NPR station could be an indication that the missing middle is entering the public consciousness.

Conspicuous and Controversial Condo Building Breaks Ground in Denver
Sloan Lake is getting a new neighbor.

EPA Alleges Fiat Chrysler Cheated Tests Measuring Carbon Pumped Into Atmosphere
The U.S. government will sue Fiat Chrysler Automobiles over software that allowed cars to pass emissions tests while letting out more pollutants than would be allowed.
How to Improve an Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance
Pasadena is revising its zoning regulations to accommodate more accessory dwelling units. This open letter to the city's Planning Commission includes sound suggestions, applicable everywhere.

L.A. Metro Board Removes Support for Controversial 710 Freeway Tunnel Plan
The saga of the 710 Freeway will continue, as it has for decades. Now, however, a proposal to build a 6.3-mile tunnel from El Sereno to Pasadena, has lost key support from the regional transportation agency.

The Hidden Costs of Free Parking for Teachers
Bill de Blasio's decision to hand out more than 10,000 parking placards to school employees incentivizes driving and costs the city money.
Pagination
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.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.