The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

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.

A 'Brand New, Improved' Cap-and-Trade System for California
A California state senator has proposed to overhaul California’s cap-and-trade system explains the changes he wants to see.

Traffic Jams Come to Mount Everest
The side of Mount Everest is no place for a crowd.

Friday Fun: Toddlers Take to the Race Track
The hot new wheels of choice for little ones to learn how to ride bikes are called balance bikes. "Welcome to the Tour de France of Toddler Racing," says the Wall Street Journal.

Who Killed the Federal Study of Transit Costs?
The Government Accountability Office was set to investigate why U.S. transit capital investments are so expensive, especially in contrast to comparable European projects, but that study will not leave the station.

Census Data Reveals 2016 Population Winners and Losers
The U.S. Census released its 2016 population data today. It feels a lot like a popularity contest.

All We Need to Do: Call BS
Ben Brown calls BS on a number of city planning and gentrification points.

California Invented 'Botts' Dots' Raised Pavement Markers—Now it's Phasing Them Out
A staple of the California driving experience will soon be a thing of the past.

Los Angeles Signal Priority System Should Be a Model for U.S. Transit Systems
Signal priority is a way to create faster, more regular bus service by adjusting length of stoplights for buses.
Pagination
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.