The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Report: Reform, Don't Eliminate, the Community Development Block Grant Program
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is under the microscope. As the Trump Administration considers eliminating the program, the Urban Institute recommends a less-is-more approach.
Aerial video of Charlotte’s new light rail line
Take a look from above at Charlotte's LYNX Blue Line extension under construction, stretching 9.3 miles and connecting Center City with UNC Charlotte.
'Greedy Developer' Trope: Tired and Counterproductive
Opponents of development often cast themselves as opponents of developers, whom they see as greedy and exploitative. But demonization does no good when developers—profit and all—are a crucial part of city-building.
Fastest Growing Commute Mode Since 2000: No Commute at All
The number of telecommuters has increased dramatically since 2000.
Celebrating a Rare Win for the Environment from the Trump Administration
It may be a small but nonetheless significant win for conservation over energy extraction, particularly for Grand County, Colorado, near Rocky Mountain National Park.
Texas State Legislator Targets Historic Preservation for Demolition
A bill under consideration in the Texas House of Representatives would tie the hands of preservationists, making it much easier for building owners to demolish or alter buildings without regard to historic significance.
Another Suburban Anchor Development Doomed by Fate in the Detroit Region
The Detroit Pistons recently played their last game in the Palace of Auburn Hills.
Ten Most Popular Millennial Moving Destinations
In addition to determining the most popular destinations for 18 to 35-year-olds, Mayflower (the moving company) found that 41 percent of this age group have no intention of staying at their selected cities permanently.
Driverless Van Tests Don't Pencil Out
While it might be easy to convince public officials to sell driverless technology as a flashy solution to mobility deficits—the math still doesn't justify the expense.
'NIMBY' Too Gentle a Word: How About 'New Urban Luddites'?
Richard Florida calls for the use of the term "New Urban Luddites" to describe the embedded interests that obstruct the growth of cities. The consequences of New Urban Luddite politics, according to Florida, are too severe for such an innocuous term.
Insurance Industry Reacting as Flooding Moves From Risk to Certainty
Federal legislation and rising sea levels are changing the way homes are insured against flooding. According to this feature article, in fact, flood insurance "is serving as a kind of advance scout into a more difficult future."
D.C. Zoning Code Change Will Further Limit Rear Additions
In a move that will restrict the building envelope of residential properties, the Washington, D.C. Zoning Commission approved limitations to the construction of rear additions.
Lawsuit Closes Popular Hiking Trail to the Hollywood Sign
Closing today: one of the most popular hiking trails in the Hollywood Hills, another case of the antipathy between public access and private property.
Clearwater, Florida to Expand Bus Use to the Beach
All but one Clearwater City Council member voted to move forward with a transit center on Clearwater Beach. The hope is for fewer drivers to clog the roads on the way to a beach day.
Next White House Struggle: Whether to Exit the Paris Climate Agreement
Ending Obama's so-called "war on coal" may go international with the exit from the December 2015 Paris Climate Agreement if EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has his way, but he may encounter formidable opposition from Trump's administration and family.
Dallas Employment Stagnant as Suburbs Boom
Between 1990 and 2016, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Area added more jobs than New York City. The overwhelming majority of the new jobs are located in the suburbs.
Trump's Budget Still a Draft, But Officials Credit it for Demise of BRT Project in Michigan
Local officials have ended any hope of completing a bus rapid transit project in the Lansing, Michigan area, for fear of of the budget cuts for transportation investment projects promised by the Trump Administration.
Boston's Data-Driven Bus System Makeover
MIT's Transit Lab created a ridership model called Origin Destination Transfer (ODX) that the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is using to make incremental changes to the region's bus system.
Opinion: Don't Forget the Benefits of Urban Freeways
After reading this recent opinion piece by Bill Fulton, some pro-transit and anti-highway advocates might be thinking, "Et tu, Bill Fulton?"
Want Commuter Benefits? Sometimes it Helps to Ask
A story about how a simple proposal, made by a resident, produced results in the New Jersey borough of Paramus.
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.
