The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Light Rail Opening Next Year, More Lines Proposed—Transit Debates Keep Finding Charlotte
An extension of the Lynx Blue Line is schedule to open to the public on March 31, 2018. Controversy regarding sales taxes have traditionally followed transit projects in the region.

In Omaha, 'Reclaiming' Potholed Streets Means Unpaving Them
The euphemism refers to a cost-saving measure that's happening even in central districts, to the chagrin of residents. This reversion to gravel roads is one manifestation of a looming local infrastructure deficit.

In Appreciation of Gentle Density
How does one talk about density without frightening people? One term that's floating around is "gentle density," referring to the missing middle between mid-rise and detached homes.

Learning from Mughal Architecture of Northern India
Fatehpur Sikri, an example of Mughal architecture in Northern India, has some lessons and reminders for modern architects, writes Indian trained Bay Area architect, artist, and planner Ayub Patel.
Survey Finds Surprising Generation Trends in the Real Estate Market
Generation X is barnstorming the market, so to speak, and Millennials and Baby Boomers might be swapping their perspectives on the urban, suburban divide.

Popular Energy Star Program on The Budget Chopping Block
As details emerge from the Trump Administration's draft budget proceedings, more programs of relevance to the planning profession are queued up for the chopping block. The budget is still far from a done deal, however.

To Inspire New Development, New York Rethinking its Shadow-Predicting Formula
The New York Department of City Planning is considering changes to a formula used to model the shadows cast by potential developments as part of its Midtown East rezoning plan.

Lessons for YIMBYs From Boyle Heights
In the wake of a very pro-development March election, Los Angeles seems ready to embrace change. But not everywhere. In low-income Boyle Heights, residents have been more militant than most against encroaching gentrification.

Making It Easier to Build Won't Help
Here are some observations that may shed light on the mystery of why—despite creating every incentive that planners can conceive—we are failing to produce affordable housing at the level we need.

On Detroit's Proposed Tallest Skyscraper
Slated for the site of the late Hudson's department store, Dan Gilbert's mixed-use mecca and its glassy 734-foot tower would symbolize Detroit's rebirth, in downtown at least.

Friday Fun: A Song Inspired by the Crosswalk Signal
Turn it to 11.
New Jersey Town Rejects Mosque, Claims Zoning Issues
Bayonne, New Jersey doesn't currently have a mosque, after a heated six-hour zoning meeting officials have rejected an application to build one.

Tents Under Bridges Outlawed in Houston
In an attempt to remove homeless people from underpasses, Houston Mayor proposes legislation to make it a misdemeanor to put up such structures.
Civil Engineers Release U.S. Infrastructure Scorecard: D+
Every four years the American Society of Civil Engineers issues a report on the state of America's infrastructure, extensively cited by the media. This year's report, released March 9, shows no improvement over 2013's, but do check the subcategories

Los Angeles' Iconic Angels Flight Railway To Utilize P3 Model
After appearing in the film La La Land, the world-renowned, iconic, 116-year-old Angels Flight will reopen to the public after a three-year modernization process.

Tax Credits to Encourage Urban Agriculture
Montgomery County, Maryland is the latest municipality to approve an agricultural tax credit to to create incentives for agricultural uses in urban areas.

Artists Find Alternate Uses for Billboards in Los Angeles
With a surplus of unsold billboard spaces dotting Los Angeles, artists are using the empty spaces as canvasses for new forms of public art.

7 Ideas to Improve Transportation in the Pittsburgh Region
The Regional Transportation Alliance released its "Imagine Transportation 2.0" report this week.
Cost, Ridership Projections Headed the Wrong Direction for Toronto's Scarborough Subway
A new city staff report on the proposed Scarborough Subway, still in planning stages in Toronto, made the project a much tougher sell for Mayor John Tory and other project supporters.

Taco Bell Making a Run for the Urban Border
Popular millennial-focused chain plans to open up to 200 locations of a new urban-focused concept serving craft beer and fresh, upscale food.
Pagination
Tyler Technologies
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
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.