The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Big Data, Smart Cities, and Personal Privacy
Cities, which have demonstrated vulnerability to hacks, present a threat to personal privacy. Experts propose solutions to a growing problem.

Black Lives Matter Movement Fights to Change Policy, City by City
The Black Lives Matter movement has seen legislative successes in advocating policies at the city level, but the Trump Administration will pose new challenges.

The Environmental Regulation Overturned by the New Interior Secretary on Day One
A dramatic entrance on horseback preceded one of Ryan Zinke's first actions as Secretary of the Department of Interior—rescinding guidance issued by the Fish & Wildlife Service to phase out the use of toxic, lead ammunition on federal lands.
Redevelopment Without the Ills
Before 20th century urban renewal programs, U.S. cities were often overcrowded fire hazards and breeding grounds for tuberculosis and other airborne diseases. However, many of these programs also did severe damage. Is there a better way?

Los Angeles Takes On Equity and Resilience With New Parks Funding
City and county leaders shared their plans for millions in new annual revenue at the 2017 VerdeXchange Conference.

Building Trails
Designing trails means serving many masters. Those who do it professionally must balance aesthetics with practical concerns like drainage.

Emergency Speed Limit Change Under Consideration in Portland
After a series of pedestrian deaths, Portland considers an emergency speed limit change on SE Division.

Big Changes Coming for Austin Transit System
After a long survey process, Austin looking to update its transit system focusing on frequency on its busiest routes.

A Portland-Brand Building Boom: Accessory Dwelling Units
It's possible that construction permits for accessory dwelling units, also known as granny flats or mother-in-law units, could surpass permits for regular homes.

Money for Retailers on Chicago's South and West Sides
In Chicago, which has seen closures by retailers like Sears, Macy's, and others, Mayor Emanuel is offering some relief in the form of grants.

Los Angeles Nixes Transit Station Naming Rights Idea
The critical turning point for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's naming rights proposal can be summed up by an old adage: beggars can't be choosers.

Big Idea: A National Park in Downtown Minneapolis
Details of a proposal to create a national park at one of the Twin Cities' region most popular destinations: the lock and dam at the Upper St. Anthony Falls, on the Mississippi River where it flows through Minneapolis.

San Diego Doubled Housing Units Downtown and Rents Still Increased
San Diego invested $1.5 billion in tax increment to increase housing in its downtown but displaced affordable housing with unaffordable housing. Housing planner, developer and advocate, Murtaza Baxamusa gives some answers and asks some questions.

Dallas Skaters Hope for a New Park
Texas cities are home to many half pipes and grind rails, but Dallas lags behind other cities in the region.

Friday Funny: Rogue Plunger Enthusiast Unclogs Wichita Bike Lanes
An unknown bike safety activist wields toilet plungers for safety and justice, just as the Thor of legend once wielded Mjölnir.

Detroit Still a Long Way from Recovery
It's fun to write miracle comeback stories, but the epic of Detroit's resurgence has been exaggerated, according to an article in The Conversation.

Miami Beach's Floating Billboards: A Nuisance on Water
The picturesque ocean front of Miami Beach is being sullied by digital billboards now floating off shore on boats, outside the reach of the city's authority.

Are Tiles Falling in Manhattan Tunnels?
In advance of unveiling his infrastructure plan on Tuesday night, President Trump pointed to the hazards posed by "missing tiles" in two New York City tunnels and wondered aloud how many had fallen on motorists. Answer: none.

Architecture's Top Prize Goes to a Relatively Unknown Trio From Spain
The Pritzker Prize, sometimes called the Nobel Prize of architecture, was announced this week, going to Spanish firm RCR Arquitectes.

Mapping Austin's Residential Demolitions
Demolitions in residential neighborhoods have increased quickly in Austin, as property owners upgrade their homes to contemporary layouts. Community Impact newspaper investigates the trend.
Pagination
City of Clovis
City of Moorpark
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.