Ornithologists are shocked by the design of New York's Freedom Tower, which will stand directly in the migratory path of birds.
"The developers of the building that will replace the World Trade Centre have hired a specialist consultant following complaints that it will be a "death trap" for birds.
...The Twin Towers were regarded as particularly lethal because of their height and location close to the Hudson River, which migrating birds follow."
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: Freedom Tower gets the bird

Four ‘Low-Hanging Fruit’ Zoning Reforms
An excerpt from the latest book on zoning argues for four approaches to reform that can immediately improve land use regulation in the United States.

Judge Blocks Minneapolis 2040 Implementation, Citing Lack of Environmental Review
Environmentalists have used the power of the legal system to protect the car-centric status quo of single-family zoning once again, overturning a landmark planning innovation in Minneapolis.

Central Texas Bullet Train Loses Steam
A proposed bullet train project between Houston and Dallas may have stalled for the last time as the Texas Central Railway CEO steps down.

Snohomish County, Washington, Sets its Sights on Sprawl
Advocates say it’s unnecessary, but Snohomish County is preparing to expand its urban growth areas to allow for more low density residential development.

Spokane to Test Citywide Residential Density Incentives
The Spokane City Council in July will consider the "Building Opportunity and Choices for All" pilot program, which would allow new residential densities throughout the city.

Preserving More Hillside Land for Conservation and Biodiversity
The Los Angeles City Council recently approved an ordinance giving the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy first right of refusal to purchase any surplus hillside land owned by the city so it can be preserved.
Crandall Arambula PC
Rundell Ernstberger Associates
City of Racine
Harvard Graduate School of Design Executive Education
Harvard Graduate School of Design Executive Education
Harvard Graduate School of Design Executive Education
Gallatin County, Montana
West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
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.
Hand Drawing Master Plans
This course aims to provide an introduction into Urban Design Sketching focused on how to hand draw master plans using a mix of colored markers.