With government plans to increase the amount of land used for affordable housing in Melbourne, Australia, some say it's time for a regional planning entity.
"The Victorian Government's decision this week to release new land for more affordable housing in well-planned communities is socially appropriate. But how can we ensure that these new areas will provide the best, most sustainable and interesting environment that the residents can afford? How will the promise of new community be delivered?"
"One thing is certain and that is we will not preserve and reshape Melbourne by accident. If we are to preserve the best of what we have while making the city even more liveable, exciting and sustainable, we need to empower government to lead this effort at a metropolitan level. A metropolitan planning authority could integrate the plans of transport and infrastructure authorities, define pockets of higher density and produce appropriate controls - in effect, it could make things happen. Backed by ministerial authority, such an organisation could provide the decisive leadership needed to create Australia's largest city without losing the essential qualities of the Melbourne we know and love."
FULL STORY: Many hands make planning hard work
Bay Area Planners Acknowledge the Need for Regional Housing Solutions
While most Bay Area communities are pursuing housing solutions "individually," local planners acknowledge the need for strategies that address the regional as a unified whole.
New Spending, Planning Approved to Address Affordable Housing Crisis in Columbus
Columbus approved an emergency allotment of capital improvement bond funding for housing, and the launch of an affordable housing strategy process.
NYC Planning Director Marissa Lago Touts Regional Planning
Marisa Lago pens in an opinion piece supporting a regional approach to planning, timed for the release of a new "Geography of Jobs" report.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
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DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet
With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
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City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
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Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
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