This article from USA Today looks at how some big cities are reacting to rising energy prices. Two examples from metropolitan Phoenix highlight the fact that it is not only suburbs that are being forced to respond.
"Outlying suburbs aren't the only places rethinking growth and development patterns amid mushrooming costs of gasoline and other energy sources."
"Building on a movement in the 1990s that invigorated many downtowns, urban centers and adjoining communities are forging ahead with redevelopment projects to attract residents."
"Phoenix native Michael Hallmark, architect of the Staples Center arena in Los Angeles, Safeco Field in Seattle and other large venues, was part of an ambitious effort to bring sports and entertainment back to downtown Phoenix. He's helping plan the city's Jackson Street Entertainment District, which will make a neighborhood denser."
"He is narrowing streets and bringing in entertainment spots, stores, restaurants and condos. The district will tie in to Phoenix's new light-rail system, Arizona State University's downtown campus and the convention center. It follows "green" standards by developing under-utilized land, maximizing shade and reducing water runoff."
Read the full story: Like suburbs, large cities are rethinking growth patterns
The Presidential Focus on Cities and Metros
Urban policy is looking to be a major element of President Barack Obama's administration. Though it hasn't quite taken shape yet, this piece argues it's a good sign for cities and metropolitan regions.
15 US cities and their global namesakes
Hundreds of cities around the United States are named after other places. We tour a few of them.
New study visualizes how city shapes impact mobility
Whether circular or linear, the shape and layout of cities affects how their residents get around.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
In Texas, data centers are swallowing promised parkland
Residents who moved to Taylor, Texas for a rural community now have to contend with three data centers in their backyard.
How a Chicago-sized wind farm beat the odds and powered on
The project spanned five presidential administrations and a standoff with a U.S. military base.
MTA gives itself 30 days to transform pit into basketball court
The site has been under construction since 2022; the city originally estimated it would finish the court in 2024.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority