In an effort to recreate sprawling Tysons Corner into a dense urban environment, county supervisors have unanimously approved a plan to build higher, denser, more transit oriented and more walkable.
"Supervisors unanimously approved a blueprint that was more than three years in the making. It hinges on giving landowners broad new permission to build city-style high-rises with urban-scale streets, sidewalks, restaurants and shops. It depends on the expected construction of four Metrorail stations in Tysons and is expected to take several decades before it is fully implemented."
"The Tysons Land Use Task Force recommended creating eight distinct neighborhoods within Virginia's largest jobs center, which is now a sprawling ocean of parking lots, office parks and shopping malls. The model acknowledges that the four huge highways that traverse Tysons -- routes 7 and 123, the Capital Beltway and the Dulles Toll Road -- are not going to change. But it opens up the possibility of creating smaller-scale urban districts in Tysons with the look and feel of true cities, supporters of the plan said."
"The task force also recommended allowing developers to build the highest, densest offices and condos within one-eighth of a mile of the four planned Metro stations. That density is likely to be one of the most controversial aspects of the recommendations because many residents fear even more traffic at Tysons and the surrounding neighborhoods."
FULL STORY: Green City-Style Tysons Plan Wins Fairfax's Approval

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

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.
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
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)