Columnist Jeanne Haffner goes hands-on to learn how graphic representation is used in the day-to-day work of planning.
She joins Ryan Sullivan, a designer and planner at Boston-based Utile, Inc. They explore the importance of abstract graphic representation.
"My goal was to understand the importance of graphic representation in his day-to-day work. As an example, Sullivan pointed to the Stuart Street Planning Study, a project that Utile carried out for the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) in 2007-2008. By examining this specific case, I came to understand that graphic representation not only helps designers like Sullivan analyze a particular problem or set of problems. It also aids them in constructing a coherent narrative and convincing argument about the area at hand that can be easily communicated to others-a crucial part of the planning process."
FULL STORY: Making Stuart Street

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Research: Walkability Linked to Improved Public Health
A study reveals that the density of city blocks is a significant factor in communities’ walkability and, subsequently, improved public health outcomes for residents.

Report Outlines Strategies for Resilient Wildfire Recovery in LA
Project Recovery offers a roadmap for rebuilding more sustainable and climate-resilient communities after wildfires and other disasters.

New Executive Order Renews Attack on Public Lands
An order issued late last week pushes for increased mineral extraction on federally owned public lands.
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.
Florida Atlantic University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
City of Piedmont, CA
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland