Howard Blackson looks at new tools for fixing cities, including form-based codes, plans for complexities (neighborhoods, urban patterns, architecture), classification of character, and funding systems.
Blackson decries the current state of planning:
"Let's be honest. Our cities are broke and redevelopment was unpredictable at best - except in causing a lot of angst among the general public. And, despite Einstein's definition of insanity, a majority of our nation's Planning Departments have stubbornly continued to use the same Land Use-based planning tools over and over again, expecting different outcomes."
"It is time to bring out a new set of tools to help our cities grow more strategically in our new economy and re-focus new development to contribute towards a sense-of-place that is socially, culturally and economically valuable."
Thanks to Hazel Borys
FULL STORY: Coding for Character: The Architecture of Community
The Definition of Planning Insanity
The new planning and zoning tools needed to achieve a more sustainable and equitable urban form, according to urban planning consultant Howard Blackson III.
Can Detroit's Urban Revitalization Undo the Mistakes of Urban Renewal?
Some experts think the language used to describe a redevelopment project in Detroit might be overly ambitious.
Revealed: Dan Gilbert's Next Detroit Redevelopment Investment
The neighborhood of Brush Park will be home to the latest big investment by Quicken Loans founder and Detroit patron Dan Gilbert. $70 million will build 337 new housing units on 8.4 acres.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
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)