Chicago
A ‘shady’ deal: Chicagoans rally against planned Amtrak maintenance facility
The $900 million facility would allow Amtrak to maintain entire trains in one building, which the company says will reduce delays.
Guerilla urbanists are building DIY bus stop benches in Chicago
The new benches are not officially sanctioned or permitted, but the residents who placed them hope they will be the start of a network of DIY benches across the city.
Extreme heat is paralyzing Chicago’s moveable bridges
If moveable bridges are raised during heatwaves, the metal can expand and jam the bridge's mechanisms, preventing it from lowering.
Chicago Amtrak funding makes way for new White Sox stadium
The new funding is the first step in Amtrak vacating its 14th Street rail yard, the future development site of a new baseball stadium.
Report: Chicago surpassed its legal mandate for accessible pedestrian signals — but none passed inspections
Gaps in accessibility, placement and functionality highlight the importance of regular inspections and maintenance.
Chicago residents love their 'concrete beach'
A concrete seawall is a popular swimming and sunbathing location for locals.
Chicago mayor nominates allies for new regional transit board
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority will take over transit decisions from the existing Regional Transportation Authority.
Chicago's underground flood control system is almost full
The system known as Deep Tunnel has never filled much more than halfway, but the cumulative effect of recent rains is putting suburban communities at risk of flooding.
Chicago mayor secretly bid over $3B to buy back city's parking meters
Mayor Brandon Johnson revoked an offer to pay more than $800 million above the next-highest bidder to regain control of the city's parking meters.
Replacing lead pipes in Chicago costs more than 6 times the national average — and authorities can't explain why
Replacing one lead pipe in Chicago costs around $31,000, while the national average cost sits at around $4,700 per line.
Obama Center opens nation's first presidential playground
The 21,000-square-foot play space is the first of its kind to be attached to a presidential library.
Chicago approves city buyout of downtown Greyhound station
The city is also budgeting $30 million for repairs to the city's only intercity bus station.
Costumed Chicagoans try to 'Catch That Train' in new viral trend
Residents are donning costumes and running to board CTA trains in a whimsical nod to the age-old problem of missing your train.
Short-term rental licenses grew by 46% near Obama Center as affordable homes disappear
The Chicago ward where the Obama library is located is one of the only parts of the city to see an increase in STR licenses.
Chicago bike lane projects spark backlash from businesses, gentrification fears
A battle is brewing over Chicago's street space.
This university-owned city block in Chicago has languished for over a decade. Neighbors say it's time to let go
The university never built its planned student housing, letting a row of storefronts sit vacant for years.
Chicago parking meters are for sale once again
Chicago's 75-year lease of its parking meters to an LLC puts revenue decisions in the hands of private investors.
CTA underestimated Chicago transit ridership by 19 million trips
The agency is moving from using farebox data and manual video reviews to automatic counters that more accurately measure the total number of riders, whether or not they pay full fares.
Chicago eliminates parking requirements near transit
In 2025, Illinois barred cities from mandating parking near train and bus stations.
Chicago to Add or Upgrade 200 Bike Share Stations
The Divvy bike share system saw its highest ridership ever in 2025 with 6.8 million trips.
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.
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
