Density
Higher Quality Won't Prevent NIMBYism
Some argue that neighborhoods will be willing to accept new housing as long as it is high quality; this argument overlooks a wide variety of other objections to new housing.
One Developer's Idea for Regional Housing Solutions in Southern California
New housing development is off to a slow start in Los Angeles in 2017. Although the city defeated an anti-growth ballot measure, LA is still faced with a number of policy and legal challenges to building an adequate supply of affordable housing.
Seoul and the Future of Transit
South Korea's capital enjoys better stations and more complete coverage from a train system that gets less of its money from government subsidies and charges lower fares.
Harlem Zoning Changes Will Allow for More Density
An additional 3,500 units means more money for land owners and more choices apartment seekers in east Harlem.
Mayors and Governors Can Do More on Climate Change Than Just to Denounce Trump
The Paris Agreement gave public officials an opportunity to criticize the President on his climate denial, but these statements ring truer when the officials seek out climate solutions at home as well.
Op-Ed: Slow Growth Fails the Paris Accords Too
Many local leaders spoke strongly against President Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Accords, but local land use and transportation policies still sorely lack any consideration of climate impact.
Back to the Suburbs: Most Metropolitan Are Getting Less Dense
A closer look at the data reveals a country that continues to sprawl.
Philadelphia Bills on Green Roofs and Electric Cars Show Backwards Thinking
Philadelphia's green roof law allows developers to build 25 percent more units if they put a green roof on their buildings. Councilmember Squilla wants to exempt his district from that law.
California Lawmakers Continue Push For More Affordable Housing
The author of California’s successful accessory dwelling unit legislation last year discusses this session's efforts, as well as the role of the state in determining local housing supply.
Proposed New Zoning Around the Los Angeles Expo Line
Los Angeles' proposed transit neighborhood plan for the Expo Line corridor includes minor changes, but nothing earth-shattering. Many of the line's stations remain underutilized.
Proposed Regulations to Create Affordable Housing for Seattle's Uptown
Draft ordinance regulating urban design in Seattle's Uptown would mean big changes for the neighborhood’s affordable housing requirements.
Activists Push for Affordable Housing in an Ever More Expensive Miami
Groups advocate moving mismanaged properties into the hands of community trusts, and building more affordable housing in Miami.
Step Back For Sunlight in Portland
A growing Portland has seen many arguments about how to accommodate an influx of residents—recommends the "step back" as a way to add density without adding shadows or creating wind tunnels.
When Environmental Goals Collide
Using the movie titled "When Worlds Collide" as a metaphor, environmental attorney Richard Opper describes how environmental regulations can get in their own way to defeat density and infill development—and NIMBYs are not just residents.
Visualizing Compatible Density
Density is a controversial subject. This blog post demonstrates that good streetscapes, vehicular-access elements, and building design are all components that make developments appear less dense, more livable, and attractive.
Density is Destiny: Voting Records Mirror Proximity to Neighbors
Urban densities tend to encourage more liberal, tolerant values. Living among diverse neighbors can reduce fear and resentment, as everyday interactions break down stereotypes and misconceptions of ‘the other.’
A Public School Teacher on Trying to Raise a Family in San Francisco
Trevor McNeil and his wife make a little too much for their family of five to be eligible for low income subsidies. If one of them were to quit their job, they fear they wouldn't be able to afford the lifestyle they want to live.
Friday Fun: An Interactive Tool That Explains Floor Area Ratio
The Center for Urban Pedagogy's latest tool provides an easy and fun way to explain a difficult but critical concept: floor area ratio.
Disabled Residents in Jefferson Park Hope Controversial Building Comes Through
Apartment building with subsidized units for the disabled has drawn protest and support, Alex Nitkin talked to some of the people hoping to move into the apartments.
San Francisco's Plans for Market and Van Ness Reach a Crossroads
San Francisco Chronicle urban design critic John King reveals more than one layer of planning significance from a project proposed near one of the city's most prominent, but underutilized, intersections.
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.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
