Development Process
‘Cut the Tape’ Report Takes Aim at Inefficiencies
A set of recommendations from the Chicago mayor’s office calls for streamlining city processes to stimulate more residential and commercial development.
Cincinnati Ends Political Contributions by Developers in Response to Corruption Spree
Corruption is a common companion to the development approvals process—Cincinnati is no exception. But Cincinnati is attempting a new approach to conflicts of interest.
Development Fees Set to Increase in Fremont
The Silicon Valley city of Fremont, already home to some of the highest development fees in the region, is set to increase the cost of most forms of development again. The one exception—affordable housing.
The High Costs of Housing Development: It's Complicated
The high costs of housing development do not fit a convenient narrative, according to new analysis by Jenny Schuetz from the Brookings Institution.
Op-Ed: By-Right Zoning Allows Tall Buildings But Not Citizen Feedback
A local block association leader expresses frustration with the development approvals process in New York City.
Editorial: To Fix Housing, Fix Land Use
The scales of land use regulations are tipped, according to this editorial. Balancing them will result in a more affordable city.
The Final Days of 'Level of Service' in California's Environmental Review Process
A long-awaited draft update of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) has finally been released, and Level of Service will finally be a thing of the past in the next two to four years.
Multi-Family Development in Portland Stalls at a Controversial Crossroads for the City
On the one hand, the city of Portland is facing pressure to add new housing and development to meet the needs of a growing population and an expensive real estate market. On the other hand, change is never easy.
Working Toward Open Data for Building and Construction Permits
The potential of a standard, easily accessible data set tracking building and land use permits could completely change the way the public interacts with changes in their community.
Broken Planning: How Opponents Hijacked the Planning Process
An op-ed describes the broken state of the planning and development approval process—where opposition politics rule and the answer is usually "no."
Proposed Planning and Development Reorganization Stalls in Philadelphia
A drastic overhaul of the planning and development processes in Philadelphia is, at least for now, on hold so stakeholders can have more time to analyze the proposal.
New Philadelphia Department of Planning and Development Proposed
Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke will release the details of a proposal to consolidate planning and development approval authority into a new, cabinet-level city department.
Rhode Island's 'Blue State' Policies Criticized
Aaron M. Renn has written a scathing review of the state of affairs in Rhode Island, which he describes as a result of decades of unfettered "blue state" policies.
Engage; Don’t Rage: Use a Design Charrette to Negotiate Your Next Development Proposal
Despite the investments required of a design charrette, Robert Freedman makes the case that the process can save time and money on complex projects by way of three primary benefits.
Effort to Streamline Development Process Underway in L.A.
Officials in Los Angeles are trying to streamline the process of getting projects permitted and approved -- an effort that could rapidly increase the amount of time it takes to develop in the city.
County Land Management System Ditches Paper for Web
In one North Carolina county, the land development process -- from permitting to building plan submission to inspection -- is now organized under one electronic, online system.
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.
Placer County
Skagit Transit
Berkeley County
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
M-NCPPC Prince George's County Planning Department
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
