BBC News

California and Nevada

The New Breed of Super Commuters

After two years of remote work, many workers reluctant to return to the office are compromising with less frequent, longer ‘super commutes.’

April 17, 2022 - BBC News

Sir Rod Stewart, the Super Passionate Model Railroad Builder

Celebrities: they're just like we wish we had the time, space, and money to be.

November 17, 2019 - BBC News

London Crowded Street

Reducing Transportation Emissions in the United Kingdom to Net Zero by 2050

Late last month, the UK became the first country to commit to a legally-binding target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. A new academic research group recommends reduced auto ownership, regardless of how they are powered, to meet the target.

July 12, 2019 - BBC News

London Ride Hailing

Uber Gets its License Back, Still on Probation, in London

London gave Uber a more than a slap on the wrist for the company's lack of concern about public safety. Uber demonstrated sufficient contrition to get back in the large, influential city's good graces.

June 29, 2018 - BBC News

Electric Car Charging Stencil

Dyson Plans to Jump Into the Electric Car Market

The electric car market is about to have a new entrant as Sir James Dyson plans to spend upwards of £2 billion to develop a car that he describes as "radical and different."

September 27, 2017 - BBC News

China Ends One-Child Policy

It's the end of an era. After 36 years, China has decided to end its restrictive one-child policy, by allowing couples to have two children. Why the change? In three words: an aging population.

October 30, 2015 - BBC News

The Best Country in the World to Grow Old

The country most friendly to electric vehicles is also the country most supportive of senior citizens, not that there's a relationship. After Norway, Sweden is the best place to grow old, according to the just released Global AgeWatch Index.

October 8, 2014 - BBC News

Big Plans for Garden Cities in the United Kingdom

Garden cities have been making news lately thanks to a new book by architect Robert A.M. Stern, but a design competition and policy declarations in the United Kingdom have put some serious skin in the game.

June 4, 2014 - BBC News

Will Chinatowns Soon Be Extinct?

The formation of Chinatowns in the United States began in the late 19th Century, and since then have provided an important immigrant gateway. But gentrification and rising expenses in U.S. cities are shrinking many Chinatowns.

February 6, 2014 - BBC News

Small sneckdown at Hampshire and Elm in Cambridge, MA

Sneckdowns: Nature's Street Safety Pilot Project

It's hard to imagine how the wintry mess blanketing cities across midwest and northeast could improve street safety. But recent snows provide one benefit being touted by safety advocates: temporary curb extensions or "neckdowns" caused by snow banks.

January 25, 2014 - BBC News

Central Park - Manhattan, New York

Urban Green Spaces Will Make You Happier than Winning the Lottery

A new study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology finds that moving to a more-green area can have a long-lasting positive effect on mental health, unlike the short-term jolt from pay rises, promotions or winning the lottery.

January 15, 2014 - BBC News

U.K. Coalition Government Split Over Garden Cities Report Publication

The leader of the Liberal Democrats, half of the UK's coalition government, accuses the Conservatives of withholding a report that identifies sites for two new towns in 'safe' Conservative regions.

January 14, 2014 - BBC News

Historic Energy Reforms Come to Mexico, Maybe Venezuela Too

Mexico is poised to allow foreign investment in its state-owned oil company, Pemex, for the first time in 75 years. In Venezuela, home to the world's cheapest gasoline, prices are due to skyrocket if President Maduro ends subsidies as he's indicated.

January 5, 2014 - BBC News

"Catastrophic" Ice Storm Freezes Toronto, Mayor

A severe ice storm struck southern Ontario and the northern U.S. over the weekend, delivering prolonged power outages and disrupting holiday travel. Embattled Toronto Mayor Rob Ford was allegedly unreachable after the storm.

December 23, 2013 - BBC News

Desperation Grows in the Philippines As Aid is Slow to Arrive

As disaster relief efforts began to grow in the Philippine city of Tacloban and surrounding areas in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, logistical difficulties are hampering aid efforts. 90 percent of the city is thought to have been destroyed.

November 13, 2013 - BBC News

Is the World Approaching "Peak Emissions"?

A new report published by the Netherlands Environment Assessment Agency and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre sees the slowing growth of global CO2 emissions as an indication that we may be headed towards an eventual emissions decline.

November 1, 2013 - BBC News

UK Infrastructure Modernization Plan to Fund Roads, Schools, Affordable Homes

A multifaceted £100 billion infrastructure modernization plan for the UK was announced this week by Treasury Minister Danny Alexander. The opposition Labour party is objecting to the timeline for the investments, which aren't due to start until 2015.

June 27, 2013 - BBC News

Architect Ego Trip or Necessity for a Modern Metropolis? Paris Debates Skyscrapers

Following Mayor Bertrand Delanoe's overturn of a ban on buildings over seven storeys high, Paris is planning a dozen new skyscrapers outside the city centre. Debate over the towers is destined to become an issue in next year's municipal elections.

June 19, 2013 - BBC News

Local Planning Expands in the UK

Twenty English cities are joining an existing eight in the government's "city deal" program, which gives local governments expanded planning and financial powers.

February 21, 2013 - BBC News

What is the World's Most Vulnerable City to Flooding?

Based on a range of data, including 19 different components, a new study examining cities located on river deltas has determined that Shanghai is the most vulnerable to major flooding.

August 25, 2012 - BBC News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Websites

The best of the Internet—since 2002.

Top Apps

Planning apps for a brave new world.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

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.