Auto-oriented development

Close-up of row of electric car charging stations in a covered garage structure

Study: How EVs Perpetuate the Harms of Car Culture

While they emit less pollution, electric cars don’t solve many urgent issues like sprawl and fine particulate pollution.

March 12, 2024 - Bloomberg CityLab

Intersection on Manhattan street with yellow cabs and black cars waiting for stoplight.

The Urbanist Case Against Congestion Pricing

And why it is wrong.

July 18, 2023 - Michael Lewyn

‘Divided by Design’ Underscores Inequities in Transportation Policy

The report calls for a wholesale overhaul of U.S. transportation policy to redress the damages caused by decades of auto-centric development.

July 14, 2023 - Smart Growth America

Cars passing under 101 freeway overpass with SANTA CLARA in large letters on the overpass

Why Is Silicon Valley So Bleak?

The built environment in one of the most affluent places in the country leaves much to be desired. Why are Silicon Valley communities missing so many key urban features?

June 26, 2023 - Common Edge

Mother and child on bicycles riding on green dedicated bike lane

Essay: How Poor Pedestrian Planning Harms Families

A lack of safe bike and pedestrian infrastructure can drive young families away from places that don’t accommodate car-free residents.

May 22, 2023 - Streetsblog USA

Sprawl

Essay: Will America Ever Change its Urban Patterns?

If there has ever been a good time to change our urban patterns, the time is now.

April 30, 2023 - Marcelo Remond

500 Kirkham Street

Both Sides of the Parking Spectrum

Examples from California and Texas exemplify two extremes in thinking about parking.

February 26, 2018 - Socket Site

Kentucky

A Small Zoning Change With a Big Effect

The city of Lexington, Kentucky recently amended its B-6P zone, which regulates "Planned Shopping Centers."

February 20, 2018 - Strong Towns

Main Street

The Many Benefits of Traditional Development

Charles Marohn assesses some of the economic benefits of traditional commercial development as compared to those of auto-oriented commercial development.

November 8, 2014 - The American Conservative

Buffalo, New York

Does Low Congestion Mean Urban Failure?

The least congested cities tend to be small, declining, and dangerous.

June 22, 2014 - Michael Lewyn

A Community of Brick Suburban Homes on a cloudy summer day

Why Suburban Sprawl is the Worst Idea America Has Ever Had

In a recent "TED Talk", Jeff Speck makes the case for creating a more walkable America based not on design arguments, but rather on the potential to create a more economically resilient, healthier, and environmentally sustainable country.

October 16, 2013 - DC.Streetsblog

Changing the Water in the Fish Tank

David Foster Wallace's commencement speech, now a viral video, misses an essential truth.

May 13, 2013 - Tim Halbur

Chinese Cities Following Unsustainable Trail Blazed by Western Planners

As part of a Foreign Policy magazine special report on cities, Peter Calthorpe examines the form of China's urban growth, which is beginning to resemble the car-oriented development of the United States in the 1950s and 60s.

August 13, 2012 - Foreign Policy

Wired Says: It's Time for Cities to Favor People, Not Cars

Wired Magazine figures out what the planning world already knows- that there is a need to shift planning policies away from auto-oriented development and towards the pedestrian.

February 23, 2009 - Wired

Architect Says 'Stop Planning For Cars'

Columnist and architect Arrol Gelner comes to grips with the end of the automobile era.

September 3, 2008 - Inman News

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Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

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The best of the Internet—since 2002.

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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.