Technology
A Brave New World: How Apps Are Changing Planning
Mobile applications (apps) are gaining in popularity as tools for increasing participation in local governance and planning, and are opening up new possibilities for planners to tap into the wisdom of the crowd.
PlanGPT: A New AI Tool Specifically for Planners
The new large learning language model could help enhance efficiency and change the way urban planners work.
Making Trip Planning Easier for Vision-Impaired Transit Riders
The app provides navigation using audio and haptic cues to improve accessibility for people with low vision.
Minnesota, Vermont Experiment With Rural Trip Planning Websites
Pilot programs in the two states aimed to make transit information more accessible for riders in rural areas, where on-demand and microtransit services make trip planning more complex.
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.
Video: Can US Power Grid Handle AI’s Growing Energy Needs?
Are U.S. utilities and energy infrastructure prepared for the energy demand of data centers to more than double by 2030, driven largely by increased use of AI?
California Approves Waymo Driverless Taxis
Waymo’s autonomous vehicles can begin picking up passengers in Los Angeles and San Francisco in spite of opposition from local officials.
AI’s Growing Threat to Climate Justice
Emerging technologies like AI have great promise for climate innovation, but also a hidden environmental footprint could lead to disproportionate harm to low-income and marginalized communities.
Planning Trends to Watch in 2024
Post-pandemic clarity — and sheer necessity — may be bringing some of the most urgent issues of recent years to a head.
Opinion: How Vehicle-to-Everything Tech Can Protect Cyclists
The technology could enable cars and bikes to communicate and reduce collisions.
4 Ways to Use AI in Urban Planning and City Design
With the ability to predict trends, engage citizens, enhance resource allocation, and guide decision-making, artificial intelligence has the potential to serve as planners’ very own multi-tool.
New Book Highlights How GIS Improves Outcomes
Esri Press recently published a digital book called Mapping the Nation which demonstrates how a geographic approach guides important decisions and addresses challenges around the globe.
Securing Smart Cities: Financial Cybersecurity in an Urban Age
Explore financial cybersecurity in smart cities, addressing urban vulnerabilities and strategies for protection.
Chicago Readies Region for EV Charging
Chicago-area municipalities can take advantage of a new grant program to prepare their infrastructure for electric vehicles.
5 Urban Planning Ideas for How to Settle Mars
Colonization of the Red Planet is a hot topic of late. If someone were to try to take it from fantasy to reality, Earth's urban planners have a few tips that could help set future Martian cities up for success.
Report: 100 Trends Urban Planners Need to Know About
APA’s third annual Trend Report for Urban Planners is out and offers a comprehensive look at potential drivers of change that could impact communities and the work of planners for decades to come.
USDOT Launches AI Initiative for Complete Streets
The agency will distribute $15 million for the development of AI applications that further safe transportation infrastructure.
An Approach for Managing the Risks of Autonomous Cars
As ‘robotaxis’ and other autonomous vehicles make their way onto American streets, cities can take proactive steps to mitigate risks and balance the benefits and challenges of new technology.
A Different Approach to Public Engagement: Use Tech to Put Residents in Planners’ Shoes
Simulators can be a useful tool to help residents think differently about challenges like housing
Latest Trends in Parks and Recreation
Learn about the top trends impacting parks and recreation, including the use of mobile phone data to track park usage, impacts of climate change, rise of pickleball, a four-day work week, and more.
Pagination
City of Rochester
Boston Harbor Now
City of Bellevue
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Birmingham, Alabama
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
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.