Technology
Tech-Focused Planning for the Future of Cities
Broad thinking about the future may mean focusing on smaller, technology-based planning solutions, according to this essay from Regional Plan Association Executive Director Thomas K. Wright.
Inside the World of Maps
This series from the BBC looks at the art and innovation of cartography.
New Amtrak Train Runs On Beef
Beef by-products, turned into bio-diesel, make up 20% of the fuel being used today by Amtrak's Heartland Flyer between Fort Worth and Oklahoma City.
Electrify Or Die
That's the verdict from a report released April 22 by officials of Caltrain, the nearly 150-year-old commuter line connecting San Francisco, San Jose, and Peninsula suburbs. In turn, the key to electrification is cooperation with the CA HSR Authority
The Rise of the Electric Bike
In China, an estimated 120 million electric bicycles are on the streets. So why haven't they caught on in the U.S.? Reporter Alan Durning thinks its time.
Planning for Smart Regions
The Regional Plan Association recently held their Annual Regional Assembly, focused this year on technology and innovation. Thomas K. Wright of the RPA talks about some of the smart ideas that came out of the assembly.
Honolulu's Rail Plan Debated Amongst Engineers
A Univ. of HI civil engineering professor blasts the professional engineering group of Hawaii's endorsement of the planned, elevated rail system. Voters supported the system in a 2008 election, but it has since become politically contentious.
Free Tools to Connect Your City
Why build your own? There are several free web applications out there that help cities interface with their citizens. Christian Madera picks the best.
Bringing the Creative Class to Wales
BBC News reports on a development touting itself as an 'urban village' that hopes to rejuvenate run-down High Street in Swansea, U.K. It features a series of courtyards with shops, offices, restaurants and apartments.
A Parking Spot Nearby, But With a Price
A new service allows drivers in New York City to pay a fee to find an available parking spot in their vicinity.
The Rise of Soft Infrastructure
Infrastructure is undeniably important to our cities and places, but a new kind of infrastructure -- soft infrastructure -- is becoming increasingly important.
Sustainable: Buzz Killing the Buzz Word
In his commentary, Rob Steuteville questions whether we should work toward sustaining what we have, or building a more resilient future.
Cable Cars See Increased Usage As Transit In Developing World
Low-cost, high capacity urban gondolas and cable cars are being successfully used as public transit and tools of urban revitalization in Colombia, Algeria and other parts of the developing world.
How the Internet is Improving Your Walkshed
Worldchanging's Alex Steffen reflects on the increasing impact of Internet-enabled information sharing at the community level, and suggests that it's helping to make neighborhoods more walkable.
China Tells CA: We'll Build Your Trains
A number of foreign countries and firms are jockeying to build high-speed rail in California, but the Chinese government is proposing that they cover some of the financing as well.
What Can Taxi Data Tell Us About NYC Streets?
New York City has GPS data from tens of thousands of taxis and is beginning to mine that information to improve its streets. We talked to some transportation experts for their ideas on how to use it.
The Future of the Urban Biking Experience
Treehugger lists five of the coming innovations that experts expect to revolutionize urban bicycling.
The Evolution of GIS
Thomas L. Millette looks back at how far GIS has come, and how it has become an essential tool for urban planning.
Combined NHTSA & EPA Standards for New Cars Issued
Normally fuel economy standards are set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Due to the 2007 Supreme Court ruling on the Clean Air Act, the new rules are jointly issued by the EPA to regulate tailpipe emissions as well as CAFE.
What Can A Planner Learn From 2 Hours on Chatroulette?
Jennifer Evans-Cowley, Phd, AICP, spends a couple of hours exploring the phenomenon that is chatroulette.com. Chatroulette sets you up to videochat with a complete stranger. Are there applications for the future of public participation in planning?
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
