Transportation

Can D.C. Become America's 'Healthiest, Greenest and Most Livable' City?

With the release of his new "Sustainable D.C." plan, Mayor Vincent Gray has outlined dozens of initiatives "that he hopes will vastly change how residents and visitors experience and travel across the city," reports Tim Craig.

February 20, 2013 - The Washington Post

Obama Outlines Infrastructure Strategy

Today, President Obama is expected to flesh out the details of his plan to repair the nation’s ailing infrastructure. John Schwartz details the initiatives, which aim to circumvent Congress and capitalize on private investment.

February 20, 2013 - The New York Times

Atlanta Dedicates $2.5 Million to Bicycle Projects in 2013

The Atlanta City Council approved spending cash from a quality of life bond package to fund several improvements, including $2.5 million in bicycle projects. Among the projects to be funded are the city's first bike boulevard.

February 20, 2013 - Creative Loafing Atlanta

Free Transit a Big Hit in Estonian Capital

In January of this year, Tallinn (pop. 423,000) became the first European capital and the largest European city to provide public transit free of charge to its residents. So far, the experiment has proven a success.

February 19, 2013 - Euro Cities

Infrastructure: By-Passing Tomorrow for Easy Implementation Today

We solve problems with over-engineered, anti-urban infrastructure schemes even though we have no plan for funding their future maintenance obligations. Howard Blackson uses San Diego as an example, and offers up some pedestrian-oriented solutions.

February 19, 2013 - PlaceShakers

L.A. Streetcar

Streetcars: The Latest Must-Have Accessory for CA's Cities

Los Angeles recently took a major step in its plan to return streetcars to downtown's streets. But they're not the only Southern California city pursuing the nation's trendy transit mode. Bill Fulton examines the attraction.

February 17, 2013 - California Planning & Development Report

Will Other States Follow Wyoming's Lead In Raising Gas Tax?

Wyoming has gone where few states have gone recently - defied conventional wisdom that the 'gas tax is dead' and shown that it is very much alive with the Senate increasing the state excise tax by 71% (10-cents). Gov. Matt Mead is expected to sign.

February 17, 2013 - Casper Star-Tribune

Austin Bike Map

Designing a More Meaningful Bike Map

Experts have opined that up to 60 percent of residents are inclined to want to bike, but concerned about the safety of their route. Working from this premise, the city of Austin has developed a novel bike map keyed to the comfort of each street.

February 16, 2013 - The Atlantic Cities

To Combat Pedestrian Deaths, Shift Blame from the Victim

With many states witnessing a rise in pedestrian fatalities, David M Nelson asks: "Where is the public outcry to improve safety?" With pedestrians often blamed for such incidents, he argues new laws dealing with pedestrian-vehicle crashes are needed.

February 15, 2013 - PPS Placemaking Blog

With Major Bills Expiring, Can the House Find a Path Forward for Infrastructure Improvements?

Updating the U.S.'s aging infrastructure requires legislative common sense, says Rep. Bill Shuster.

February 15, 2013 - The Washington Post

London Plans Low Emissions Zone; Too Little, Too Late?

With its congestion pricing scheme, London took drastic steps to reduce the number of vehicles entering the city. With a new plan announced by Mayor Boris Johnson, the city is moving to limit the impact of those vehicles on the environment.

February 15, 2013 - Business Green

The 3D-Printed Car: Passion Project Becomes Reality

Light-weight, durable cars are the next frontier of 3D printing. Meet Urbee, the hybrid that, according to its inventor, will be the VW Bug of our century.

February 14, 2013 - Twin Cities

Madison Square Garden and Penn Station In Need of a Divorce

The owners of Madison Square Garden are asking NYC "to renew — in perpetuity — the special permit that allows them to operate an arena atop Penn Station, the country’s busiest transit hub." Michael Kimmelman urges the city to deny their request.

February 14, 2013 - The New York Times

Valentines for City Enthusiasts

If you're looking for the perfect Valentine's Day card for the planning enthusiast in your life, search no further. Five different Valentines show appreciation for cities and the people that live in them.

February 14, 2013 - CEOs For Cities

Cars and Vibrant Cities: Opposites That Don't Attract

New research out of the University of Connecticut shows that making room for parking in cities only leads to more cars, and less people and economic development.

February 14, 2013 - The Atlantic Cities

Could New York's Bike Gains Disappear Under New Mayor?

Under Mayor Bloomberg's tenure, New York City has made great strides in improving its bicycle infrastructure. But as his final term comes to an end, some fear the next mayor may "end this period of bike-friendly programs and policies."

February 13, 2013 - The New York Times

State of the Union Recap: Energy, Economy, Infrastructure and Environment

In an address heavy on President Obama's domestic agenda for the first year of his second term, issues of importance to planners and urbanists got plenty of play, including: the environment, energy, infrastructure, and the economy.

February 13, 2013 - The Washington Post

Philly RFQ: I-95 Runs Through It

The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation seeks qualifications to plan an open space connection between Center City and its waterfront. I-95, which runs parallel to the Delaware River inside the city, currently cuts off waterfront access.

February 13, 2013 - Next City

Should Rio's Event-Oriented Investment Be Spread More Widely?

As Rio de Janiero prepares for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics, the city is pursuing several "flagship urban renovation and transportation projects." Should this investment extend to the millions living in low-income bedroom communities?

February 12, 2013 - urb.im

Successful Strategies for Building Up the Suburbs

A new report from the Urban Land Institute highlights successful strategies for adapting the infrastructure of America's suburbs to accommodate a densification of development.

February 12, 2013 - Urban Land

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.