Urban Development

Aerial view of Newwark, New Jersey at sunset with river in foreground.

Newark Announces Supplemental Zoning Board

The temporary board will help speed up the application review process during a development boom.

November 28, 2023 - Governing

Rendering of TOD with two glass towers abovw MARTA transit station in Kensington near Atlanta, Georgia.

New TOD Breaks Ground in Atlanta Area

The project will include over 500 housing units, commercial and retail space, and park spaces.

November 28, 2023 - Urbanize Atlanta

View of low-rise buildings in downtown Durham, North Carolina at sunset.

Durham Eliminates Parking Requirements

Another domino has fallen in the parking reform movement.

November 27, 2023 - The News & Observer

Ground-up view of man using wheelchair waiting to board a light blue bus.

Commentary: Avoiding Ableism in 15-Minute Cities

One author calls on planners to challenge assumptions that exclude people with mobility challenges and other disabilities.

November 21, 2023 - The Conversation

Aerial view of El Paso, Texas at dusk with mountains in background.

El Paso Zoning Changes Could Bring Opportunity—or Displacement

Some residents feared proposed zoning reforms aimed at redressing historic injustices could harm residents in the short term.

November 20, 2023 - Next City

Row of brick three-story townhomes in Britih Columbia.

More Affordable Housing for People, Less for Cars

Most jurisdictions have off-street parking requirements that increase motorists’ convenience but reduce housing affordability. It’s time to reform these policies for the sake of efficiency and fairness.

November 20, 2023 - Todd Litman

Silhouette of woman in long coat walking on darkened city street alone at night, passing brightly lit sotrefront.

Designing Safer Cities

For women and other vulnerable groups, navigating the urban space can be fraught with real and perceived dangers.

November 19, 2023 - The Conversation

People enjoying a sunny day on a green lawn with pink lawn chairs and colorful bird mural in background in Boston, Massachusetts.

Why Social Infrastructure Matters

The pandemic highlighted the importance of parks and public spaces for maintaining both the physical and mental health of urban residents.

November 19, 2023 - The Boston Globe

Group of children running outdoors toward camera.

Designing Cities With Youth in Mind

The car-centric design of many U.S. cities traps young people at home, preventing them from engaging in social activities and urban life.

November 16, 2023 - CNU Public Square

Green trees reflected in high-rise skyscrapers.

Urban Design for Sustainability

The way we build cities can have significant impacts on public health and equity.

November 16, 2023 - Colorado Newsline

College students walking on green lawn with neoclassical red brick domed building in background on University of Illinois campus.

Why College Campuses Make Ideal Models for Cities

College campuses serve as ideal models for cities, with their integrated infrastructure, vibrant communities, sustainability initiatives, and innovation hubs inspiring urban planning and development for a brighter future.

November 16, 2023 - Devin Partida

Aerial view of downtown Chandler, Arizona with desert hills in background.

Arizona Town Expands Infill Incentive District

The Chandler City Council voted to add the city’s downtown and other areas to an incentive program that supports infill development.

November 15, 2023 - Chandler News

View of Gateway Arch and skyline of St. Louis, Missouri.

How Public-Private Partnerships Shape Urban Development

Explore the significant role of public-private partnerships in shaping urban development and driving collaboration and innovation for sustainable city growth.

November 14, 2023 - Devin Partida

View of Brooklyn Bridge at night from Brooklyn alley with multi-story buildings and parked cars.

Can Brooklyn Change the Conversation on Comprehensive Planning in New York?

The Comprehensive Plan for Brooklyn is the largest comprehensive planning effort by land area in the U.S. since L.A. updated its plan in the 2000s, and the latest attempt to advance comprehensive planning in a city that has grown cynical about it.

November 14, 2023 - Mark H. McNulty

Rendering of 11th Street Bridge Park in Washington, D.C. on old bridge across Anacostia River.

DC Park Aims for Equitable Development

Project leaders working on the 11th Street Bridge Park hope to prevent displacement of residents and bring economic and social benefits to the surrounding community.

November 14, 2023 - Fast Company

Close-up of red sign with white "Drive-Thru" text and arrow pointing left against partly cloudy blue sky.

The Resurgence of Drive-Throughs

Dining areas in many fast food restaurants are being replaced with added drive-thru lanes, another post-pandemic impact on our lives benefiting those with four wheels (or more).

November 13, 2023 - The New York Times

View from street level of brightly neon-lit bars and theaters on Broadway in downtown Nashville, Tennessee.

Nashville Planners Release ‘Connect Downtown’ Plan

The city’s transportation department aims to make moving through downtown Nashville smoother and safer.

November 12, 2023 - Nashville Scene

Brick brownstone homes in Back Bay, Boston with green hedges in front.

Report: How Outdated Zoning Rules Still Shape Boston

Classist and racist zoning decisions from decades past reverberate in today’s neighborhoods.

November 10, 2023 - WBUR

Milwaukee, Wisconsin skyline with houses in foreground.

A Look at Milwaukee’s Zoning Reform Proposal

The ‘Growing MKE’ plan calls for allowing ADUs, reducing barriers to new construction, and expanding the types of housing available in the city’s residential areas.

November 8, 2023 - Urban Milwaukee

AI-generated image of residential single-family Las Vegas neighborhood with earth-toned Spanish-style two-story homes.

How AI Envisions American Neighborhoods

How well does artificial intelligence ‘get’ U.S. cities?

November 7, 2023 - Chris Steins via Medium

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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.