Urban Development
Is Driving Traffic to Big Box Stores True Economic Development?
Strong Towns’ Charles Marohn argues that planning for ‘commerce’ perpetuates an unsustainable, car-centric development model.
Baltimore Zoning Bill Seeks to Improve Unequal Healthcare Access
A zoning reform proposal would update the city’s code to ensure health clinics are more equitably distributed in all neighborhoods.
Seattle Conflict Between Trees and Housing Heats up
A 2023 update to Seattle’s tree ordinance has led to sharp increase in the number of trees being cut down for redevelopment, prompting advocates to call for better protection of the city’s tree canopy.
Video: Jane Jacobs’ ‘Sidewalk Ballet’ is Alive and Well
“Streets Make Cities” takes viewers on a stroll down West 4th Street in Greenwich Village, illustrating the many ways that streets and sidewalks form the lifeblood of a city.
Opinion: Far From Cauldrons of Violence, Cities are Anti-Crime Innovators
Rather than funding the performative militarization of law enforcement, the federal government could instead support programs that prevent poverty and crime before it happens.
Texas Could Have the Nation’s 3 Largest Cities by 2100. Are They Ready to Embrace Density?
Houston, Dallas, and Austin are growing fast. The old sprawl model is no longer sustainable.
San Francisco Mayor’s ‘Family Zoning’ Plan Faces Pushback, Displacement Concerns
Newly proposed legislation aims to protect long-term tenants from displacement caused by Mayor Lurie’s proposed zoning reform plan, which would allow for more housing construction in parts of the city.
August Must-Reads: Top 10 Articles From Last Month
In suburban Houston, cities are scrambling to expand water infrastructure to serve new communities. But can sprawl be part of a workable solution to the housing crisis?
‘Montana Miracle:’ The State Actually Succeeding at Housing Reform
A series of ambitious zoning reforms is having a significant impact on the state’s housing supply.
20 Years After Katrina, New Orleans is More Unaffordable Than Ever
The city’s post-hurricane redevelopment has failed to include its most vulnerable residents.
Does Historic Preservation Really Define a “Successful” City?
One common argument against new housing is that a successful city is an historic city. The data says otherwise.
When Lewis Mumford Came to Santa Fe
Urbanist Lewis Mumford visited Santa Fe in 1962–63, and four conversational essays followed. Mumford’s observations are still relevant today.
San Diego County Picks Housing Over Wildfire Safety
The county’s planning commission approved a 453-unit housing development that neighbors worry could become a trap for residents during a fire evacuation.
Brooklyn Built 3,700 Homes in 6 Months — and It’s Nowhere Near Done
Since its rezoning in 2004, downtown Brooklyn has added close to 27,000 new housing units.
In Planning, the Possibilities With AI are High. So are the Stakes.
Planning history tells us that public trust is both fragile and essential. With AI, the time to set the right course is now.
Akron's Multimillion Dollar Bet on Parks
The Ohio city invested $17 million to revitalize a downtown park. It seems to be working.
San Francisco is in a “Doom Loop.” A Legendary Artist and Burning Man Founder Knows how to Revive it.
Artists made San Francisco what it was. They might just be the key to its future.
The Case for a Walkable Honolulu
Why supporting mixed use development and ground-level retail can solve the city’s housing and walkability crises at the same time.
NYC's Plan to add 9500+ Housing Units to Midtown
The city council approved a rezoning plan that will allow high-density mixed-use development in a formerly manufacturing-only district.
1,000 New Homes Sprouting Around San Diego Trolley Station
Multiple projects, helped along by city and state incentives, will densify the area around the Palm Avenue station.
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
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
