Urban Development

Are Vacancy Taxes a 'Blunt Instrument'?
A number of cities are considering hiking up taxes on vacant properties. But does that actually lead to a reduction in blight?

The Pace of Chicago Demolitions Worries Preservationists
In neighborhoods with lots of new development, buildings cited in the Chicago Historic Resources Survey are coming down fast.

Dan Gilbert in His Own Words
At a recent public appearance, Dan Gilbert gave rare insight into the business success of Quicken Loans and its connection to the revitalization of Detroit.

The Nation’s Fastest Growing Town Needs More Water
Cheap water flows freely to the golf courses of St. George, Utah, but all the new residents mean it’s going to have to increase supply or reduce demand—or both.
A Public Service Announcement to Explain Newfangled Bike Infrastructure
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation set up a website to explain the new rules of the multi-modal road.

First-Of-Its-Kind Artist Housing Project Moving Forward in St. Louis
An innovative project in St. Louis' will revitalize the underinvested Gravois Park neighborhood while delivering housing options to creative types.

Redfin CEO Laments Frustrated Homebuyers, Low Inventory
The U.S. has become a "landlord nation," says Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman. His analysis: fiercely-defended restrictive local zoning laws have cut off supply, dividing those who own from those who rent.

High-Rise Proposal Next to Brownstone Brooklyn Sparks Debate
80 Flatbush, a major high-rise development combining apartments, offices, and community amenities, lies at the center of ongoing debate between YIMBYs and neighborhood character advocates.

Philadelphia's Eviction Task Force Releases Action Plan
The housing crisis is the eviction crisis. Philadelphia is taking action.

Seattle's Popular Capitol Hill Neighborhood Getting New Design Guidelines
The new guidelines will allow for new design decisions in a neighborhood undergoing rapid change.

Oregon's 86 Opportunity Zones Include 'High Rent' Districts in Portland
Oregon is the latest state to join the nascent federal program, which is designed to stimulate investment in distressed areas.

St. Paul Seeks State Money for Parking Garage
The state of Minnesota is disinclined, so far, to pay for the project, but St. Paul officials are looking to invest big money to replace a large parking garage in the downtown entertainment district.

Analysis: Homeless Villages Don't Spur Crime
Homeless villages aren't hotbeds of crime, according to recent analysis. Rather, they can be part of a "crime prevention ecosystem."

Lago Approaches New York City as a 'City of Neighborhoods'
The latest installment of the "Planners Across America" series features New York City Planning Director and Planning Commission Chair Marisa Lago.
Smart Growth—How it Came to Be and Where It's Going
An excellent primer (refresher for many) on Smart Growth and the history of planning generally, by former San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Assoc. Exec. Director Jim Chappell

The Best Locations for L.A.’s Mountain Lion Freeway Bridges
A coalition of researchers have identified one area near the 101 and other near I-15 that would help keep the big cats alive and healthy.

Streetcar Essential to Neighborhood Revitalization Plans in Milwaukee
The city of Milwaukee has renderings to illustrate its ambitions for transit oriented development surrounding the streetcar extension into Bronzeville and Walker's Point.

Post-SB 827, California Addresses Infill and Local Planning
California State Sen. Ben Allen has authored SB 961 to finance optional neighborhood infill TOD districts, with support from fellow legislators. Redondo Beach Mayor Bill Brand is considering an initiative to protect local zoning.

Memorial Day Buzzkill: Popular Stretch of Rockaway Beach Closed Indefinitely
New York City hasn't been able to keep the beach from eroding.

Small Business, Co-Op Apartments Mixed Up in New York Bill
The debate about the Small Business Jobs Survival Act continues in New York City.
Pagination
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.
Borough of Carlisle
Smith Gee Studio
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)