Urban Development

Investigation Reveals Abuses of Affordable Housing Program in San Francisco
Every bit of affordable housing helps in expensive San Francisco, but some residents in the city's "Below Market Rental" units are illegally renting those units for thousands of dollars a month.

Bill Gates Buys 25,000 Acres in Arizona for a Master Planned 'Smart City'
The new community of Belmont will join Arcosanti as another attempt at turning Arizona desert into the next evolution of human habitation. This time, one of the richest men in the world is behind the plans.

Streetcar Gentrification Fears in Milwaukee
Residents and stakeholders in Milwaukee welcome a proposed streetcar but are wary of gentrification

Mandatory Housing Affordability Details Released in Seattle
Seattle has released the long-awaited environmental impact statement for the Mandatory Housing Affordability program—a final step in the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda process launched by former Mayor Ed Murray.
A Small Corner of an Atlanta Suburb Could Ditch Parking Minimums
The Brookhaven-Peachtree Overlay District will redraw the plans for a MARTA-adjacent part of the Atlanta suburb of Brookhaven.

66 percent of Surveyed Cities Investing in Smart Cities Technology
The "Cities and Innovation Economy: Perceptions of Local Leaders" report reveals the traction smart cities technology is gaining in municipal budgets.
Uber's Accidental Argument Against Itself
The ride-sharing company produces a terrific illustration of how bad Bangkok traffic can be, but not how Uber would help.

'Detroit Future City' Enters a New Stage
The Detroit Future City Implementation Office has completed a new strategic plan that will redirect the organizations revitalization efforts, four years after the city adopted the largely successful Detroit Future City framework.

UCLA Students Want More Say in Local Development Matters
UCLA Graduate Students Association President Michael Skiles recently announced a plan to break with the Westwood neighborhood Council and establish a new neighborhood council that speaks for the development interest of students.

Three New Hospitals Slated for Pittsburgh
The cutting-edge facilities are part of a $2 billion investment by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Planners for Climate Action to Launch at COP-23 Bonn
As part of Human Settlements Day at COP-23 on November 11, Planners for Climate Action will feature representatives of professional planners associations and planning school associations worldwide.

Election Day Roundup: Land Use, Development, and Infrastructure Measures
Planetizen rounded up all the pertinent results from local and state elections on November 8, 2017. The main theme of the day: voters continue to support local and state sources of infrastructure funding.

Portland, ME, Voters Reject 'Neighbor Veto' of Zoning Changes
In a close vote, Portland (Maine) residents voted not to allow immediate abutters to reject zoning changes approved by the City Council. The referendum was initiated by neighbors opposed to a cluster subdivision proposed instea dof a conventional one

New Orleans Closes Gap in Historic Riverfront Park Plan
New Orleans could create the largest stretch of public riverfront in the U.S., thanks to a public land swap.

Houston Planning Director Dispels Myths About the Effects of Harvey
An interview with Houston Planning Director Patrick Walsh, conducted after Hurricane Harvey ravaged the city and reduced its planning and infrastructure to a talking point for pundits. It's time to let the locals do the talking.

A Form-Based Code Arrives in St. Louis
The Forest Park Southeast neighborhood in St. Louis has completed a years-long planning process—the result is a new form-based code.
A Silver Lining for Detroit's Failed Soccer Stadium Plan
The renaissance of Downtown Detroit will not include a new soccer stadium, but don't call it a setback.

Richard Florida: Urban Land Values Reflect Spatial Inequality
Overall, the value of American land is strikingly high. But it's the differences between and within cities that concern Florida.

P3 101: Comparing Infrastructure Procurement Models
Already a common means of delivering infrastructure in many countries, public-private partnerships are growing in importance in the United States, but how do they compare to other procurement models?

San Diego Inclusionary Zoning Program Makes Headway
San Diego's Affordable Homes Bonus Program (AHBP), launched in mid-2016, increases incentives for projects that incorporate more affordable units. Developers are taking notice.
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.
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
Sarasota County Government
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)