Urban Development

Plan for Queens Park Flushed in Favor of Soccer Stadium

In the waning days of the Bloomberg era, environmental and social responsibility have given way to economic development and developer subsidy. Such is the case, at least, in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, where a new soccer stadium is planned.

May 8, 2013 - The New York Times

The Pendulum Shifts: Expertise in Planning Is Now Suspect

Thinking grass roots empowerment makes expertise unnecessary is not a return to traditional placemaking. It's just a new take on business as usual, argues Scott Doyon.

May 7, 2013 - PlaceShakers

The Ominous Side of America's Urban Comeback

"The comeback of the urban core is a striking reversal of long-term trends," proclaims Richard Florida. Although this rebound is good for urban growth and prosperity, it hasn't been able to solve enduring problems of poverty and disadvantage.

May 6, 2013 - Urban Land

The Dynamic Potential of Urbanism Without Effort

Chuck Wolfe summarizes a major tenet of his new book and suggests we risk ignoring the back story of urban forms and functions by failing to truly understand the traditional relationships between people and place.

May 5, 2013 - The Atlantic Cities

Despite its Phenomenal Success, Waterfront Toronto Faces Uncertain Future

The revitalization of Toronto's waterfront has been a remarkable success, generating billions in economic development and thousands of jobs. As Waterfront Toronto's seed money runs out, why is the agency facing obstacles in raising more funds?

May 5, 2013 - The Toronto Star

A Wave of 'New Cities' Are Poised to Transform Africa - For the Worse?

Jane Lumumba issues a warning about the self-contained cities being comprehensively planned and built from scratch across the continent. Will they benefit international investors and government leaders to the detriment of local residents?

May 3, 2013 - Next City

Boom is Back as Miami Condo Market Rebounds

After a sharp decline brought on by the housing crash, Miami's condo market is experiencing a squeeze on supply and an attendant building boom, reflecting a nationwide uptick in urban real estate markets.

May 3, 2013 - The New York Times

San Francisco Peninsula Struggles with Growth Plan

The Bay Area is finalizing its plan to comply with state legislation to reduce vehicle emissions from transportation. "Plan Bay Area" has aroused fears of regional government and more, which were expressed at a recent public meeting.

May 3, 2013 - The San Mateo Daily Journal

NYC from Hoboken

Reverse Migration Threatens New Jersey Suburbs

After a half century of growth driven by families fleeing New York City, New Jersey's northern suburbs face an uncertain future as young families, young professionals and retirees find a resurgent Big Apple more to their liking.

May 3, 2013 - NorthJersey.com

Urbanism 2.0 vs. 'Micro Urban' Communities: Imagining Land Use in 2063

Patrick J. Kiger looks at the global trends that will impact urban landscapes over the next 50 years and explores two competing visions for the future of land use.

May 2, 2013 - Urban Land

Success of L.A.'s Rail Investments Rely on First and Last Mile Connections

Alex Schmidt looks at efforts to re-'train' L.A. drivers to use the city's growing rail network. Planners are focusing on rezoning areas within a 10-minute walk from stations, but face obstacles in blending density with single-family districts.

May 2, 2013 - NPR Morning Edition

The Importance of Retail Design to the Future of Our Cities and Towns

Much of the future built environment will be determined by how commercial sites are developed, says Robert Steuteville. And it's up to cities and towns to demand better retail designs.

May 2, 2013 - Better! Cities & Towns

In D.C., Nearby Projects Reveal Advantages of Effective Outreach

The divergent routes to approvals for two apartment complex developments just a mile apart show how important it is to engage both government and the surrounding community early in the process.

May 1, 2013 - The Washington Post

Dramatic Population Growth Presents Opportunity to Reshape America's Urban Environment

To accomodate America's expected population growth by 2050, the country will need to build up to 74 million new homes. This challenge presents a unique opportunity to reshape our urban environment, says Enrique Penalosa, the former mayor of Bogota.

May 1, 2013 - Urban Land

'Triumph of Suburbia' is a Far-Fetched Story

Joel Kotkin is on a roll in the past few weeks, making the case that the revival of cities and decline of suburbs is a fraud — but his argument ignores the facts, argues Robert Steuteville.

April 30, 2013 - Better! Cities & Towns

The Future of Municipal Planning 02: Learning from Success

Urban design studios and a plethora of new data demonstrate the value of successful placemaking. Howard Blackson sees these as key components of future municipal planning.

April 29, 2013 - PlaceShakers

Enterprise or Chaos? Cairo's DIY Urbanism

Michael Kimmelman examines the race to rebuild and redefine post-revolutionary Cairo, where residents are recreating the city and civic society, and reclaiming public spaces, from the bottom-up.

April 29, 2013 - The New York Times

'Dam Slow City

Amsterdam feels "cozy" because the city's efforts to manage mobility results in an average speed for all modes of 15kph/10mph.

April 28, 2013 - Ian Sacs

Successional Urbanism: An Interview with Andrés Duany

Architect and town planner Galina Tachieva sits down with New Urbanism innovator Andrés Duany to discuss the big and small topics on his mind today: lean urbanism, successional urbanism and the Transect, the orthodoxy of the small block, and more.

April 28, 2013 - Terrain.org: A Journal of the Built + Natural Environments

Massive Chicago Master Plan Bridges Downtown Chasm

A speculative master plan for Chicago's West Loop would add a new layer to downtown's complex multi-level weaving of street strata and infrastructure with a highway cap park.

April 24, 2013 - The Architect's Newspaper

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.

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.