Urban Development

Billboards: Problem, or Solution?

In San Francisco, the mid-Market St. area has struggled for decades with blighted conditions. An area property owner thinks that digital billboards could solve the problem, and has put a proposition on the local ballot to get them built.

October 1, 2009 - The San Francisco Chronicle

The Debate Over Metropolitan Planning Organizations

In the midst of an important debate in Washington, DC over the future of America's transportation funding, a report issued this month by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) identified several challenges facing regional transportation policy.

October 1, 2009 - Northwest Hub

Dead Malls: Suburban Planning Nightmare or Opportunity?

Failing malls didn’t get into trouble overnight: most began their descent long before the tough climate.

September 30, 2009 - Building Place Notebook

Public Art Flourishing in Northwest

New public art projects are popping up across the Pacific Northwest. Some of Seattle’s traffic signal boxes are getting a makeover, as artists add decorative touches to them.

September 29, 2009 - Northwest Hub

South American Olympics Overdue or Undercooked?

As the International Olympic Committee prepares to announced the host of the 2016 Summer Olympics this week, South Americans are hoping it's finally their time. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is one of four finalists, but some say the city isn't ready.

September 29, 2009 - Time

Olympic Impact on Chicago Likely Modest

High hopes for city change are attached to Chicago's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Even if the city wins the bid this Friday, the impact is likely to be modest, according to Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin.

September 29, 2009 - Chicago Tribune

The End of the World

The World, the artificial islands being constructed off the coast of Dubai in the shape of a global map, has been officially canceled.

September 28, 2009 - The Times

Condo Conundrum

Like many other cities, there are condos a-plenty in Seattle. Developers are trying almost anything to get them sold. But the majority remain empty, leaving developers scratching their heads about what to do.

September 27, 2009 - KUOW

Reborn Green

The New York Times takes a look at Greensburg, Kansas, the tornado-ravaged town that rebuilt itself to high environmental standards.

September 25, 2009 - The New York Times

UnSprawl Case Study: Agritopia in Gilbert, Arizona

Crafted with a sort of evangelical "New Ruralism," the 166-acre Agritopia neighborhood east of Phoenix mixes gardens, pastures, orchards, restaurants, lush trails, and more with historically inspired homes designed to bring neighbors together.

September 24, 2009 - Terrain.org: A Journal of the Built & Natural Environments

How Cities Grow Like Brains

Interconnectedness is just as important to brains as it is to cities, according to researchers who've just released a study about the organizational similarities between cities and brains.

September 24, 2009 - Science Daily

Oklahoma City Releases Broad New Plan

A broad new plan has been unveiled in Oklahoma City. Included in the plan is a new 70-acre downtown park and a raft of transit improvements.

September 22, 2009 - The Oklahoman

Creating Communities To Grow Old In

Meeting the needs of aging residents has been a challenge for many cities. Some suburban communities are pioneering the conversion to an elder-friendly layout.

September 22, 2009 - The Wall Street Journal

San Francisco's Fast Park Movement

New parks are popping up with a quickness in San Francisco, where planners have fast-tracked the conversion of street spaces into pedestrian parks.

September 22, 2009 - The Architect's Newspaper

What Today's Cities Will Look Like in the Future

Imagining cities of the future can bring about some pretty wild predictions. But when they're visions of existing cities, these futuristic predictions can be almost realistic.

September 19, 2009 - io9

Andrés Duany Calls For Revamping Public Process

Among other issues tackled by the noted New Urbanist during a recent speech, Duany said that the current form of public engagement is broken because it engages only the immediate neighbors.

September 17, 2009 - Northwest Hub

Sustainability Solutions in the City

This piece from the Guardian looks at a handful of projects and ideas that are emphasizing the importance of sustainable metropolitan areas in an age of diminishing resources and environmental devastation.

September 17, 2009 - Guardian

DC Goes NU

New Urban News looks at the growing influence of New Urbanists and their ideas in Washington, from the appointment of former CNU director Shelley Poticha to a HUD position to the new Livable Communities Act proposed by Sen. Christopher Dodd.

September 17, 2009 - New Urban News

Study Shows TND Encourages Walking

Orenco Station in Portland, OR shows that traditional neighborhood development (TND) can decrease car use and encourage walking, according to a new study.

September 16, 2009 - New Urban News

Recession Aids Preservation in Moscow

The economic downturn has brought much development in Moscow to a halt. But for some preservationists, that's a good thing.

September 15, 2009 - The Christian Science Monitor

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.