Urban Development

Aerial view of Television City complex in Los Angeles, California.

Historic LA Filming Complex Could Get $1B Makeover

A revised plan for a revamped ‘Television City’ in mid-city Los Angeles was endorsed by the City Planning Commission, but faces more hurdles before full City Council approval.

September 17, 2024 - Urbanize LA

Man and woman watch waterfall in Paley Pocket Park in Manhattan, New York City. Park is filled with white tables and chairs.

Creative Ways to Activate Roofless Buildings and Vacant Lots

Pocket parks aren’t the only way to repurpose underused urban spaces.

September 17, 2024 - Strong Towns

View of dirt trail between shrubs with downtown Los Angeles skyline in background.

The Essential Role of Parks in Advancing Sustainability

Parks are vital to sustainability, providing environmental, economic, and social benefits that improve public health, support biodiversity, and promote equity, as recognized in Los Angeles County’s OurCounty Plan.

September 16, 2024 - National Recreation and Park Association Open Space Blog

City park with paved walkway, green trees, and people sitting on lawn.

New Study Shows How Urban Trees Improve Public Health

Louisville's Green Heart project demonstrates that strategically planting trees in underserved neighborhoods can significantly reduce inflammation levels, highlighting the health benefits of urban greenery through a novel, data-driven approach.

September 16, 2024 - Bloomberg

Pedestrian plaza construction site with orange cones and excavator in Jersey City, New Jersey.

How Jersey City Dramatically Improved Its Public Realm

The city’s new Department of Infrastructure consolidates the management of public amenities and has guided the creation of new bike lanes, pedestrian plazas, and parks.

September 15, 2024 - CNU Public Square

Close-up of laptop with GIS parcel map open and hand resting on keyboard in modern office.

New Book Shows How Geographic Technology Tackles Global Challenges

In his new book, Jack Dangermond explores the transformative impact of GIS technology in solving global challenges through spatial data, highlighting its widespread application across sectors and its potential to design sustainable futures.

September 15, 2024 - ESRI

Talking Heads Little Creatures album cover.

Great Album Covers with Urban Planning Themes

Album covers that evoke urban themes.

September 13, 2024 - Gabe Bailer - PP - AICP - NJ Urbanthinker

Entrance to Bayfair Center mall in San Leandro, California.

Mall Redevelopment in Silicon Valley

Dead malls across the Bay Area are being transformed into R&D centers, housing, and transportation hubs.

September 11, 2024 - SiliconValley.com

COTA Bus

Columbus, Ohio's High-Frequency Transit Future Up for Vote in November

Despite being the nation’s 14th largest city, Columbus, Ohio has no high-capacity transit. That could change this November as city officials put a levy before voters that would provide $6.2 billion by 2050 to fund an ambitious bus rapid transit system.

September 9, 2024 - Columbus Dispatch

Pioneer Square, Seattle

Symposium Highlights the Crucial Role of Trees in Combatting Extreme Heat

Experts emphasize that planting and maintaining trees in urban areas is essential for reducing extreme heat, cooling cities, and preventing heat-related illnesses, especially as heatwaves become more frequent and severe.

September 9, 2024 - ABC 7 Eyewitness News

Aerial view of Trinity United Church aerial view at 103 Lafayette Road at Main Street in Seabrook historic town center, New Hampshire NH, USA.

Small Towns Lead in Parking Reform

Small towns and communities around the country are eliminating parking requirements at a faster rate than big cities.

September 5, 2024 - Sightline

Google Maps street view of new office tower in Atlanta, Georgia.

Fourth Ward Project Aims for Sustainability on Atlanta's Beltline

A new megaproject hopes to bring new life to a former industrial site.

September 5, 2024 - Metropolis

Close-up on wooden section of bike and pedestrian path marked with ped symbols on one side and bike symbols on the other.

Pedestrians First: Tools for a Walkable City

A comprehensive new website provides information on why and how to improve community walkability and offers practical tools for evaluating walking conditions.

September 5, 2024 - Pedestrians First: Tools for a Walkable City

Two people run down a paved path in the city, surrounded by landscaping.

Designing a "Runnable" City

Planners often focus on walkability and bicycle-friendly cities, which is great to promote active transport. But how do we design a "runnable" city as well?

August 30, 2024 - Jua Cilliers

Cyclist and runner on paved bike and pedestrian path in a park in Boston with fall colors on trees.

Urban Trees Are Vital in an Era of Extreme Heat

Urban trees are essential for cooling public spaces, promoting physical activity, and protecting vulnerable populations from extreme heat.

August 29, 2024 - Medium

Roman Forum

Designing Cooler Cities: Lessons from Ancient Civilizations

Ancient Rome had ways to counter the urban heat island effect. As climate change raises global temperatures, can urban planners and designers apply any of those lessons to cities today?

August 28, 2024 - Brian J. Stone

Rendering of redeveloped public square in Denton, Texas with new pedestrian and public infrastructure and historic courthouse in background.

North Texas Town Launches Downtown Revitalization Plan

The Design Downtown Denton plan takes aim at improving walkability and highlighting the city’s historic assets.

August 22, 2024 - Denton Record-Chronicle

Low close-up of yellow flowers and pedestrians walking on New York City's High Line linear park.

Pedestrian-Friendly Cities: The Impact of Walkability Grants

Explore how walkability grants are transforming cities into pedestrian-friendly environments, enhancing urban livability, boosting local economies, and improving public health.

August 22, 2024 - Devin Partida

Aerial view of downtown Stockton, California with brick church in foreground.

Will This Resident Group Get Full Control of the Complex They Helped Fix?

A group of Cambodian immigrants took partial control of an affordable housing property in the 90s, and since then, they’ve made big changes to the complex. But they haven’t been able to get full legal control of the property for decades. Why?

August 15, 2024 - Shelterforce Magazine

Aerial view of suburban sprawl with large single-family homes near Dallas, Texas.

National Zoning Atlas Expands

The online tool can help city and state officials understand where zoning codes need reform and how they compare to other localities.

August 15, 2024 - Route Fifty

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.