Urban Development
What Is a Central Business District (CBD)?
A central business district (CBD) is a geographic area sometimes referred to as downtown, but with key distinctions critical to an understanding of city and regional planning.
COVID Stimulus Details for Planners
A few last minute changes were included in the version of the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, approved by Congress last night.
Adapting Building Codes to Natural Disasters Saves Billions
New research shows that modern building codes have prevented around $27 billion in damage from natural disasters between 2000 and 2016, yet many cities still operate under decades-old regulations.
The Race to Preserve America's Black Cemeteries
America's historic Black cemeteries, which have long fallen victim to displacement, relocation, and outright destruction, could have a new ally in the fight for preservation and recognition.
A Farewell to One-Size-Fits-All Urbanism
Sustaining culture and character is more than a black or white proposition. It requires a careful blend that depends on local circumstances, meticulous research, and self-knowledge.
Study Touts the Housing Affordability Benefits of Density for the State of Utah
The density debate can't be avoided in fast-growing Utah, according to the researchers and political leaders who support the findings of a new report from the University of Utah's Kem C. Garner Policy Institute.
A New Standard for Equity Investments
Fifth Third Bank is investing $2.8 billion in its Accelerating Racial Equality, Equity and Inclusion initiative.
Residential Development Tax to Fund Affordable Housing Programs
Philadelphia's city council passed the city's first-ever residential development impact tax, a plan that could boost the city budget by $9 million a year.
A Comprehensive Overhaul of Planning Considered in New York City
The New York City Council this week released a report that suggest the city do away with its "piecemeal" approach to planning in favor of a new comprehensive planning framework.
Indianapolis to Upgrade Bus Stops to 'Super Stops'
Downtown Indianapolis bus stops are getting a makeover with enhancements that prioritize buses and improve rider safety.
Citywide Zoning Reform Approved in Everett
Few cities are accomplishing such a swift and sweeping overhaul of its land use regulations as Everett, Washington, which just wrapped up its second major planning initiative in as many years on its way to launching a third.
Locals Say Trump Can't Live at Mar-a-Lago
And they have the receipts.
Austin Hopes to Buck Tradition with Anti-Gentrification Measures in its New Transit Plan
Project Connect promises to prioritize equity and inclusion with $300 million dedicated to anti-displacement efforts.
Traffic Reductions in Outer London's 'Mini-Hollands' Curtail Vehicle Ownership
An analysis of areas designated as "low traffic neighborhoods" shows a decrease in vehicle ownership rates, a promising sign for the traffic-choked metropolis.
Pandemic, Equity Dominate 2020 Planning News
Even with the world shut down, many California planning issues continued to be debated online, fought over in court, enacted in city halls, and realized on the ground. And yet, racial equity and the pandemic are the defining stories of 2020.
New California Bond Program Promotes Affordability for Middle-Income Renters
The California Statewide Communities Development Authority hopes that a new program, which helps cities purchase rental properties with no upfront cost, will lead to an increase in affordable middle-income housing.
How 2020 Changed the Rental Market
A new report by RentCafé reveals the extent of the pandemic's influence on the rental market—so far.
Bogotá Uses 7,000 Public Design Proposals to Redesign its Main Artery
To reimagine the city's most important artery, Bogotá sought community input via an innovative online platform.
Statewide Zoning Changes Adopted in Oregon to Limit Parking, Add Missing Middle
The state of Oregon made planning history in 2019 by adopting House Bill 2001, paving the way for the state to preempt local exclusionary zoning laws. Now, over a year later, the state land use board has decided how to implement that goal.
New Market-Rate Housing Lowers Rents for Everyone, According to New Research
A study published by a German researcher adds ammunition to the cause of improving housing affordability by legalizing and building new supply.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
