Urban Development

A Bold Vision for a Car-Free Boston
As other cities take daring steps to reclaim their streets, a car ban in downtown Boston doesn’t seem so implausible.

600-Foot Tower Proposed for the Boston Waterfront
A proposed high-rise would transform the downtown Boston waterfront, and the city's skyline.
Friday Eye Candy: New York City, Minus the Cars and People
Johnny Simon shares the work of artist Marc Yankus, who created a series of images that remove people, cars, and animals from images of New York City.

L.A. Crafting Legislation for 'Anti-Displacement Zones'
The idea that new development results in rising costs for renters in the surrounding neighborhood drives a new effort in Los Angeles.

Seasoned Developer Opines on California’s Housing Crisis
Bill Witte, CEO and chairman of Related California, discusses how state and local governments ought to respond to the state’s challenges with housing affordability, growth in homelessness, and 'missing middle' housing supply.

No Cars Allowed: Arizona Multi-Family Development Tests the Market for Car-Free Living
Culdesac Tempe will offer will have apartments for 1,000 people and zero space for cars.

Saying 'No' to Development in Climate Risk Areas
Only a few places have managed to stem the tide of development in areas at risk to the effects (like wildfire and flooding) of climate change. Virginia Beach is an early test bed for what it takes to tell developers "no."

It's Organic! The End of Conjecture and the Science Ahead
The history of inquiry into the "organic" nature of cities has revealed findings that inform the practice of urban planning.

Proposed $250 Million Blight Removal Bond Fails in Detroit
The Detroit City Council dealt a blow to Mayor Mike Duggan by rejecting the mayor's signature blight reduction proposal.
Silo-Breaking Sustainability or Real-Life Lorax: L.A.’s First City Forest Officer
The city of L.A.’s first city forest officer, Rachel Malarich, opines on her new role in facilitating cooperation between the city’s departments to achieve a more equitable urban canopy.

Street Vending Makes Public Spaces Better. Stop Criminalizing It.
While recent crackdowns on street vending suggest it is a problem to be fixed, the reality is that street vendors energize urban spaces and make them more accessible for everyone.

Reporters Go Undercover to Identify Housing Discrimination
A three-year investigation of the real estate industry on Long Island reveals rampant discriminatory practices and an industry complicit in the segregation of the communities that comprise the region.

Are Traffic Apps More a Problem Than a Solution?
The companies behind navigation apps say they want to decrease congestion in cities. But a tool that is essentially designed to help individuals isn’t going to provide a collective benefit.

Oregon Congressman Takes on Federal Housing Policy
U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon) offers perspective on the U.S. housing crisis, the scale and complexity of which he argues demands affirmative federal action.

Tiny Home Village to Close Amid Controversy in Seattle
The situation at the tiny home village in the Seattle neighborhood of Northlake has been deteriorating since April.

2,000 Units of Privately Funded Affordable Housing Approved for Queens
A large affordable housing development will be built on the former site of a hospital in the Rockaway Peninsula neighborhood of Queens.

L.A.'s Strategy for 'Universal Basic Mobility'
Los Angeles Department of Transportation General Manager Seleta Reynolds emphasizes the importance of riders' perspective on access when redesigning the transit system.

Controversial Redevelopment Approved in Coastal Agricultural Area
A city on the northern edge of San Diego County has approved a controversial redevelopment. Supporters tout that agricultural components of the project. Opponents of the project say developers shouldn't be breaking ground in an agricultural area.

Rose Bowl Property Ready for a Makeover
A famous local architect has been tapped to rethink the Rose Bowl's expansive property in Pasadena.

Preserving Affordable Housing Along the Brightline in South Florida
The South Florida Housing Link Collaborative is working to develop and preserve affordable housing along South Florida's intercity rail line, in the process of transitioning to the Virgin Trains USA brand, as prices along the route climb.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)