Urban Development

Algorithms Can Design Buildings Now
Introducing "algorithmic space planning." The last word in that phrase shows that planners should take notice of the new technology just as much as architects and engineers.

S.F. Residents Sue to Block Homeless 'Navigation Center' on Environmental Grounds
A group called Safe Embarcadero for All is suing to block the construction of a homeless shelter on city-leased land across from piers 30-32 on the San Francisco waterfront.

Report Ranks the Best-Selling Master-Planned Communities
Real estate advisors RLCO have been compiling data on sales at master-planned communities since 1994. The mid-year report for 2019 shows strong sales growth in the sector.

Land Trusts Find Traction in the Spiking Colorado Housing Market
According to an article in The Denver Post, more community land trusts are being created in Colorado to help more find their footing in the housing market.

Will Appeal of Landmark Appeals Court Ruling Allow for Clearing of Tent Cities?
If the Supreme Court hears an appeal of a landmark U.S. Ninth Circuit Court case settled in April, the ruling would have widespread implications for dealing with homeless encampments throughout the West, perhaps nowhere more so than Los Angeles.

A 'Green New Deal' for Seattle
The city of Seattle has taken the first steps toward creating a "Green New Deal." Now comes the hard part of deciding on specific policies.

Another Benefit of Zoning Reform: More Flexibility for Historic, Non-Conforming Uses
Non-conforming uses, usually historic buildings that predate the strictures of 20th century zoning codes, can get a little more comfortable under the reforms approved by the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

50 Years of 'Design With Nature'
Ian McHarg's groundbreaking book was published 50 years ago.

Portland Development Map Focuses Around the Urban
New apartment buildings and new civic buildings are some of the developments under construction in the City of Roses.

Scrutiny for Houston Development Patterns After New Stormwater Regulations
Advocates and researchers say new development regulations, with more stringent flood protections, aren't doing enough to control the stormwater impacts of sprawl.

Exhibition Shows the Swagger and the Social Conscience of a Previous Era of Planning
It's rare for an entire exhibition to be devoted to the practice and history of planning. This is a big one.

Court Ruling Clears $1.9 Billion in Public Money for Atlanta Mega-Project
A $5 billion redevelopment project in Atlanta, named Centennial Yards, will receive substantial public support.

Millennials Prefer Renting: Demand for Multi-Family Options Grows
Millennials need housing they can afford, and that means apartments instead of houses.

ADU Controversy in Montgomery County, Maryland
The Montgomery County Council is preparing to vote on an amendment that would loosen restrictions on the controversial building type known as accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

How Much Influence Can the Federal Government Have on the Housing Crisis?
A couple of questions are fundamental to the debate about the housing affordability crisis.

Chicago Coffee Shops Breaking Social and Economic Ground on the South Side
Cafes on the city's South Side are more than just businesses. They also provide important spaces for community building and economic development in neighborhoods that have been historically overlooked.

Game-Changing, Open-Air 'Lifestyle Center' Turns 20 in Columbus
After 20 years, the Easton Town Center in Northeast Columbus, Ohio draws nearly 30 million visitors a year and sells more than $1 billion in food and merchandise.

The Surprising Benefit of Pop-Up Parks to Bio-Diversity
A new study finds that interim recreational use of underutilized sections of crowded cities can benefit more than just humans.

'Grim' Choices Facing California as the Pacific Ocean Rises
The Los Angeles Times published a massively ambitious account of the sea-level threat facing California.

Strict Growth Limits Set By Colorado's Fifth-Largest City
Residents of the city of Lakewood have approved a ballot measure that caps annual residential development and requires City Council approval of all developments over 40 units.
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
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)