Urban Development

Numerous Development Subsidies Approved, Despite Controversy, in Cincinnati
The lengths to which the city of Cincinnati should go to attract development investments was up for debate this week.

Voluntary Inclusionary Zoning Scores Early Wins in Philadelphia
A compromise was necessary to enact inclusionary zoning in Philadelphia, and so far it eems to be working out for program supporters.

Walkable Neighborhoods Benefit Property Values
Walkable areas are more prosperous in cities all around the country, a report from Foot Traffic Ahead concludes.

For Lack of Schools: Building Moratorium Set to Take Effect
The Montgomery County Council made a few last minute changes to a residential building moratorium that will take effect next week, halting construction in areas around the county's schools.

More Details on the Trump Administration's Sudden Pro-Development Moves
New efforts by the Trump administration to potentially curtail local land use regulations require closer examination.

Successful Metropolitan Areas Prioritize Proximity
Brookings buils on the findings of recent research about jobs densification in cities around the country to make a larger point about the benefits of proximity in urban design, as compared to sprawl.

Crowdfunding for Affordable Housing
A new experiment in funding affordable housing is underway in Seattle.

Trump Creates Council to Study 'Eliminating Barriers to Affordable Housing Development'
President Trump is scheduled to sign an executive order today that will create a federal-level group to study the obstructionist practices of local governments and the potential for a federal response.

State of the Nation's Housing: Housing Production, Supply Still Coming Up Short
The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University released its annual "The State of the Nation's Housing" report this morning. There are some signs of post-recession normalcy in the housing market for high-income earners.

'Yes in My Back Yard Act' Introduced in the U.S. Senate
U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Indiana) has introduced a new law that picks sides in the housing debate, though the law is unlikely to produce structural change in the development process the near future.

Editorial Board Calls for Tax Increment Financing Reform in Chicago
The Chicago Tribune says the city of Chicago can't be trusted with tax increment financing (TIF), so it's time for a do-over.

Sustainable Mobility Goals in Reach in Richmond
As Richmond, Virginia grows, the city’s network of fixed-route transit and shared ride service is evolving to meet travelers’ needs.

HUD Secretary Carson Supports Minneapolis-Style Upzoning
U.S. Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson, in Minneapolis last week, expressed support for the planning reforms included in the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

Madrid’s Bold Car Ban May Become a Thing of the Past
A new conservative administration says it wants to do away with the ban on cars in the city center.

Master Plan for Quayside 'Smart City' Released by Sidewalk Labs and Waterfront Toronto
The long-awaited master plan for Quayside in Toronto was released to the public today.

Strong Reactions to New York Rent Control Changes
Rounding up the numerous reactions to a law approved by the New York State Legislature this month making 'landmark' changes to rent control regulations in New York City.

Congestion Pricing: An Expat View
Writing from London in an Op-Ed for Seattle’s Crosscut, Chuck Wolfe argues for a contextual approach to a much-touted search for transportation equity.

Google Expanding in Austin
Google is positioning itself to take advantage of the local talent residing in and around Austin.

Opinion: California Needs to Close Gig Economy Loopholes
A state bill would force gig companies to treat workers fairly and would stanch the flow of subsidies that keep customer costs artificially low.

Boston’s Seaport District, Where Building Started Before Flood Preparation
The Boston waterfront has been booming, but the area is extremely vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels. Measures to address those risks have come just recently.
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)