Urban Development
When a Few Neighbors Speak for the Entire Neighborhood
This probably sounds familiar in more places than one: just a few stakeholders accounts for a clearly disproportionate number of the appeals made to the Planning Department in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Westwood.
Unequal Distribution of Shade Is Environmental Injustice
A longread, written by Sam Boch and published by Places Journal, has been creating a stir online and is highly recommended for those with an interest in intersections between social justice and urban design.
Commute Frustrations Boil Over in Massachusetts Poll
A recent poll of Massachusetts voters was able to connect the realities of the housing market to the frustrations of the daily commute.
Thinking Outside of the Transit Box in L.A.
Metro is analyzing new geolocational data to look beyond conventional understandings of travel behavior.
Do You Believe in 'Ghost Apartments'?
"Ghost apartments" (empty apartments owned by rich foreign investors) have gotten a great deal of media coverage. But how common are they?
How Mega-Project Financing Tools Gerrymander Distressed Communities
The developers of Hudson Yards received $1.2 billion in financing from the EB-5 program, all made possible by a map that gerrymandered the project into the same neighborhood as Harlem public housing.
Tax Relief as an Affordable Housing Boost
The city of New Orleans needs approval from the State Legislature and the state's voters before it can implement tax relief measures meant to give more first-time homebuyers access to the housing market.
How Smaller Cities Are Trying to Attract Opportunity Zone Investors
Cities and states are altering local policies to maximize benefits for private investors in Opportunity Zones.
If You Build It, They Will Ride (400% More)
A more than 400 percent increase in bike ridership following the opening of a protected bike lane on Second Avenue proves that Seattleites are more inclined to ride with safe facilities.
New Developments Must Be EV Ready in Seattle
It's not the same as requiring that all new development have charging facilities and parking spots for electric vehicles, but it's close.
What Denver's Big 2040 Comprehensive Plan Means for 2019
Important distinctions about the difference between a comprehensive plan and zoning code changes, as well as details of the form-based influences of the new Denveright 2040 plan are reported here.
Ending Rent Control Changed Everything in Massachusetts. What Happens If It Becomes Legal Again?
Two proposed bills would roll back a statewide prohibition on rent control in Massachusetts. The city of Cambridge, how of the anti-rent control movement in the state, is now a poster child for the housing crisis.
California's Most Controversial Housing Bill Advances with Amendments
Senate Bill 50, by Scott Wiener, advanced on two fronts last week: On Wednesday, it passed easily out of its first committee with new "Minneapolis-style" amendments. On Sunday, it received a New York Times editorial endorsement.
Noise Pollution in Densifying Cities
Noise pollution tends to impact low-income communities more than others. For those who can afford the luxury, there are ways to shut out the noise.
Zoning Changes Stay Controversial in Brooklyn Neighborhood
Despite a rare level of community participation in a neighborhood planning project in Bushwick, a recently proposed draft neighborhood plan was met with criticism in an initial public hearing earlier this week.
Congestion Pricing to Balance Out Mobility Systems
The goal of transportation networks should be to provide integrated and efficient services, which requires looking beyond particular modes.
Opportunity Zone Investors Look to Fuel Tech in Chicago
One venture plans to fund a 100-acre campus for tech, bioscience, and medical research in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood.
From McMansion to McMain Street
In attempt to design buildings that convey the complexity and scale of the traditional Main Street, we frequently end up with buildings that are a cartoon version of the real thing. Perhaps we are trying too hard?
The New Skyscraper on the Block in Chicago
The Second City has a new third-tallest skyscraper.
Tech Money Dominates S.F. Housing Market
The tech industry has created massive wealth, and the impacts on the real estate market are most dramatic in San Francisco.
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.
Borough of Carlisle
Smith Gee Studio
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)
