Urban Development

Watch: What it Takes to Retrofit Suburbia
June Williamson explains the necessary components of the next generation of the suburban retrofitting project, and why these actions are so necessary.

Idea for Saving an Aging Shopping Center: Remove Cut-Through Car Traffic
Planners like the idea of blocking car traffic on Shaker Boulevard through Shaker Square in Cleveland, The public is less sure.

Denver Won't Ease Restrictions for Social Marijuana Uses
The ongoing evolution of land use regulation related to legal marijuana hit a roadblock in Denver this month, although the city has already allowed nearly unprecedented freedom (in the U.S., at least) to buy, sell, and consume marijuana in the city.

For Vancouver’s Carbon Footprint Reduction Plan, 2030 is the New 2040
Four months after formally recognizing climate change as an emergency, the Vancouver City Council considers six large-scale changes to dramatically reduce city-wide carbon emissions.

Protecting Detroit's Historic Food District
Detroit's historic food district is under very contemporary development pressure, so the nonprofit tasked with managing the market has decided to define principles that prioritize affordability and inclusivity in the area.

California Bill Takes Aim at Vacation Rentals
Proposed legislation in California would limit short-term beach rentals in San Diego.

An Energy Efficient Makeover for D.C.-Area Public Transit
D.C. Metro has a plan to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption by building to LEED green building standards and buying electric buses.

We Need More Words for Play
Could cities harness the power of play to build more healthy, resilient, and equitable communities, if only we had the words for it?

ADUs Offer Affordable Housing in California, but Challenges Persist
While accessory dwelling units have the potential to ease California’s housing crisis, homeowners still find the construction process difficult to navigate.

Another Big City Announces Sweeping Energy Plans for Buildings
San Francisco and New York City made a theme of this year's Earth Day: mandating emissions reductions from buildings.

California's Upzoning Bill, SB 50, Would Allow Apartment Construction in Wealthy Communities
The proposed legislation would open up cities like Palo Alto to higher-density housing.

What Central Florida's Population Growth Reveals About U.S. Real Estate Trends
Big trends—a geographic shift back to the suburban and exurban areas and a "silver tsunami"—are apparent in population figures for two Florida locations.

2019 'Parking Madness' Shows How Much Has Changed
Streetsblog USA's annual showcase of the worst examples of car-oriented land use this year focused on places that had overcome the worst excesses of 20th century planning.

New 20-Year Comprehensive Plan, and More, Approved for Denver
Two big pieces of the Denveright planning process, the Comprehensive Plan 2040 and Blueprint Denver, won approval from the Denver City Council earlier this week.

Transit Projects Would Provide Local and Regional Connectivity for L.A. Suburb
Two projects on the table in Glendale, California, a BRT line and a streetcar, would increase mobility options in the city.

Google Maps' Digital Erasure Highlights Issues of Community Identity in Buffalo, NY
In the face of displacement and gentrification, residents of the Fruit Belt neighborhood of Buffalo, NY point to tech-giant Google's map service as one among many possible causes.

Urban Forestry Managers Need Better Climate Change Data, Report Says
Results of a new survey suggest that there are benefits to be reaped from a focus on climate change.

Striving for a Zero-Waste Future
A number of U.S. cities have set ambitious zero-waste goals, but reaching targets has been challenging. Turning waste into a viable commodity is one strategy to get materials out of the waste stream.

Cities Win the Water Reallocation Game, Study Shows
A new study says that huge amounts of water are moved from rural areas to cities to support rapidly growing urban populations.

Cleveland Bike Path Plan Leaves Some Locals Unhappy
Change was slow to come to a neighborhood in Cleveland, but not everyone is pleased with what a new riverside bike path will bring with it.
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.
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)