Urban Development

Form-Based Code Ended Single-Family Zoning a Decade Ago in Grand Rapids
The story of the Grand Rapids zoning code update of a decade ago offers perspective on the possibilities of code reform.

Philadelphia Inquirer's New App Sends 'On This Block' Alerts
The HERE app provides new ways to access information about the local arts and architecture scene.

Record Year for Demolitions in Philadelphia
City records reveal the growing trend of demolitions across the city of Philadelphia.

Wildfires Threaten Over a Million California Structures in High-Risk Areas
With limited action at the state level, communities in vulnerable areas have launched their own local preparedness programs and plans.

6 Charts to Summarize the 'Retail Apocalypse' in 2018
2018 was more of the same for the demise of retail businesses in the United States.

Link Kiosks Up and Running in Philadelphia
The kiosks in downtown Philadelphia are part of an effort to deploy smart-cities technology.

Amazon Delivered a Booming Real Estate Market in Queens
The real estate market in most of New York City is sluggish to close out 2018, but for now, Long Island City is going gangbusters.

California Prepares for a Prop. 13 Showdown
Expect property tax reform to be in the news in 2019.

African Country Moving its Capital City
The nation of Burundi is moving Gitega.

In Cities, Transit Isn’t Just for Commuting
A closer look at commuting and ridership shows the differences between urban and suburban transit patterns.

Critiquing the Notion of Neighborhood Character
Zócalo Public Square Editor Joe Mathews takes aim at the phrase, “We want to protect the character of the community," calling it a lousy argument in normal times and verging on "treasonous" due to climate change and California's housing crisis.

Rising Labor Costs and Higher Construction Costs for Homes
Labor costs vary greatly throughout the country, but wages are rising in the construction industry, especially in cities like San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles.

Most Popular Planning Articles of 2018
We crunched the numbers on all the features, blog posts, and news articles we published in 2018 to figure out which made the biggest splash with readers.

Mobility Plans and Dynamic Planning
A new survey by Governing and living Cities examines what it takes for cities to innovate.

Year in Review: The APA's Advocacy Work in Washington, D.C.
The APA noted that the 115th Congress was "marked by divisive rhetoric, partisan stalemates, and threats to programs on which local communities rely." At the end of the year, however, it could still celebrate substantial victories.

Previewing NYC's Next Big Megadevelopment
Sunnyside Yard, a 180-acre railroad yard in Queens, is in the initial stages of a planning process that may eventually bring development surpassing the scale of Hudson Yards. This time, it is hoped, there will be greater focus on affordability.
Pennsylvania Borough's Rezoning Snags on Last-Minute Public Opposition
The borough of Homestead, Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh, is in the middle of its first comprehensive planning process since 2001.

Lamenting the Decline of Caracas, Once the 'Jewel of Latin America'
"A generation ago, Venezuela’s capital was one of Latin America’s most thriving, glamorous cities; an oil-fuelled, tree-lined cauldron of culture that guidebooks hailed as a mecca for foodies, night owls and art fans."

Japan Offers Up Free Abandoned Houses
Due to an aging populace, lackluster construction quality, and other factors, Japan is facing a glut of abandoned homes. For those with the ability to live there, these homes can be had for next to nothing.

Atlanta’s Planning Commissioner Won’t Tolerate Bad Design Any Longer
Tim Keane says quality design isn’t negotiable and developers need to aim higher.
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)