Urban Development

Can Urbanist Islands Make a Difference Where Sprawl Reigns?
The product of a single developer, San Jose's Santana Row is a pocket of urbanism in a sea of sprawl. But can it influence development patterns beyond its bounds, and should it?
Former Planning Director, Landscape Architect Among MacArthur Genius Grants Winners
Professionals and academics of the built environment were recognized for their genius this week by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

Wine Country Wildfires Put Focus on Wildland-Urban Interface
The fires in Northern California have caused at least 21 deaths, with over 500 people missing in Sonoma County. Wired science editor, Adam Rogers, looks at the problems posed when urban development encroaches wildlands.
Civic Space: Creating Community
What moves us about great public space is its ability to convene community. To provide an accessible place of solace and celebration. It’s not about the buildings, or even the streets. It’s about the experience. Susan Henderson on Savannah's squares.

Tiny Home Development Faces Opposition in Charlotte
A group of neighborhood activists are leading the charge against a planned development of tiny houses.
1,650-Mile Trail Network Proposed for New York Region
How does 1,650 miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails connecting the Tri-State area sound?

Portland to Consider New Residential Infill Regulations
The city of Portland's new residential infill ordinance would reduce the number of 1:1 demolitions—which often convert older, affordable homes into expensive McMansions.

Nine Charts That Explain Wealth Inequality
Any way you slice it: the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer.
ADUs Are Having a Moment
Granny flats, mother-in-law units, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), or secondary units—whatever you call them, more and more cities, regions, and states are making it easier to deliver subtle density in the backyard.
Another Philadelphia Developer Tries to Rebrand a Whole Neighborhood
It turns out that locals don't like self-interested, unilateral decisions that erase the place names of the past.

Adaptive Brew-Use
The Associated Press explores the trend of churches rebuilt as breweries.

Twin Cities Hope to Regulate (and Tax) Airbnb in Time for the Super Bowl
The Twin Cities have a super-sized incentive to nail down regulations for short-term rentals. A tax revenue windfall hangs in the balance.

Take an Online Tour of Historic Prince George's County, Maryland
You don't have to be a fan of Prince George's County to be a fan of the historical maps and geographic insight on the online Prince George's Atlas.

As Rents Increase, Atlanta Ponders a Future Like San Francisco's
Rents are spiking in the city of Atlanta—and the roster of big cities struggling to manage the costs of living grows.

Columbus Leads the 'Hottest Hipster Markets' in the U.S.
A list to probably take with a grain of salt…artisanal salt served by a man with a perfectly waxed handlebar mustache.

The 100 Most Influential Urbanists
These are the people that have had the most influence on the places and environments that we call home.

The Case Against Front Lawns
A writer collects evidence from pop culture, literature, and more in painting a portrait of the American relationship to front lawns—crabgrass and all.

Craft Beer and Small Towns—A Perfect Pairing
NPR has identified a cultural phenomenon in rural America: craft beer is economic development—and a draw for young people.
Denver's November Election Will Answer Big Questions About the Built Environment
The Denver Post gives a preview of some of the big questions facing Denver voters in November.
Parking Strategies for Comprehensive Plans
Parking needs to be balanced with new development that supports active modes of transportation, integrates a complete streets approach, and values a high-quality public realm. Comprehensive plans can help achieve this balance.
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.
Municipality of Princeton
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)