Urban Development

Santana Row

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?

October 13, 2017 - Public Square

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.

October 13, 2017 - The Architect's Newspaper

California from Space

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.

October 12, 2017 - Wired

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.

October 12, 2017 - PlaceShakers

Tiny House Prefab

Tiny Home Development Faces Opposition in Charlotte

A group of neighborhood activists are leading the charge against a planned development of tiny houses.

October 12, 2017 - The Charlotte Observer

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?

October 11, 2017 - Curbed New York

Portland

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.

October 11, 2017 - Portland for Everyone

Los Angeles in 1939, as determined by the  Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC).

Nine Charts That Explain Wealth Inequality

Any way you slice it: the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer.

October 11, 2017 - Urban Institute

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.

October 11, 2017 - Public Square

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.

October 11, 2017 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Haarlem, Ntherlands

Adaptive Brew-Use

The Associated Press explores the trend of churches rebuilt as breweries.

October 10, 2017 - Associated Press via Miami Herald

Minneapolis, Minnesota

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.

October 10, 2017 - MinnPost

Prince George's County, Maryland

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.

October 10, 2017 - Greater Greater Washington

Atlanta

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.

October 10, 2017 - WABE

Bikeshare and murals

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.

October 10, 2017 - Market Insider

Jane Jacobs

The 100 Most Influential Urbanists

These are the people that have had the most influence on the places and environments that we call home.

October 9, 2017 - Planetizen

Suburban Lawns

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.

October 8, 2017 - The Chicago Tribune

Small Town Craft Brewery

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.

October 8, 2017 - NPR via KPCC

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.

October 8, 2017 - The Denver Post

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.

October 7, 2017 - PlanIt - Metropolitan Council

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.