Urban Development

Brooklyn

MIA or DOA? The Brooklyn-Queens Streetcar Fading Fast

The lack of news on the proposed Brooklyn Queens Connector (BQX) is hardly a death knell, but that doesn't mean no news is good news, either.

August 4, 2017 - Village Voice

New York Manhattan Chinatown

Glut of New Rentals Expected to Reset the New York City Market

When vacancy rates rise, rents should fall. In New York, reports disagree about how much vacancy rates are about to increase, and whether rents will drop at all.

August 4, 2017 - The Wall Street Journal

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

New Mapping Tool Illuminates the Consequences of Redlining

According to Next City, a new mapping tool from the National Community Reinvestment Coalition reveals the roots of gentrification in addition to making stark a history of discrimination.

August 4, 2017 - Next City

Kapan

Finding Solace in the Uniqueness of Landscape

Decades ago, Walter Benjamin theorized that pretty much everything could be reproduced—and, therefore, nothing was unique. This dismal conclusion, however true it may be, ignores the uniqueness of landscape.

August 3, 2017 - Common Edge Collaborative

1984 Olympics

Worldwide Response to the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics: Skepticism

More than one media outlet praised Los Angeles' optimism for cutting a deal with the International Olympics Committee to host the 2028 Olympics.

August 3, 2017 - The Guardian

Austin Bus

When Parking Is Cheap, Students Don't Take the Bus

Students and faculty at Austin Community College are less inclined to make use of their discounted transit passes. But, why?

August 2, 2017 - Austin Monitor

Fast Food

Locals Organize a Protest to Save the Wrigleyville Taco Bell

The protest isn't likely to work, but some locals will miss a fast-food joint that they say serves as a democratic oasis in the neighborhood.

August 2, 2017 - Chicago Tribune

The Mall in Columbia

A Suburban Success Story

The suburban, master planned community of Columbia, Maryland is many of the things urbanists hope their cities will become.

August 2, 2017 - The Washington Post

Adams Morgan District

Neighborhood Commission Wants a Car-Free Street in D.C.

A popular neighborhood in Washington, D.C. is looking for ways to make its main drag more pedestrian friendly.

August 2, 2017 - Greater Greater Washington

Trump Administration

Is There Space for Planning in Trump's News Cycle?

An analysis of Planetizen traffic in the first six months of the Trump Administration reveals an audience still focused, despite so many distractions, on the future of communities.

August 1, 2017 - James Brasuell

Richmond Bridge

California's Housing Hypocrisy on Display in Marin County

Dan Walters, one of the most well known and longest tenured journalists and observers of California politics, has penned a scathing critique of Marin County's approach to growth.

August 1, 2017 - CALmatters

Maryland

Affordable Housing Incentives Get Pushback in Maryland

Montgomery County's plan for Bethesda calls for height bonuses in return for affordable housing. Residents neighboring the proposed incentive zones have successfully resisted that idea.

August 1, 2017 - Greater Greater Washington

How Zillow's Approach to Data Reshaped the Real Estate Market

Zillow's chief analytics officer and chief economist offers insight into the company's approach to data, models, and the real estate market.

August 1, 2017 - ZDNet

Los Angeles

Housing Density a Missing Link for Emissions Reductions in California

Emissions from electricity generation are decreasing while those from transportation are increasing. If communities don't increase housing density to change travel patterns, it will only get worse, but the challenges may be insurmountable.

July 31, 2017 - Los Angeles Times

New York Harbor

Building Resilience? There's a Standard for That

Resilience standards—like LEED--could transform building practices. But there are many standards to choose from, and few are aware that they exist. A new report helps planners and builders choose the right standard for every project.

July 31, 2017 - Laurie Mazur

Big Plans for Former Bethlehem Steel Parcel Near Buffalo

Officials in Erie County believe the former home of Bethlehem Steel, south of Buffalo, will be attractive to manufacturers given its proximity to Lake Erie and various highways and rail lines.

July 30, 2017 - The Buffalo News

What subprime crisis? Affordable houses are everywhere.

The 'Inclusionary Housing Calculator' Will See If Your Affordable Housing Ideas Pencil Out

The debate about inclusionary zoning persists—with some pro-development saying affordable housing fees and requirements stifle development before it can start. A new tool helps crunch the numbers behind the debate.

July 30, 2017 - Steven Can Plan

Portland Airport Carpet

Portland Hoping for $1.3 Billion Renovation of its Airport

The Portland International Airport is getting its first major upgrade since 1956. Airlines would have to split the bill.

July 30, 2017 - The Oregonian

Trump Sign

Pigs Will Not Fly at the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago

The city denied an application for an art installation that would have tethered giant golden pigs to a barge on the Chicago River, temporarily interrupting the view of the sign on the infamous Trump sign.

July 29, 2017 - The Architect's Newspaper

Schuykill Yards Project Nets $5.6 Million to Neighborhood Programs

The Neighborhood Engagement Initiative funding from developers of Schuylkill Yards in Philadelphia is being called the largest program of its kind in the city.

July 29, 2017 - Curbed Philadelphia

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.