Urban Development

Santa Monica Voters Soundly Reject Slow Growth Ballot Measure
The so-called LUVE initiative, which would have required a public vote on any development exceeding 32 feet or two stories, was rejected by over 56 percent of voters. Opponents significantly outspent supporters who failed to get council support.

Who Benefits from the East Bay's Big Bus Rapid Transit Project?
A key commercial corridor connecting Oakland and Fremont in the East Bay Area is due for a dramatic transformation in the form of a new Bus Rapid Transit line.

Op-Ed: Invest in Public University Development Projects to Protect Jobs
The case for state investments in public university campus development projects in Oregon.
What Now for Philly Neighborhoods Reconnected by the Rebuilt 41st Street Bridge?
The city of Philadelphia's "most notorious unfinished infrastructure project" is now complete. What will the rebuilt 41st Street Bridge mean for the neighborhoods on either side?

The World's Largest Modular Building: Now Leasing in Brooklyn
Modular construction has been offered as a cheaper construction alternative and a possible solution for the affordable housing crisis. Now the building typology has a new showcase project in Brooklyn.
California's New Accessory Dwelling Unit Having an Effect in Monterey
The city of Monterey has been compelled by a new state law to loosen prohibitions on accessory dwelling units after failing to so earlier in the year.

A New Normal Needed on the Streets Around Trump Tower
With no signs of the protests outside of Trump Tower going away, Nicole Gelinas has a suggestion for Mayor Bill de Blasio.

The Vision for a Revitalized Downtown in Akron, Ohio
It's been a busy year for planners in Akron, Ohio. The most recent accomplishment is the completion of phase 1 of the Downtown Vision and Redevelopment Plan.

Charleston, SC Sees the Pros and Cons of 6,000 New Apartments
Traffic Congestion, Parking Shortages, New Shopping Opportunities, Housing for Millennials, Economic Development! Charleston, South Carolina residents' reaction to over 6,000 planned or in development apartment units runs the gamut.

Two Towns, One Brewery: What Roanoke Can Learn From Bend, Oregon
The opening of the Bend, Oregon-based Deschutes Brewery in Roanoke, Virginia is bringing a new realm of possibilities for future development in the former railroad town, as it looks to go from "trains to brains."
The Future is Fiction
What will our cities look like in the year 2050?

A Potential Downside to $120 Billion in Transportation Investments in Los Angeles
The editorial board of the Los Angeles Times warns that along with new transit lines comes new housing for residents who want to enjoy the benefits of reduced auto-dependence. Plans need to ensure minimal housing displacement around the new stations.

How Cities Will Lead the Energy Future
Last month, politicians, energy executives, and energy experts met in Istanbul for the 23rd World Energy Congress. The event gives global leaders a chance to coordinate energy policy, discuss new ideas, and seek solutions to climate change

Trump Election Coverage Round Up (Planning Edition)
A compendium of the most discussed examples of news and commentary regarding the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States—but only what's directly relevant to the fields of planning and urban design.

Historic Block in Downtown St. Petersburg May Not Survive
Failing to receive protection from the St. Petersburg, Florida city council, a historic downtown block faces an uncertain future.

The de Blasio Administration Stays Firm on Waterfront Rezonings
Despite its ambitious housing targets, the de Blasio Administration isn't willing to sacrifice more of its prime industrial spaces, and the jobs they bring, in the name of residential development.
Washington, D.C. Announces an Ambitious Affordable Housing Agenda
The Washington, D.C. Housing Preservation Strike Force released a final report last week.

Visualizing Gentrification in 9 Cities
A new atlas explores the multiple causes of gentrification through bold graphics and data visualizations.
Big New Subdivision Approved Along Virginia's U.S. 29 Corridor
A 277-acre development got the rezoning it needed to go from single-family housing to mixed-use outside of Charlottesville, Virginia.

East Harlem Rezoning Could Bring 7,500 New Apartments
Planners released new details of a proposed rezoning on the East Harlem neighborhood in New York City.
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.
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)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada