Urban Development
Conceptual Shift: New York's Growing Again
For decades, New York City's boom times lay deep in the past. Now that the city's growing again, Aaron Renn says New York may need to take cues from the Sun Belt, of all places.
London's New Mayor Finds Culture and Heritage in City's Nightlife
London's new Mayor Sadiq Khan joins a growing list of mayors who have become ardent advocates for their city's nightclubs.
Will Chicago Be the Next to Jump on the Sky Gondola?
Chicago's looking for a new tourist attraction, and the sky gondola has made the short list. Private investors have proposed to construct a sky gondola as a tourist attraction crossing over the Chicago River, but will the plan fly?
Chicago Chinatown's an Outlier of Success
While the cultural authenticity and geographic footprint of Chinatowns around the United States shrink, Chicago's is growing. What can other cities learn from Chicago's model?
San Diego Gets its Own Public Square at Long Last—or Does It?
San Diego's downtown has long lacked a central public square the likes of San Francisco's Union Square or Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Square. It got one last week and it may have a familiar feel to Portlanders. And how "public" is it?
Miami's Form Based Code Touted as New Urbanist Ideal
Miami 21 overhauled an 80-year old zoning code and replaced it with a New Urbanist-style form-based code that many credit as being the key to changing development in the city.
Investigation: Walmarts Abuse Local Police Force Resources
An investigation by the Tampa Bay Times finds Walmart stores treating local police forces like their own personal security forces.
Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf Expresses Solidarity for Cities
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf grew up in a small town, but he has since adopted cities among his political causes. In recent remarks, he detailed his opinions about how public policy shortchanges cities—in Pennsylvania and the country.
When Does Inclusionary Zoning Go Too Far? San Francisco Might Find Out
In June, San Francisco voters will consider a ballot initiative that will raise the affordable housing requirement of the city's inclusionary zoning from 12 to 25 percent. Even housing advocates are concerned Proposition C might go too far.
An Update on President Obama's 'Better Building Initiative'
A press release and fact sheet about the accomplishments of the Obama Administration's "Better Building Initiative" includes three new national programs designed to improve the efficiency and resilience of the built environment.
A Love Letter to Vancouver
With so many people writing "Dear John" letters to Vancouver, in addition to high-demand cities around the world, one group of planners and urban designers responds with a love letter.
Wealthy Maryland Enclave Goes to War Over a Swing Set
Some code violation controversies must be reported by The Washington Post to be believed.
Digging Into D.C.'s Zoning Code Changes for Accessory Dwelling Units
Washington, D.C. approved a long-awaited new zoning code in January. Greater Greater Washington digs into one of the new code's more substantive changes: more permissive regulations for accessory dwelling units.
A New 'Learning Garden' for Detroit's Osborn Neighborhood
A new garden has opened in Detroit's Osborn neighborhood. It's described as the city's first outdoor learning garden.
Changes Coming to the Downtown Milwaukee Skyline
The Architect's Newspaper surveys the development scene in Downtown Milwaukee—an that remained quiet for 20-some years is now expecting four new high rises before 2020.
Selling Smart Growth
Smart Growth can provide many direct benefits to residents, businesses and local governments. Our challenge is to better answer the question that many stakeholders ask, "What’s in it for me?"
Planning in Houston: No Longer an Oxymoron
Houston, Texas, adopted its first general plan called Plan Houston late last year. Plan Houston covers everything from economic development to education to public health to arts and culture.
Dallas Doesn't Deliver on Promised Libraries
In 2006, Dallas voters approved a bond package that promised $42 million for new libraries. Ten years later, and after $11.75 million in spending, none of the projects are close to completion.
The Backbone of Orange County
In the 1950s, southern Orange County, California was a place of open hills, citrus groves, and scattered towns. The I-5 Freeway changed that, paving the way for today's subdivisions.
The Next Economic Frontier: Cities
Urbanists, test your knowledge of urban economics. Familiar with the concept of agglomeration externality? Finance professor and Bloomberg View writer Noah Smith opines it's a major reason why American cities are not as productive as they should be.
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
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
