Urban Development
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.
Only Public Housing Can Save the Housing Market Now
An article in The Nation rejects the notion that the market will solve the country's current affordable housing crisis.
Remember Your Rockaway
Growing up in Rockaway, Queens led me to the planning profession, just as home town experiences lead many students to city planning. It's easy to forget why we became planners: we need to remember.
Water Diversion Controversy Stifles Milwaukee Suburb's Growth Plans
The city of Waukesha asked for more water than the Great Lakes Compact would allow. Commenters remind the city of Waukesha that water for growth was never the goal of the Great Lakes Compact.
Study: How Does Transit Really Impact Land Values?
The idea that proximity to transit equals higher land values doesn't tell the full story. According to this study, a variety of other factors must be in place to achieve the desired effect.
Expecting Investment, Reno Targets Blighted Properties
As a nascent tech economy tests the waters, Reno's Vice Mayor spearheads an effort to equitably clear out blight and revisit the purpose of the city's downtown.
Seattle Rejects NBA-Seeking Development Proposal
A development proposal for a new NBA arena, in the works since 2012, was dead on arrival to the Seattle City Council. The decision surprised even project opponents.
The Inevitable Rise of the Auto and Fall of the Streetcar in Los Angeles
A timely piece in The Guardian's City series looks at the demise of streetcars in Los Angeles, beginning with the Great American Streetcar Conspiracy. If only it was that simple.
The Media Attacks Urbanism
A recent Newsweek article on urbanism is chock-full of nonsense.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association
