Urban Development
On the Value of Inconsistent Setbacks
A columnist in St. Paul makes an argument in favor of zoning variances as a driver of incremental growth and economic development.
Milwaukee Streetcar Debate Stoops to Fear Mongering
Milwaukee Alderman Joe Dudzik's arguments in opposition to a proposed streetcar project have been heard before.
The Suburbs Are Dead; Long Live the Suburbs
A recent spate of articles pronounced the resurrection of the suburb, so CityLab laid the false dichotomies that drive such proclamations to rest.
Critic Finds Merits in Brooklyn Public Library Redevelopment Plans
Two proposals for library makeovers in Brooklyn tie into a larger narrative about development, and architecture, in New York City.
Industrial Meets Residential in New Vancouver Zoning
Vancouver created its MX zone as a solution to a persistent challenge for planners—how to retain industrial jobs and affordable housing in downtowns.
Retrofitting Dead and Dying Suburban Malls: What Works?
Denver is a national leader in retrofitting the Great American Suburban Mall. But how well are these retrofits working? A comparative analysis of field reports by college-age Millennials offers some insight.
Community Gardens are Collateral Damage in New York's Affordable Housing Plans
Here's a head scratcher: in its ambition to meet the affordable housing goals of Mayor Bill de Blasio, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development has proposed the redevelopment of 15 community gardens on city-owned property.
How California's Cap-and-Trade Will Fund Affordable Housing
The innovative revenue stream known as California's cap-and-trade program is ready to take action by funding affordable housing projects.
Proposed Planning and Development Reorganization Stalls in Philadelphia
A drastic overhaul of the planning and development processes in Philadelphia is, at least for now, on hold so stakeholders can have more time to analyze the proposal.
The Challenge of Re-Orienting Strip Malls for Transit
Bill Lindeke writes of the daunting urban design and planning challenge presented by America's post-war fascination with the strip mall.
Does Limiting Rowhouse Expansions Preserve, or Prevent, Affordable Housing?
The Washington D.C. Zoning Commission is considering a proposal to limit the ability to convert or expand rowhouses. The proposed ordinance has provoked controversy about the effect of the law for the city's supply of housing.
New 'Infrastructure Financing District' Proposed for Los Angeles River Improvements
Los Angeles officials are hoping to create an "Infrastructure Financing District" (i.e., tax increment financing) to help finance ambitious goals for revitalizing and restoring the Los Angeles River.
Should a Residential Street Ever Lack Sidewalks?
You're probably familiar with the sight of a long, quiet residential street unadorned by sidewalks, pushing pedestrians, pets, and kids on bikes onto the street. Is there ever a good reason for such a typology?
Strategic Plan for Philadelphia Land Bank Gains Approval
By all accounts, the Philadelphia Land Bank has completed a high quality strategic plan to guide its actions over the coming years.
Land Swap could Bring Obama Presidential Library to Chicago's South Side
Chicago is putting the pieces in place to land the Obama Library. One proposal hinges on the availability of parkland on the South Side near the University of Chicago.
Haitians Lay Foundation for Hope 5 Years After Earthquake
Despite what some see as slow progress five years after an earthquake rocked Haiti, architect and sustainability consultant Dave Hampton writes about how he and others see hope for the future.
Southern Brooklyn Experiencing a Bonafide Skyscraper Boom
A lot of noise has been made of the potential skyscraper boom in Manhattan. Very quietly, however, Brooklyn has also become a target for a series of skyward development plans.
Big Park, Great City?
The urban landscape has become increasingly important for cities striving to be taken seriously on the world stage. And while creating big parks is an obvious trend, getting the small moves right can be just as important.
Judge Clears Way for Redevelopment of Pittsburgh's Former Civic Arena Site
The proposed redevelopment of the 28-acre site—former home of the Civic Arena—would produce a corporate headquarters and a mix of uses and housing.
'Bici Flats': A Bike Oriented Development in Des Moines
A new development proposal in Des Moines called Bici Flats will provide one-of-a-kind amenities to residents who love to bike. But will it become a catalytic development for a downtown neighborhood?
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
