Urban Development
Toronto's New Building Code Adds Height for Wood-Framed Buildings
The beginning of 2015 saw changes to Toronto's building code that will allow wood construction up to six stories. Supporters of the code change see multiple potential benefits from the code change.
Atlanta Streetcar Finally Opens
It's 'back to the future' for Atlanta's $98 million investment that opened Dec. 30, although these will be modern, not vintage, streetcars that operate on a small loop. Streetcars last operated here in 1949. Mayor Reed intends to lengthen the route.
A Case Study of San Francisco's Evolution—at 10th and Mission
San Francisco Chronicle Architecture Critic John King dives into the economic and planning dynamics behind the remarkable transformation of 10th and Mission in San Francisco.
Salt Lake City Looks West for Downtown Revitalization
The Salt Lake Tribune looked at the development plans made possible by the West Side Master Plan for Salt Lake City.
'GrowSouth' Plan Demolishes Record Number of Structures in Dallas
A Dallas economic development plan called "GrowSouth"—spearheaded by the office of Mayor Mike Rawlings—removed a record number of blighted and nuisance structures in 2014.
Has the Streetcar Boom Reached the End of the Line?
Politico takes a critical look at the streetcar trend in American cities—which had some high profile setbacks during 2014—with an eye toward the legacy of the Obama Administration.
Boston Redevelopment Authority Preparing for 2015 Building Boom
The Boston Globe reports on a year of massive investments, as well as sweeping changes in leadership, taking place in the offices of the Boston Redevelopment Authority.
The Story of New York's First Commuter
Sam Roberts tells the story of commuting in New York City, starting from the very beginning, the maiden voyage of the first ferry from Brooklyn to Manhattan.
Rising Seas Create a Catch-22 for Miami Development
Miami is in a race against time to build defenses against climate change and rising sea levels—resilience projects that require property tax revenue generated from luxury developments built in the areas most at risk.
How Defensive Fortifications Shaped Cities
A post on Gizmodo traces the long and evolving history of defensive fortifications and how they influenced how cities were built and how people lived.
Top Planning Trends – 2014
A deeper look at the traffic data on Planetizen reveals trends from the planning and urban design conversation of 2014.
What Makes a City Global?
Finding the existing frameworks for describing "global cities" to be highly divergent, Aaron Renn suggests his own and requests feedback to continue improving the scheme.
Four Cities Making the Most of Alley Spaces
Urbanful examines four cities making the most of scare public spaces by reactivating their alleys with programming and pedestrian-friendly designs.
RFQ Released for Atlanta's Planned 'Airport City'
The city of Atlanta is moving forward with a plan to upgrade the world's busiest airport to "Airport City" status.
Op-Ed: Time for the Bay Area to Embrace Regional Planning
An op-ed by the San Francisco Chronicle's editorial board takes cues from London's regional transportation planning efforts in an argument supporting regional planning for the San Francisco-San Jose Bay Area.
Can a 32-Acre Mixed-Use Development Block an Oil-By-Rail Facility in Time?
Environmentalists and developers are in a race against time to prevent a proposed oil-by-rail facility in Vancouver, Washington.
Imagining a Self-Contained, Vertical City
A new book makes the case for vertical cities, following a 32-point manifesto about the needs of future cities.
Chicago Moving Forward with Residential High Rise Designed by Robert A.M. Stern
The Chicago Plan Commission approved a 67-story residential high rise earlier this month, as the latest evidence of the city's changing skyline.
Critical Support for New NBA Arena Proposal in San Francisco
After controversy derailed an earlier plan by the Golden State Warriors to build a new arena at Piers 30-32 along the Embarcadero in San Francisco, a new plan at a new location has made progress toward completion.
Prince Charles Lays Out a 10-Point Planning Agenda
The Prince of Wales took to the pages of The Architectural Review to share his vision for the future of architecture and planning.
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
