Urban Development
Audit Rips CA Redevelopment Agencies
California Controller John Chiang, an independent, elected officer, audited 18 of the state's 425 redevelopment agencies (representing 16% of all RDA dollars) and found huge differences in how blight is defined and a lack of accountability.
The Skyscrapers of Tomorrow
Of the world's ten tallest buildings currently under construction, one is located in the United States and five are in China.
Where Are the Healthiest Housing Markets for 2011?
The 2011 Healthy Market Index, which is compiled from projections made by Moody's Economy.com, is dominated by cities in the South.
NYC Residents to Challenge Use of Eminent Domain
NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg faces challenges in his attempt to redevelop the Willets Point area of the city. Some opponents of the plan are prepared to file a lawsuit against the city.
Facebook Charrette: New Headquarters Could Reinvigorate a City
As Facebook prepares to relocate its corporate headquarters from Palo Alto to Menlo Park, the company organized a day-long charrette to get input from architects, planners, and community members about how to "turn this neighborhood inside out."
Make No Little Plans Without Twitter
Chuck Wolfe suggests five "Burnhamisms" for getting communities inspired and engaged with urban planning, including using social media and video to communicate your message.
A Call to Streamline L.A.'s Zoning Codes
Writing for The Architect's Newspaper, Sam Lubell argues that current L.A. zoning regulations require architects and developers to endure a "ridiculous, disjointed, outdated process."
The Future of Johannesburg's Mining Landscapes
Gold mining was an integral part of what made the city of Johannesburg, South Africa one of the most economically important cities on the continent. But as mining winds down, some are trying to find new ways to use the landscape of mining operations.
Is the Nation's Affordable Housing Supply Overwhelmed?
Colleen O'Connor, a writer for The Denver Post, uses the case of Colorado to demonstrate what she sees as an inadequate supply of affordable housing across the country.
The Unlikely Biennale of Landscape Urbanism
A landscape urbanism biennale in an unlikely suburb of Tel Aviv offers its working class citizens a look how their city can change for the better.
Attacking the Setbacks of Suburbia
Canada's suburbs don't have to be a problem, according to architect Drew Adams, who proposes a plan to densify them by developing unused space.
New City to Sprout in Qatar Ahead of World Cup
Qatar is building cities from scratch ahead of its hosting duties for the 2022 World Cup. One city to be located near the tournament's final match will house 200,000.
The Connection Between DC Height Regulations and Public Transit
Angie Schmitt explains why the debate over removing Washington DC's famous height regulations depends on the city's transportation plans.
NYC and Privatized Parking
NYC is asking private investment banks to submit ideas on how to privatize city assets.
Food Markets are Booming
Angela Starita reports on the growing popularity of "haute food courts" -- high-end food markets -- and what they mean for cities.
El Paso Moving Forward
El Paso officials are working with consultants on envisioning a new master plan for the city, which could include turning an underused rail yards into a major park a la Millennium Park in Chicago.
Rio de Janeiro Residents Protest Olympics Projects
As the city of Rio de Janeiro prepares to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, residents there say many of the projects underway are violating their rights.
Energy Efficiency is about Location, Location, Location
A new peer reviewed study reveals that housing located in compact, transit-oriented and location efficient developments are more likely to consume less energy than developments in low density suburban areas.
The Good and Bad of Vancouver's Olympic Legacy
This column from The Seattle Times looks at two of the physical legacies of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, and finds both success and room for improvement.
Treasure Island Towers Cut Down to Size
Towers included in plans to develop a new neighborhood on Treasure Island in the San Francisco Bay have been slashed to better integrate with the island's development and surroundings.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
