Urban Development

Slowdown Offers Chance to Rethink Growth

The economic slowdown has caused a slowdown in growth, even in the Salt Lake City area -- recently one of the nation's fastest growing regions. This editorial calls on officials to use the slowdown as a chance to reconsider the area's growth pattern.

March 24, 2008 - The Salt Lake Tribune

Why the Breakdown of Atlantic Yards is a Loss For New York Planning

New York Times architecture critic Nicolai Ouroussoff discusses why the impending breakdown of the Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn is a harsh blow to urban planning in New York.

March 24, 2008 - The New York Times

Slicing and Dicing Superblocks

If 'superblocks' are so bad, why are we still building more of them?

March 24, 2008 - Streetsblog

Viewing L.A.'s Density Debate From the Passenger's Seat

A Los Angeles Times columnist hears about the Los Angeles density controversy and sees its implications during a recent drive around town with County Commissioner Zev Yaroslavsky.

March 23, 2008 - The Los Angeles Times

Das Chinatown

The planning process has taken a little longer than expected for a Chinese investor looking to create Germany's first Chinatown.

March 22, 2008 - Der Spiegel

What's in a Name?

The town of Slough gets no respect, but it's trying.

March 22, 2008 - The New York Times

'Slumburbia': Exurban Decay Spurred By Mortgage Crisis

The mortgage crisis is devastating many communities far from urban centers, while 'inner cities', regionally speaking, are weathering the financial storm far better thanks to their urban form that makes them attractive to those that can afford them.

March 21, 2008 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Will The Atlantic Yards Project Go Bust?

The slowing economy is causing Forest Ratner to re-think buildout plans for their controversial Atlantic Yards development. New York City history tells us it won't be the first time a large scale project goes the way of the economy.

March 21, 2008 - The New York Times

Introducing Smart Growth To An Edge City

A new master plan for Los Angeles's Century City attempts to undo some of the shortcomings that typically plague Modernist master-planned edge cities. Its goals include walkability, greening, and a more appealing public realm.

March 21, 2008 - Planning Magazine

Rural County Population Nearly Doubled in Less Than a Decade

With a growth rate of more than 75% over the last seven years, Kendall County, Illinois, is changing fast and the local farming community is struggling to adapt.

March 21, 2008 - The Associated Press

Economy Boosted By Renovated Buildings

Buildings are being renovated all over downtown Washington D.C., and as they rise so does the city's tax revenue.

March 19, 2008 - The Washington Post

Planning a Smart Transit Future in Tampa Bay

With a newly formed regional transit authority, Tampa Bay, Florida, may be ready for a regional transit system. Many want to do it right.

March 19, 2008 - The Tampa Tribune

Lawrence, Kansas Takes Top Walkability Honors

Lawrence, Kansas has been named the most walkable city in Kansas, and the 38th most walkable destination in America. However, city officials are not resting on their laurels.

March 19, 2008 - Lawrence Journal-World & News

New Funding Resuscitates L.A.'s Grand Avenue Project

The highly anticipated mixed-use Grand Avenue project in downtown L.A. has just secured $100 million in funding. This new funding is expected to kickstart the project's construction, which has been delayed for months.

March 18, 2008 - The Los Angeles Times

Planning System Revamp May Speed Development in Santa Cruz

Bureaucratic red tape has slowed the development process for years in Santa Cruz, California. Now proposed changes look to speed up the process, but critics say the changes could open the door to under-controlled development.

March 18, 2008 - Santa Cruz Sentinel

Thinking About Smart Growth in Montana

Gallatin County, Montana, has experienced 20 percent population growth over the last eight years, and officials are hoping that the adoption of smart growth principles will help guide the rapidly developing area towards a sustainable future.

March 18, 2008 - Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Creatives Kicked Out By Vancouver Condo Boom

Condos are booming in Vancouver, and as a result the city's young creatives are being squeezed out.

March 18, 2008 - The Globe & Mail

Suburban Detroit Builds Up, Not Out

The suburban Detroit town of Wixom is looking to lure in residents by creating dense downtown living.

March 18, 2008 - The Detroit Free Press

Big Dig's Aftershocks

A look at how the specter of Boston's Big Dig cast a dark shadow over proposed freeway replacement plans in Seattle and other cities.

March 17, 2008 - The Boston Globe

Global Impacts on Downtowns

This report from Progressive Urban Management Associates outlines the ten trends that will impact downtowns over the next two decades.

March 17, 2008 - Downtown Idea Exchange

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.