Urban Development
Is There a Point to Public Participation?
After some underwhelming proposals have come in for a project at New York's Hudson Yards, this editorial asks whether the public participation is even necessary for a project that will most likely evolve with little public interaction and oversight.
No Zoning, But Many Restrictions
Houston may lack zoning restrictions, but the city has taken a number of steps over the course of the year to limit the extent and flavor of development.
Resistance Surrounds Portland's Ambitious Green Building Standard
Rules mandating higher energy efficiency in all new Portland buildings are slow to catch on in the city, but officials are hoping to gather support.
Real Estate Slowdown Expected to Continue in 2008
Many economists are predicting the continued slowing of the commercial real estate market across the country.
Keeping Pace With The Real Estate Market Slowdown
Condo developers in Milwaukee are responding to the slowdown in the housing market by slowing down development.
Green Building Requirements Proposed in Israel
Israel has announced plans to require green building standards on new constructions, but some say the requirements don't go far enough.
San Francisco's Historic Gem Returned To Life
San Francisco's latest and perhaps most glorious restoration is the 1890 De Young Building that was the original home of The Chronicle has now been converted to a Ritz Carlton after having been an undignified office building for the last 43 years.
The German Urban Planning Workhorse
One German planner's influence has been seen in projects across the world. Now he's refocusing his eyes on his home country.
The City of Blinding Lights is Starting To See 'Green'
The first thermal plant in 16 years opened this summer in southern Nevada. And America's most expensive private development - a new hotel and casino complex on the Strip - is getting LEED certified.
Planned Communities Take Nosedive in Idaho
Proposals for planned communities have taken a sharp downturn in Idaho since last year. A deteriorating housing market and the lack of infrastructure are being cited for delays in development.
Is New Urbanism The Way To A Green Future?
This article from Time discusses the burden development places on the environment and how New Urbanism seeks to mitigate this burden.
The Path To Preserving L.A.'s Industrial Lands
Preserving industrial land in Downtown L.A. is the focus of a broad city report to be released in January. The city recommends classifying specific areas into four land use categories to guide development in the area increasingly sought by investors.
Cities Think Big Despite Uncertain Development Market
Despite a rocky real estate market, cities across the globe are investing in large-scale development projects.
Designing The Female-Friendly City
As women become a larger segment of the nation's urban population, more planners are recognizing the importance of addressing the concerns of women through urban design.
The Power Of The Threat Of Eminent Domain
In New York, eminent domain is not necessarily the direct work of the government, and often the threat of eminent domain is enough to clear the way for development. This editorial explains how.
Urban Renewal Plan Translates To Job Loss And Gentrification
This editorial from the Orange County Register bemoans the urban renewal process proposed in a new specific plan for the city of Santa Ana that some say will gentrify the city's downtown and eliminate many industrial jobs.
Ohio Growth Posing Environmental Threats
Growth and urban development are posing significant threats to air quality in Northeast Ohio, and many planners are looking at ways to reduce the threats.
Architects as Developers: Five Portraits
From smaller residential projects to vast mixed-use developments, more and more architects are crossing over into development work, bringing a fresh perspective to the process.
Shopping Malls Are Dead -- Long Live Lifestyle Centers
The Economist offers a fascinating review of the evolution of the suburban shopping mall into the hot new "lifestyle center." The conclusion: "It was necessary to kill the American city centre before bringing it back to life."
Rethinking Parking In NYC
An editorial by Alex Garvin and Nick Peterson calls for NYC's planners and officials to rewrite outdated off-street parking regulations. The authors point out contradictory parking requirements and proposes a more efficient market-based system.
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
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Portland
City of Laramie
