District of Columbia

Pedestrian Safety

What Makes a Good Trail?

To better advocate for the kind of walking and biking infrastructure it wants to see in a regional trail network, the Capital Trails Coalition has set out to define the components of a high-quality trail.

April 25, 2017 - Greater Greater Washington

Moving Van

Ten Most Popular Millennial Moving Destinations

In addition to determining the most popular destinations for 18 to 35-year-olds, Mayflower (the moving company) found that 41 percent of this age group have no intention of staying at their selected cities permanently.

April 19, 2017 - Mayflower

D.C. Zoning Code Change Will Further Limit Rear Additions

In a move that will restrict the building envelope of residential properties, the Washington, D.C. Zoning Commission approved limitations to the construction of rear additions.

April 18, 2017 - Greater Greater Washington

Lawn Sign Liberalism

Seeing "No Matter Where You're From" signs in liberal-leaning towns makes me both smile and cringe. Why? Because I know the tolerant message belies the real feelings many have towards neighbors, not from other countries, but "other" neighborhoods.

April 13, 2017 - Shelterforce/Rooflines

Working to Ease Gentrification Around D.C.'s Ambitious 11th Street Bridge Project

From the beginning of the proposal for the new 11th Street Bridge between Anacostia and Capitol Hill, planners and designers have promised to prevent the displacement of residents living nearby the new amenities offered by the bridge and its park.

April 12, 2017 - Washingtonian

Medellin

Opinion: Gondolas Distract From the Realities of Transit

Gondolas seem to find their way into the public transit investment conversation again and again over the years, taking up space and air that could be devoted to more substantive issues of investment, maintenance, and operation.

April 11, 2017 - Streetsblog USA

D.C. Metro

D.C. Metro's Recent Controversial Decision: Painting Over Brutalism

Controversy erupted last week in Washington, D.C., after D.C. Metro decided to paint Union Station's vaulted ceilings—a famous icon of the District, it's regional transit system, and the architectural style of Brutalism.

April 6, 2017 - WAMU

Los Angeles City Hall

Sent A Strong Message, Los Angeles Leaders Respond With Planning Reforms

In the aftermath of the Measure S vote, members of the Los Angeles City Council have responded by pushing for expediting community plan updates and finding a sustainable source of funding for updating the region's plans.

April 4, 2017 - The Planning Report

Metrobus

New Bus Service to Relieve Crowding in D.C.

D.C. advocates are celebrating the mayor's support of several new bus investments.

April 4, 2017 - Greater Greater Washington

Modern Kitchen

The Revenge of the Kitchen

Long relegated to the back of the house, the kitchen as utility space is being replaced by the modern show kitchen. Located squarely front-of-house, newer kitchens often reinstate the "great room" idea.

March 31, 2017 - Construction Dive

Scott Pruitt

California Is 'Recruiting' U.S. EPA Employees

Under the Trump Administration, federal employees dedicated to causes like climate change mitigation face uncertain prospects. They could turn to accommodating state governments.

March 28, 2017 - High Country News

Washington D.C.

Family-Unfriendly Housing in Washington D.C.

As new construction favors single occupants and childless professionals, the capital's housing stock is increasingly boxing out families.

March 28, 2017 - Greater Greater Washington

D.C. Metro

D.C. Metro Approves Fare Hike, Service Cuts

For months, transit advocates have dreaded the decision to raise fares and cut service throughout the D.C. Metro system. That day arrived last week. Changes take effect on July 1.

March 27, 2017 - The Washington Post

Water

Trump Budget's Devastating Effect on the EPA and Two of America's Greatest Water Resources

President Trump's budget for 2018 has the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency take the steepest hit—31 percent. Funding for two vital programs, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and Chesapeake Bay Program, will have their funds eliminated.

March 20, 2017 - E&E News [Subscription]

D.C. Considering a 'Cash-Out' Program to Get Commuters Out of Cars

Washington, D.C. is looking to cut back on one of the incentives that inspire commuters to drive to and from work.

March 20, 2017 - The Washington Post

Washington D.C. Metro

D.C. Metro System Ridership in Free Fall

Track repairs and inconsistent service have lead to a 14 percent decrease in ridership, enough to wipe out the year's gains of all other U.S. rail systems put together.

March 17, 2017 - Washingtonian

Melbourne University lawns

An Abundance of Male Trees Is Upping Your Allergy Misery

All that pollen in the air giving you the sneezes is probably because of all the male trees your city has been planting.

March 17, 2017 - Greater Greater Washington

Empty Subway

Transit Agencies Struggling to Predict Ridership, Even as They Raise Fares

At transit agencies like D.C, Metro, bad ridership projections beget bad fare scheduling which begets bad budgets. And so on.

March 13, 2017 - WAMU

Washington D.C.

Another Protected Bike Lane Proposed for Washington, D.C.

An early look at designs for a protected bike lane on Florida Avenue shows the District Department of Transportation keeping pace with its tradition of ambitious bike infrastructure projects.

February 26, 2017 - Greater Greater Washington

Caltrain

Trump's California Double Play: Potential Fatal Blow to Commuter and High-Speed Rail

In one of her first major decisions, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao deferred a decision on a critical $647 million federal grant to electrify the 51-mile San Francisco to San Jose Caltrain line, which would also be used by high-speed rail.

February 21, 2017 - SF Gate

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.