Pennsylvania

Seattle as the 'Next Detroit'
As the automotive industry of Detroit once inherited the wealth and assets of Pittsburgh's steel industry, one writer argues Seattle has now inherited the wealth and assets of the Silicon Valley.

Pittsburgh Launches Complete Streets Planning in Earnest
With a planned pace of ten new miles of bike lanes every year for the next five years, Pittsburgh is already making over many of its thoroughfares in the complete streets model. A formal city policy certainly won't hurt, however.
Neighborhood Planning for Investment, Protections from Gentrification
The neighborhood of Homewood in Pittsburgh, PA is poised is poised for new investment but is still far from a gentrification tipping point. A proposed "cluster plan" walks a fine line for the neighborhood's future.

Philadelphia Pushes Ahead with Changes to Zoning Code
Updates to Philadelphia’s zoning code are designed to "clean-up" the code, adopted in 2011.
Pittsburgh Neighborhood Ready for Traffic Safety Solutions
A string of fatalities has residents and commuters alike ready to explore new options, such as a complete streets plan, to improve the safety of the neighborhood's streets.
Delaware River Port Authority Approves Discount for Frequent Drivers
With some extra cash on hand (rare, isn't it?) the Delaware River Port Authority will offer a discount for drivers that cross authority bridges 18 times a month. But what about transit riders?

Meow We're Talking: Ranking Cities by Number of Cat Ladies
Nielsen Scarborough released new market data this week that revealed the cities with the highest percentage of single women who live along with at least one cat.
Revealed: A Splashy New Master Plan for Former Civic Arena Site in Pittsburgh
One of the country's most beautiful cities could get a dramatic new development project, calling on the design talents of Bjarke Ingels Group.
The Regulations Making Philadelphia a Beer Lover's Paradise
Cities and neighborhoods looking to locate and support breweries and brew pubs should look to Philadelphia as an example of a beer-friendly regulatory environment.

Philadelphia Alleys Ranked for Makeover
In advance of what may be a wider program, Philadelphia's alleys have been ranked for their aesthetic quality. Those in the "average" range are most suitable for retrofits.
High Hopes for a Renovated Vernon Park in Philadelphia
A once-neglected park is at the center of efforts to breathe new life into Germantown's business district.
Pennsylvania Launches 'Rapid Bridge Project' to Rebuild 558 Bridges in Three Years
Faced with more than 4,000 structurally deficient bridges, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has an innovative repair plan.
Developers See Dollar Signs in the Viaduct Rail Park Proposal in Philly's Center City
The Viaduct Rail Park could one day become a version of the High Line in Philadelphia's Center City.

Defining the Public Good
How well do public spaces reflect the changing conceptions of "public good" in contemporary political discourse? The UPenn design community starts a challenging conversation.
The Recently Opened Manayunk Bridge in Philadelphia Is a Big Deal
As a symbol of a changing economy and a changing city, the rails-to-trails conversion of the Manayunk Bridge in Philadelphia bears close scrutiny.

Voters in Philadelphia May Birth a New Planning Department
This week, voters in Philadelphia will decide on a ballot measure that could realign city government to create a new Department of Planning and Development.

Pittsburgh's Food Deserts
A map of Pittsburgh's food deserts illustrates a nationwide problem with food insecurity.
SEPTA Investing $18.3 Million in Energy Efficiency
SEPTA has approved funding for $18.3 million in energy-efficient upgrades to the regional transit network.
When the Rush to Redevelop a Transit-Adjacent Parcel Spells Missed Opportunity
Haddon Township, a suburb of Philadelphia located in New Jersey, might have been so relieved to finally close a deal on a long-disputed redevelopment project that it neglected the immense potential of the opportunity.
The Benefits of Free Transit for College Students
A growing coalition of education and transit advocates are calling for a program that would allow Philadelphia-area college students to access transit for free with their student IDs.
Pagination
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.
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