Pennsylvania

Row Houses at 48th between Walton and Cedar, West Philadelphia

Philadelphia on Track to Build Record Number of Apartments in 2022

A researcher from the Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation at Drexel University tells a tale of two housing markets—rental and for-sale—in the City of Brotherly Love.

January 4, 2022 - WHYY

Pittsburgh at Night

Pittsburgh Becomes First 'Dark Sky' City in Eastern U.S.

As evidence showing the benefits of dark skies builds, Pittsburgh becomes the first eastern American city to enact a dark sky policy.

December 29, 2021 - Bloomberg CityLab

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh Pedestrian Wayfinding Program Set to Launch

Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission awarded $1.4 million to the city of Pittsburgh to launch the Pittsburgh Pedestrian Wayfinding initiative.

December 22, 2021 - Pittsburgh City Paper

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Riverfront Development Could Include a Massive Ferris Wheel

A proposed mixed-use development on the Ohio River would enhance connections to the river and feature a Ferris wheel in tribute to the ride's inventor.

December 20, 2021 - CBS 2 Pittsburgh

William Penn

'Demodelphia' Hiring More Preservationists

To protect more historic properties from rampant demolition, Philadelphia is staffing up its historic preservation department.

December 20, 2021 - WHYY

A mile marker showing mile zero of the Great Allegheny Passage, which is a bike and pedestrian path that begins in Cumberland, Maryland and ends in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Measuring the Economic Impact of the Great Allegheny Passage

Small communities once dependent on coal, coke, paper, lumber, and manufacturing now have a 150-mile bike and pedestrian path contributing to the local economy.

December 2, 2021 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

 View south along Interstate 95 (Pennsylvania Turnpike Delaware River Extension) at Exit 40 (Interstate 276 WEST/Pennsylvania Turnpike, Harrisburg) in Bristol Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania

New Interchange Planned Along Pennsylvania Turnpike

Local leaders hope the new interchange will invigorate economic development in the area by providing easier access to the turnpike.

November 4, 2021 - The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh

Port Authority Study Calls For More Equitable TOD in Pittsburgh

A study by the Port Authority of Allegheny County warns against displacement of low-income residents and calls for an increased focus on equity in developments around transit stations.

October 28, 2021 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

An image of a mural depicting Gloria Casarez on the outside of a gym on 12street in Philadelphia.

Controversy on Philadelphia's Historic Commission Over Mayoral Pressure

As one of the most historic cities in the country, Philadelphia faces uniquely intense pressures between historic preservation and development. A new controversy on the city's Historic Commission offers the latest example of the dynamic.

October 19, 2021 - WHYY

A view from above of the Oakland neighborhood in Pittsburgh.

Controversial Zoning Changes Clear the Way for New Pittsburgh Subdistrict

The Pittsburgh City Council gave the green light to a zoning amendment that could eventually produce 1,000 apartment units planned for the neighborhood of Oakland.

October 17, 2021 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Megabus

Philadelphia's Intercity Bus Riders Are Getting Shortchanged

Despite the popularity of intercity bus services, most users have to wait on unshaded sidewalks with none of the amenities of traditional bus depots.

October 6, 2021 - Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia Construction

Affordable Housing Bonus Program Expanded in Philadelphia

The city of Philadelphia launched a height and density bonus in 2018 to create incentives for the development of affordable housing, but so far the results have proven underwhelming.

October 5, 2021 - PlanPhilly

Port Authority of Allegheny County

New Long-Range Transit Plan Adopted for Pittsburgh Area

A long list of transit projects is included in the NEXTransit long-range plan approved recently by the Port Authority of Allegheny County.

September 27, 2021 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Center City Construction

Philadelphia Council President Wants to Curb the City's Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment has shown a strong preference for providing developer-friendly decisions. Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke has seen enough.

September 21, 2021 - PlanPhilly

A sign indicates closures on the New York Subway as the result of heavy rainfall from the remnants of Hurricane Ida.

Ida Takes a Deadly Toll in the Northeast

Hurricane Ida passed through New Orleans, knocking out power causing extensive damage along the Gulf Coast. Then it moved to the Northeast, killing dozens of people with flooding caused by heavy rains.

September 3, 2021 - New York Post

Pennsylvania

Opinion: Philly's Regional Transit Needs More Funding

The region's planning commission is pouring billions into highway widening projects while neglecting its public transit needs.

September 2, 2021 - WHYY

Philadelphia

Neighborhood Rezoning Proposal at Odds With Philadelphia's Comprehensive Plan

While planning departments around the country make news for removing exclusionary zoning and parking requirements, many neighborhoods still show a strong preference for parking minimums and development limits. Case in point: Germantown, Philadelphia.

August 31, 2021 - WHYY

Philadelphia Bike Lane

How to Maximize the Local Impact of the American Rescue Plan

A new report provides advice and guidance on how cities, with Philadelphia as its example, can make the most of the historic funding opportunities made available by the American Rescue Plan approved by Congress earlier this year.

August 13, 2021 - The New Localism

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia Street Mural Aims to Slow Cars and Improve Pedestrian Safety

Part of a larger safety and beautification plan, the mural is designed to slow down drivers and bring a 'sense of hope' to the neighborhood.

August 3, 2021 - Philadelphia Inquirer

Amtrak Pennsylvanian

Northeast Corridor Improvement Plan Would Speed Up Rail Connections

The proposal would fund over 150 projects aimed at improving passenger rail service and speeding up travel times.

July 26, 2021 - Bloomberg CityLab

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.