Washington

Homeowner's Symbolic Fight Ends

In what is almost a real-life caricature of the battle of the single homeowner against the huge corporation, Edith Macefield refused to sell her home to a developer planning a major retail outlet, who then built around. This week Ms. Macefield died.

June 19, 2008 - The Seattle Times

Ambitious City Center Plan Moves Forward

Despite the economic downturn, city officials in Spokane Valley, WA move forward with a plan to build something the city has always lacked: a true city center.

June 13, 2008 - Spokane Journal of Business

Politicians Call on Seattle to Think Creatively About Freeway Problem

In this guest column, Washington Governor Christine Gregoire, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, and King County Executive Ron Sims argue that Seattle needs to find a creative solution to the problem posed by its aging inner-city freeway.

May 30, 2008 - The Seattle Times

A Small Town From Scratch

Developer Casey Roloff has built an ambitious new community on the Washington coast with New Urbanist ideas and a Northwest flavor.

May 28, 2008 - The News Tribune

Prefab Apartments Slated For Seattle

A local commercial property developer has built two prototype units and announced plans to erect a 62 unit complex -- claiming the factory built units will cost 15 percent less then traditional housing.

May 27, 2008 - The Seattle Times

Seattle to Reward People for Not Driving

City officials and local businesses in Seattle are teaming up to offer cash and prizes to residents who limit their car use this summer.

May 23, 2008 - The Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Is This Building Worth Preserving?

A Googie-era Denny's Restaurant in the Seattle area is at the center of a debate about how buildings get designated as landmarks. Yesterday, the Preservation Board relented on economic considerations, and the building is slated for demolition.

May 22, 2008 - The Seattle Times

Should Seattle Wait To Plan Its Light Rail Expansion?

Instead of asking residents to consider a timid plan this November, the region's transit agency should wait until its first light rail line opens, and gas prices rise even higher. Voters will then be ready for a grander plan, argues a recent column.

May 17, 2008 - The Seattle Times

Has Seattle Become Too Expensive For Its Own Good?

Celebrated for its livability and character, the city is increasingly unaffordable to the very people who gave Seattle its funky vibe.

May 13, 2008 - The Seattle Times

The Ongoing Saga Of The Seattle Viaduct

With elections coming up, local politicians are peddling various plans for the replacement of the Alaska Way Viaduct -- though there is increasing consensus around removing the freeway and creating a waterfront boulevard.

May 3, 2008 - Crosscut Seattle

City Explores Ways To Provide Access To Healthy Food

Seattle's new local food initiative will try to help provide access to health, fresh food in neighborhoods that are a long walk or bus ride from a supermarket.

May 1, 2008 - Seattle Post Intelligencer

Broad Road Tolling Plan Eyed As Seattle Traffic Solution

A recent report argues that tolls could provide the solution to Seattle's traffic congestion, but they would have to be very high, and very widely used.

April 28, 2008 - The Seattle Times

Re-Making Tacoma Walkable

Tacoma, Washington, could become a walkable city, according to Danish architect Lars Genzoe.

April 24, 2008 - The News Tribune

Northwest Drivers Use A Gallon Less Than the National Average

Motorists in Oregon, Washington and Idaho are using less gas per week than the average American. A recent report credits the region's public transit systems and land use policies for the reduction in fuel consumption.

April 22, 2008 - The Oregonian

The Transformation Of A Light Rail Corridor

Seattle's new light rail line is poised to usher in a new era for Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Though most are excited about the new development, the fear of gentrification has made some residents worry that they won't be around to reap the benefits.

April 22, 2008 - The Seattle Times

'Fully Contained Communities' Spark Comprehensive Plan Debate

Officials and residents in Snohomish County, Washington, are grappling over proposed changes to their comprehensive plan. A major point of contention is whether "fully contained communities" should be allowed.

April 17, 2008 - The Seattle Times

Rooftop Gardens Offers Alternative To Backyards

Green roofs offer an opportunity for outdoor space and gardening for people with little or no yards.

April 13, 2008 - The Hartford Courant

Facilitating A Community Dialog On The Internet

The City of Oak Harbor, Washington is giving residents a chance to sound off about planning and development issues on several blogs.

April 10, 2008 - Whidbey News-Times

A Call For Smart Growth-Based New Towns

It's politics, not planning, that drives up housing costs. Rather than back away from regulations, more professional planning is needed to create healthy and affordable communities.

April 9, 2008 - The Seattle Times

HOT Lanes Making Their Debut In Seattle

A four year pilot project to charge solo drivers a variable toll to use carpool lanes begins April 26.

April 3, 2008 - Seattle Post Intelligencer

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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An annual review of books related to planning.

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The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

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