United States

Skinny Skyscraper

Report: Skyscrapers a Driving Factor of the Urban Heat Island Effect

As cities build upwards in an effort to create more housing and increase walkability, research shows that tall buildings intensify heat and contribute to increased carbon emissions.

August 19, 2021 - Grist

Los Angeles Protected Bike Lane

Study: Bike Lanes Don't Cause Displacement

A longitudinal study shows that bike facilities don't precede neighborhood change or displacement of residents.

August 19, 2021 - Bike Portland

San Francisco, California

Ranking the Top 15-Minute Cities of the United States

The rankings in a recent report are about the potential of U.S. cities to become more like the 15-minute city model provided by Paris.

August 19, 2021 - The Urbanist

Small-Scale Apartment

Rental Assistance Still Not Reaching Tenants in Need

Federal funds meant to help renters during the pandemic are still stuck in bureaucratic limbo as the end of the latest eviction moratorium looms in early October.

August 19, 2021 - CNBC

Dry Lake in Arizona

Federal Government Declares Water Shortage as Lake Mead Reaches Critical Low

The first-of-its-kind declaration triggers major water cutbacks for Arizona farmers and reduced allocations for Nevada and Mexico.

August 19, 2021 - The Arizona Republic

A small town in the U.S. Midwest at dusk, with cars parked on a street lined with historic buildings and a water tower in the distance.

Small-Scale Manufacturing Can Maximize the Potential of America's Small Cities

Artisans and small-scale manufacturers offer tremendous economic opportunities for cities prepared to harness that creative and entrepreneurial energy.

August 19, 2021 - Ilana Preuss

Washington, D.C. Bus Lane

NRDC Releases 'Bus Priority Toolkit'

The kit, designed in collaboration with five U.S. cities, aims to provide lessons and tools for building a compelling case for bus priority and identifying measurable benefits.

August 19, 2021 - NRDC

A bar is adorned in festive decorations for a college football game in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

'Gameday Homes' Raise Housing Costs in Small Southern Towns

Small college towns are seeing housing costs increase as out-of-town football fans buy up properties for short-term use.

August 18, 2021 - Next City

The city of Baltimore's Inner Harbor blanketed in fog, as seen from the water.

Resiliency Hubs Help Baltimore Plan for Climate Emergency

The Green New Deal for Cities, a bill introduced in April by reps. Cori Bush (D-MO) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), includes among the list of projects eligible for funding those that "build capacity for communities to endure extreme weather."

August 18, 2021 - Next City

Rent Jubilee

U.S. Rent Debt Estimated at More Than $21 Billion

The National Equity Atlas has been tracking national rent debt, which takes on new meaning since the federal eviction moratorium expired at the end of July.

August 17, 2021 - Marketwatch

Singapore Electric Bus

What’s the Fairest Way to Deploy Electric Buses? Ask This Open-Source Map

While the deployment of electric buses can help mitigate the air quality impacts of public transportation, transit authorities often face budgeting constraints that center cost reduction rather than equity—until now.

August 17, 2021 - Next City

COVID-19 Pandemic

The Vaccinated Account for 20 Percent of Covid Infections in a Few Hot Spots

All Americans, vaccinated and unvaccinated, are still in this pandemic together.

August 17, 2021 - The Washington Post

Condos Smart Growth

U.S. Condos Face a 'Midlife Crisis'

An overlooked but important part of American housing stock, many condominium complexes are facing the consequences of decades of deferred maintenance as their buildings and infrastructure reach a critical age.

August 17, 2021 - Greater Greater Washington

Capitol Hill

Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Heads to the House: Details and Reactions From the Planning World

Planetizen gathered explainer posts and advocacy responses that continue to shine a light on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, approved by the U.S. Senate earlier this month.

August 17, 2021 - James Brasuell

Natural Resources Conservation Service's Wetlands Reserve Program

How to Fight Climate Change and Increase Resiliency, Naturally

Five actions governments could take quickly to reduce emissions and restore ecosystems.

August 16, 2021 - NRDC

An image of the Sample Gates at the entrance of the college campus of Indiana University Bloomington, with a street and the city in the background.

Supreme Court Allows Indiana University's Vaccine Mandate to Remain in Place

The Supreme Court rejected a request brought by students to block Indiana University from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations. Students, faculty, and staff are required to be fully vaccinated by August 15.

August 16, 2021 - USA Today

Amtrak Train

New Infrastructure Bill Guts Transit, EVs, and Safety Programs

The proposed bill keeps road funding almost intact while cutting funding for electrification, rail, and community development.

August 15, 2021 - Streetsblog USA

Maricopa County, Arizona

Why It's So Difficult to Measure Heat Deaths

Without a standard for recording and classifying heat-related deaths, experts believe the scale of the problem is much bigger than numbers let on.

August 15, 2021 - PBS

Manhattan Bus

NYC Expats Struggle With Their Decision to Leave

Strong place attachment makes it difficult for New Yorkers to settle into their new homes, but many are finding ways to recreate their favorite parts of the city elsewhere.

August 15, 2021 - New York Times

Las Vegas, Nevada

Cities in the South and West Keep Sprawling

New suburbs continue to expand into previously undeveloped areas, putting strain on local resources.

August 13, 2021 - The Washington Post

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Websites

The best of the Internet—since 2002.

Top Apps

Planning apps for a brave new world.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

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.