United States

Three Ways Cities Can Combat Extreme Heat
As temperatures rise, there are some relatively simple changes cities can implement to cut cooling costs and deal with spells of extreme heat.

Another Automaker Shows Interest in California Deal on Auto Emissions
President Trump is 'enraged' that automakers would agree with California in support of maintaining the Obama-era fuel efficiency standards, reports the Times. Mercedes-Benz is apparently preparing to join Ford, Honda, BMW, and VW in the private deal.

An Affordable Housing Investment Guide for Nonprofit Hospitals and Health Systems
Hospitals are uniquely suited to make an impact in the ongoing affordable housing crisis in the United States.

Demystifying Mass Timber
Quayside, Sidewalk Labs' smart city in Toronto, calls for ten tall buildings made entirely of wood. Here's why proponents think mass timber is a good idea, and what obstacles stand in its way.

Trump Administration Launches Long-Promised Challenge to Fair Housing Law
A new rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development raises the burden of proof in cases of disparate impact, and provides additional defenses for defendants.

The Case for Slower Cities
Lower speed limits make cities safer, more livable, and, in the long run, more functional.

Co-Working Spaces Fill Opportunity Zone Developments
Developers are working to attract tenants to co-working spaces, in a relationship that they say benefits companies as well as surrounding communities.

Climate Change as a Housing Crisis 'Threat Multiplier'
Extreme weather is exacerbating the threats posing communities struggling with a lack of affordable housing.

'Housing Twitter' and the Great Debate
In case you weren't already aware, there are is a how subculture of debate and controversy on Twitter devoted to the subject of housing. And if you were aware, and perhaps are a participant, here's what Fast Company is saying about you.

Oil and Water: Ride-Hailing and Airport Traffic
It's not your imagination. Surface traffic at airports is worse than ever, according to this article, because of ride-hailing companies.

New Paper: Exclusionary Zoning Is a National Problem in Need of Federal Action
A new paper published by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University raises the stakes of the discussion about exclusionary zoning and its role in the ongoing housing affordability crisis in the United States.

A Comedian's Brutal Takedown of Public Transportation's Failures
The Netflix show Patriot Act, starring Hasan Minhaj, assigns blame for the current state of public transit.

British Researchers Sound the Alarm About the Dangers of Large SUVs
These researchers call for dangerous, large-sized SUVs to be removed from the road.

As Cities Densify, New Building Design Strategies Keep Them Livable
Cities need to increase density, but the design of buildings can drastically affect people’s quality of life. Architects are using new tactics and tools to create innovative structures where light, air, and space are not compromised.

Mobility Data: How Your Travel Patterns Could Inform Policy
Data generated by travel modes can inform planners and regulators in improving the transportation system, but private mobility companies often restrict their access for concerns about privacy and competition.

High Cost of Maintenance Prompts Wyoming Legislators to Consider Tolling I-80
Over the objections of the oil and trucking industries, an interim committee voted to allow the Wyoming legislature to determine whether to toll all lanes on Interstate 80 due to a shortfall in the state transportation budget.

Toxic Algae Blooms, Explained
Toxic algae is in the news again, so it's a good time to learn as much as possible about the environmental threat that is likely to be a reoccurring theme in the era of climate change.

Protecting the Pacific Ocean
Mark Gold discusses his new role at the Ocean Protection Council and addressing the challenges facing the California’s marine resources.

Beach Cruisers: The Gateway Bike
There's still time for a leisurely bike ride alongside a large body of water. You might enjoy it, even if you've never thought of yourself as a bike person.

A Retiring Dean Considers the Changing Responsibilities of Planners
Former L.A. City Councilmember and retiring Cal Poly College of Environmental Design Dean Michael Woo reminds readers of the visionary responsibilities of elected officials to ensure the plans of today indeed consider the needs of tomorrow.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie