United States

Trees and People

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.

August 23, 2019 - Fast Company

Mercedes Benz Suburbs

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.

August 23, 2019 - The New York Times

Hospital Signs

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.

August 23, 2019 - Managed Healthcare Executive

Wood Construction

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.

August 23, 2019 - Smart Cities Dive

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

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.

August 22, 2019 - CityLab

Radar Speed Sign

The Case for Slower Cities

Lower speed limits make cities safer, more livable, and, in the long run, more functional.

August 22, 2019 - CityLab

Lakeland, Florida

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.

August 21, 2019 - The New York Times

Mexico City, Florida

Climate Change as a Housing Crisis 'Threat Multiplier'

Extreme weather is exacerbating the threats posing communities struggling with a lack of affordable housing.

August 20, 2019 - Next City

Twitter Headquarters

'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.

August 20, 2019 - Fast Company

SFO Departures

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.

August 20, 2019 - The New York Times

New York Development

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.

August 20, 2019 - Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University

Crowded Subway Platform

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.

August 19, 2019 - Patriot Act With Hasan Minhaj

Cadillac Escalade

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.

August 19, 2019 - Forbes

Green

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.

August 19, 2019 - Fast Company

Mobile Phone

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.

August 19, 2019 - Mollie Cohen D’Agostino

Interstate 80

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.

August 18, 2019 - Buffalo Bulletin

Maumee River

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.

August 17, 2019 - Los Angeles Times

Malibu

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.

August 17, 2019 - The Planning Report

People on Bikes

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.

August 16, 2019 - CityLab

American Planning Association 2015

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.

August 16, 2019 - The Planning Report

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.