United States
The Enduring Attraction of the Grid
Fresh from a lively debate about the desirability of the gridiron layout of cities at CNU 21, Paul Knight shares his eight central arguments for why one would be wise to use the rectilinear grid today.
Social Impact Bonds Spread in the U.S. With Help of Harvard Lab
Harvard's SIB Lab has announced the winners of a competition to receive technical assistance with developing social impact bond programs; an idea that has 'traveled from concept to execution faster than any other social innovation in recent history.'
Could a Petition Sway the U.S. DOT to Change Its Ancient Road Classification System?
US Department of Transportation (DOT) officials would consider a change in the way they classify thoroughfares — to the benefit of pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users — but they need political support, writes Robert Steuteville.
The Rich Get Richer: Gap Widens Between Most and Least Affordable Housing Markets
New data indicates that housing prices are rising unequally across the United States, with the least affordable markets rising faster than more affordable ones. The growing gap could have implications for demographic trends and housing policies.
Little-Noticed Rule Change May Be Big Statement of Obama's Climate Agenda
The DoE recently updated its energy-efficiency standards for microwaves. Big deal, right? Actually, observes Brad Plumer, by upping the 'social cost of carbon' used to calculate the benefits of the rule, the government has made a big shift.
America's Top Springs of Suburban Poverty
Poverty is now more widespread in America's suburbs than its cities. But the suburbs of some cities are experiencing more dramatic increases than others. 24/7 Wall St. examines the top 10 sources of suburban poverty.
Bike Helmet Safety Not What We Thought It To Be
According to Jim Titus, two federal government agencies will withdraw their claims that bike helmets are "85% effective".
Violent Crime Is Up Across America: Is That Really Not a Big Deal?
While new data from the FBI shows that violent crime is on the rise across the U.S. after five years of large declines, John Roman and Laura Pacifici argue that the modest increases don't necessarily predict the reversal of long-term trends.
Which of America's Cities Has the Most Plentiful Parks?
Emily Badger looks at the latest "ParkScore" rankings released by the Trust for Public Land (TPL). Using advanced GIS, TPL ranks America's fifty largest cities by evaluating factors including park access, size, services and investment.
Piecing Together a Central Park for the Entire United States
The American Prairie Foundation is piecing together 500,000 acres of privately owned land across the Great Plains to join with three million acres of public land in forming one of the world’s largest wildlife reserves.
Investors Drive Rise in U.S. Housing Prices; Should We Be Wary?
The nationwide rebound in housing prices has been treated as welcome news. But should we be celebrating the growing presence of large investment firms in our communities, often at the expense of the ordinary buyer?
American Home Ownership: Dream Deferred or In Need of Renovation?
While conceding that suburbia, and home construction patterns, will change in the coming decades, a new report from Joel Kotkin argues that the "dream" of suburban American homeownership is alive and well and poised to remain relevant.
Two Pessimistic Outlooks on Fixing the Nation's Bridges
Brian Naylor of NPR and Stephen Lee Davis of Transportation for America examine different aspects of the government's inability to ensure that bridges are in a state of good repair.
America's Appetite for Big Homes Returns
The recent reversal of America's historic trends in city growth, driving rates, and home sizes have urbanists wondering about their long-term prospects as the economy recovers. Recent data indicates one of those trends didn't have staying power.
Senator Frank Lautenberg, Friend to Transit, Dies at 89
New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg, the last World War Two veteran to serve in the body, passed away on Monday. Kate Hinds looks at the record of 'the driving force between some of the country's most transformative transportation policies.'
Feds Clear the Road for Self-Driving Cars
This week, the NHTSA issued the federal government's first directive on the benefits and hurdles related to the introduction of self-driving cars. The guidelines should make it easier for companies to develop autonomous technologies.
Upending Trickle-Down Techniques for Creating Public Space
Michael Kimmelman looks at the wave of 'cheap, quick, temporary and D.I.Y.-style approaches' that are introducing a more successful means of creating public space than traditional trickle-down techniques.
A More Accurate Measurement of Community Connection
To better understand a city's size, look not to its resident population total but to its daytime population. 'Commuter-adjusted populations' have implications for everything from emergency evacuation procedures to transportation infrastructure.
Civic Tech Leader Joins Obama Administration
Jennifer Pahlka, the founder and executive director of civic tech leader Code for America, has announced she's taking a year-long sabbatical to join the staff of the Office of Science and Technology Policy at the White House.
Is the U.S. Ready for Fuel Cell Vehicles?
Toyota is set to introduce its first fuel cell vehicles in the U.S. in 2015, which are expected to cost between $50,000 and $100,000. But will the U.S. be ready for it, i.e. will there be hydrogen fueling stations? Yes, say public officials.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
