United States
The Economic Downside of Homeownership
A new study by two professors from University of Warwick in England suggests that higher homeownership levels correlate to higher unemployment, a finding contrary to long-held beliefs in the unmitigated benefits of owning a home.
America's Hottest Housing Markets
As the housing market recovered nationwide, home values rose 5.1% across the U.S. between February 2012 and February 2013. In 10 of the major markets analyzed by Zillow, values rose more than 13%. In five of those, home values rose more than 20%.
How China's 'Greenwall' Threatens Your City's Recycling Efforts
The United States' municipal recycling programs rely on China's voracious appetite for plastic trash. But the country's new ban on the import of certain types of solid waste may cause your city a giant, stinky headache.
Take a Vote: The Building That Most Shaped U.S. Culture
In advance of a new PBS documentary on America's architectural history, Architectural Record is soliciting votes for the building that most influenced life in the United States.
Four Ways That Technology is Transforming Civic Engagement
A new study from the Pew Research Center looks at the way digital technology is changing civic engagement. Nick Judd digs into the results and pulls out four intriguing trends.
Could Glowing Trees One Day Light Our Streets?
Glowing trees are the latest project in the weird and maybe not-so-wonderful world of genetic engineering. Alarmed over the potential for the spread of "malicious organisms", environmental organizations are trying to shut down the effort.
Is CA High-Speed Rail Stalling the Federal Rail Program?
House Republicans object to further funding of the High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail program - largely due to California's expectation to receive $42 billion in federal funding - yet less ambitious projects have shown much promise.
A Decoder Ring for Those Mysterious Markings on Your Street
Jimmy Stamp decodes the mysterious color-coded markings used by public works departments around the country to indicate underground infrastructure.
As Other Cities Boost TOD, Chicago Falters
A new study of transit-oriented growth in America's most transit-served cities reveals that Chicago lags way behind its peers. The area's enduring pattern of sprawling development is blamed.
Obama Proposal Could Transform Public Housing Terms
A proposal in President Obama's 2014 budget would allow housing authorities to tighten requirements for residents and set time limits. Housing agencies hope the changes will trim waiting lists, but opponents see more affordable housing as the answer.
Gatsby's Enduring Popularity With Developers
Since its publication, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 'The Great Gatsby' has epitomized affluence and excess, especially for New York, where the book is set. Leonardo DiCaprio aside, Elizabeth Harris looks at the enduring attraction of Gatsby for developers.
Are Privately Owned Roads in the Public's Interest?
Eric Jaffe traces the uneven history of private sector involvement in road construction and management. The involvement of public-private partnerships will likely continue to grow, despite the potential pitfalls.
The Ominous Side of America's Urban Comeback
"The comeback of the urban core is a striking reversal of long-term trends," proclaims Richard Florida. Although this rebound is good for urban growth and prosperity, it hasn't been able to solve enduring problems of poverty and disadvantage.
New Approach Needed for Building Affordable Housing
The rising interest in urban living has meant a growing shortage of affordable housing in cities across the country. Roger Lewis proposes a new approach to help solve the crisis: building workforce housing funded by the public sector.
Indiana and California Among States Yet to Decide to Subsidize Amtrak Lines
Ron Nixon provides an update on the implementation of the Passenger Rail Investment & Improvement Act of 2008 that requires states to subsidize shorter Amtrak routes in order to reduce Amtrak's federal subsidy. 28 routes in 19 states are at stake.
America's Amazing Lost Markets
Before there were Safeways and Sam's Clubs, public markets served as the cultural and culinary anchors of towns across the United States. Many were also fine pieces of architecture. David K. O’Neil looks at 10 of the best that have been lost to time.
Kotkin Crushes His (Imaginary) Enemies
Many planners these days are promoting higher densities, especially in urban cores. Urban scholar Joel Kotkin inexplicably takes this trend to mean that a "cult" of planners favors bone-crushing crowds that would turn US cities into slums.
Urbanism 2.0 vs. 'Micro Urban' Communities: Imagining Land Use in 2063
Patrick J. Kiger looks at the global trends that will impact urban landscapes over the next 50 years and explores two competing visions for the future of land use.
The Importance of Retail Design to the Future of Our Cities and Towns
Much of the future built environment will be determined by how commercial sites are developed, says Robert Steuteville. And it's up to cities and towns to demand better retail designs.
Assessing Criticisms of Form-Based Codes
Since their resurrection in Seaside 30 years ago, roughly 300 form-based codes (FBCs) have been adopted. By their very nature FBCs faces many hurdles.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
