United States

Is Franklin Roosevelt Responsible for Suburban Sprawl?

Jeremy Rosenberg continues his fascinating series on the laws that shaped Los Angeles with a look at the local, and national, impact of the 1934 National Housing Act on residential development patterns.

October 4, 2012 - KCET Departures

Red-Light Cameras: For Revenue or Safety?

Conflicting opinions have arisen over the use of red-light cameras. But, new evidence may finally put an end to arguments over whether they actually improve safety, or are only effective in increasing revenues.

October 4, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

Cool Roofs May Lead to Dry Roofs

Study suggests that light-colored roofs may reduce regional rainfall.

October 4, 2012 - Climatewire

The Planning Debate Referenced in Obama's 'Bombshell' Speech

Conservative news outlets are recirculating a controversial speech made by President Obama in 2007, highlighting his remark that "We don’t need to build more highways out in the suburbs." Brad Plumer looks at the policy implications of his statement.

October 4, 2012 - The Washington Post

APA's Great Places for 2012 Revealed

The American Planning Association has released its annual list of the country's 10 great neighborhoods, 10 great streets, and 10 great public spaces.

October 3, 2012 - APA

Traffic Fatalities Accelerate Nationwide

After six consecutive years of decline, traffic deaths are rising dramatically across America, reports Ashley Halsey III.

October 3, 2012 - The Washington Post

Building a More Meaningful 'Best Cities' List

While we're sure the ever-popular "Best City" lists serve some nebulous purpose, a new metric seeks to identify and evaluate America's metro areas by a more comprehensive understanding of how well they're achieving "complete communities."

October 2, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

The Fallacy Behind the Downtown Growth Story

Wendell Cox delves into the latest numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau that have prompted some to herald a return to America's downtowns, and argues that reports of such population growth are vastly overblown.

October 2, 2012 - New Geography

Cash-Strapped City? Chinese Capital to the Rescue!

Despite heated political rhetoric on the national stage, the Toledo mayor courts Chinese investors.

October 2, 2012 - The Financial Times

What Are America's Best Cities?

For the second year running, Businessweek has conducted an evaluation of America's 100 largest cities to determine their list of the top 50. Alex Konrad discusses the results.

September 29, 2012 - Bloomberg BusinessWeek

Demand for Permits Keeps Mobile Retail Off the Runway

The rise of mobile food trucks has been heralded in many cities. Now as retail stores take to the streets, they're encountering obstacles with zoning and permitting that have befuddled their culinary brethren.

September 29, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

Data Documents Divine Decade for Downtowns

Nate Berg looks at new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau that puts hard numbers behind what people across the country have observed: America's downtowns are booming again.

September 28, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

50 Years Later, Silent Spring Still Causing Controversy

50 years ago yesterday, Rachel Carson's seminal book Silent Spring was published. Wendy Kock examines how the book, which is credited with inspiring the modern environmental movement, is still sparking controversy to this day.

September 28, 2012 - USA Today

Despite Their Benefits, Urban Trees Declining Across America

A recent study by the U.S. Forest Service shows that out of 20 cities surveyed, 19 showed a decline in tree cover. With their demonstrated benefits to public health, property values, and reducing pollution, Tod Newcombe asks why they're disappearing.

September 28, 2012 - Governing

Buds of LEED-ND Begin to Bloom

LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) hasn't exactly unleashed a flurry of new sustainable, dense development. But, as the economy strengthens, innovative projects in Oakland, Syracuse, and Milwaukee are beginning to take flight.

September 28, 2012 - Urban Land Magazine

A New Tool for Those Searching for a Similar Sense of Place

A new program developed by University of Cincinnati Professor Tomasz Stepinski allows users to find sections of the American landscape with similar land coverage or ecological patterns.

September 27, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

Building a Better Bus Means Cribbing from Trains

Kris Hudson investigates the ways in which cities across America are retooling the way their buses look and function in order to attract 'choice riders.'

September 27, 2012 - The Wall Street Journal

Is a Rebound in the Architecture Profession on the Horizon?

Finally, some good (?) news for the decimated architecture profession. A survey conducted recently by McGraw-Hill Construction predicts that by 2014, U.S. architecture firms expect a shortage of qualified designers, reports William Hanley.

September 27, 2012 - Architectural Record

Taking Health into Account

Do you know the effect your spiffy new development will have on the neighbors' health? Aaron Wernham and the Kresge Foundation think you could use a health impact assessment.

September 27, 2012 - Shelterforce Magazine

Rail Debate: Should the Federal Government Invest in High Speed Rail?

Two transportation experts, Ken Orski, editor of Innovation Briefs and Joshua Schank, CEO of the Eno Center take opposing sides on whether it makes sense for the federal government to invest in high speed rail in this Wall Street Journal exclusive.

September 26, 2012 - The Wall Street Journal - Business

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.

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA

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.