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.
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.
Cool Roofs May Lead to Dry Roofs
Study suggests that light-colored roofs may reduce regional rainfall.
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.
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.
Traffic Fatalities Accelerate Nationwide
After six consecutive years of decline, traffic deaths are rising dramatically across America, reports Ashley Halsey III.
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."
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.
Cash-Strapped City? Chinese Capital to the Rescue!
Despite heated political rhetoric on the national stage, the Toledo mayor courts Chinese investors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.'
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
