United States
The Economic Argument for Bicycling
A new report from the League of American Bicyclists highlights studies from across the U.S. showing the economic benefits of biking.
Do Republicans Hate Cities?
Author Kevin Baker offers a historical perspective of the Republican Party's shift to the "anti-urban party".
Why You Don't Drive An Electric Car
At one time in the 1900s, a third of cars in major cities were powered by electric motors. Today, only about 1% of cars are fully electric. Why did we end up with gasoline-powered cars?
Seven Strategies For Inner City Growth
Participants from a conference called the Inner City Economic Summit offer a variety of themes on "What Works" for meeting the needs of inner cities economies.
Using Twitter as a City's Suggestion Box
Writer David Lepeska offers a great summary of innovative civic technologies and mobile apps being used across the country, and speculates about which city will be the first to use Twitter as a very public suggestion box.
Agrisaurus: An App for Growing Food
A new suite of tools to help you design, plan, and manage your plot is looking for investors on Kickstarter.
Increasingly Popular PILOTs No Panacea for City Budgets
A new report documents the rise of payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) made by non-profits to cities desperate for new revenue. Although they've gained notice by cash-strapped cities, the report indicates PILOTs typically generate little revenue.
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.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
