United States

Highest and Best Use of Empty Shipping Containers

The DeKalb Market on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn showcases adaptive reuse of old shipping containers at its best with an eclectic mix of small shops, picnic area, food vendors, urban garden, and DJ booth.

July 27, 2011 - Inhabitat NYC

What Buyers' Stalled Decision Means to Homebuilders

While most homebuilders take measures to control cost, such as modifying the plan layouts or building more energy-efficient homes, few revamp their business strategies by creating specialized division for distressed markets.

July 26, 2011 - The Economist

Make No Big Plans

Looking at "urban acupuncture", a recent movement that eschews massive urban renewal projects in favor of smaller interventions.

July 25, 2011 - The Guardian U.K.

A Little More Complete – Making Way for Neighborhood Electric Vehicles

Wave of the future, or glorified golf cart? Lisa Nisenson says that dismissing neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) is a mistake, and planners can use NEV planning to make more walkable urban centers.

July 25, 2011 - Lisa Nisenson

"Facts Don't Speak for Themselves"

Lisa Hollingsworth-Segedy, AICP, explains why being able to tell a good story about plans and development is more valuable than any maps or pretty renderings.

July 25, 2011 - Planning Commissioners Journal

Souped-Up BART Trains Courtesy of BMW

The nation's fifth-largest rail system Bay Area Rapid Transit will collaborate with BMW DesignworksUSA to update its aging fleet.

July 25, 2011 - AutoBlog

In Chicago, a Holistic Approach to Bicycle Planning

DOT Commissioner Gabe Klein says that in addition to making bicycles a viable means of transportation, he's also using bike lanes to slow traffic speed and promote active lifestyle.

July 24, 2011 - The City Fix

Does America Need a National Infrastructure Bank?

A new report published by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace proposes, among other things, a 5%-per-barrel tax on petro and the creation of the National Infrastructure Bank to cope with transportation budget cuts.

July 24, 2011 - America 2050

Detroit's Latest Italian Import

Urban regeneration in Detroit begins with public space in a form of street market - one that sells plenty of fruits and vegetables.

July 24, 2011 - Putting People First

New Developments Suffer From Lack of Identity

Neal Payton of Torti Gallas and Partners says that new developments that lack an identity will suffer, and that smaller blocks are often better for creating a sense of place.

July 23, 2011 - The Washington Examiner

Bringing Absurdity to Urbanism

An interview with REBAR design collective, creators of PARK(ing) Day, about using humor and absurdity to advance ideas for improving cities.

July 23, 2011 - Next American City

The Paradox of Minimum Parking Requirements for Bars and Taverns

Zoning codes that mandate a certain number of parking spaces for businesses that serve on-site alcoholic beverages are inconsistent with law enforcement's campaign against drunk driving, says Eric de Place.

July 22, 2011 - Sightline Daily

Where the Youth Goes, Companies Follow

Companies are moving back to the city in response to a new generation of workers who prefer the urban environment over suburban office parks.

July 22, 2011 - CNN Money

Top 10 Cities to Invest in Rental Properties

Based on estimated returns on investment in single-family home rental properties of 316 markets, Las Vegas is your best bet to invest on rental properties. Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale - all in Florida - also made the list.

July 22, 2011 - CNN Money

Quality Housing Stands the Test of Time

Patrick Kennedy stresses the importance of quality over quantity in residential housing by comparing houses in McKinney, North Texas, with those on Swiss Avenue near Downtown Dallas.

July 22, 2011 - D Magazine

NY MTA Chief Resigns, Takes Job In Hong Kong

The head of the New York MTA, Jay Walder, is leaving to take charge of a private transportation company in Hong Kong.

July 22, 2011 - The New York Times

No Increase in Debt Ceiling Could Crash the Housing Market

Financial analysts and members of the real estate industry are worried that, if the U.S. government doesn't resolve the debt ceiling crisis soon, an already fragile housing market will be dealt a serious blow, and with it the entire U.S. economy.

July 22, 2011 - NPR

Placemaking Is Key To Job Creation, Says Politician

In a post at Project for Public Spaces, a politician from Spokane, WA is quoted as saying the way municipal governments could spur job growth is by building public spaces where people want to live, work, shop and invest.

July 21, 2011 - Project For Public Spaces

If High-Speed Rail is Made, Will Riders Come?

Dan Leavitt, California High-Speed Rail Authority’s deputy director, says Calif. can either be at the whim of 'market-driven sprawl,' or high-speed rail can revolutionize the state. Yet, arguments for getting people to ride rail are contentious.

July 21, 2011 - The New York Times

Ranking the Most Walkable Cities in the US

Each year Walk Score ranks the top cities for walking, according to its own walk score methodology. In 2011, NYC placed #1. See the rest of the top 10!

July 21, 2011 - Walk Score

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.

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.