United States

Which US Cities Are Biggest "Brain Magnets"?

Joel Kotkin describes recent trends that he says may surprise city planners who have long pursued policies to attract college-educated citizens to their cities.

February 23, 2011 - New Geography

Where Will The Transportation Money Come From, Mr. President?

Transportation consultant and analyst Ken Orski looks into the transportation provisions of President Obama's proposed 2012 budget and beyond and notices some major shortfalls - and poses questions to the administration as to how they will be funded.

February 23, 2011 - InfrastructureUSA

Questions of Salmon and Energy in Western Rivers

Plans to use western rivers to transport oil production equipment are butting against environmentalists' concerns over endangered salmon.

February 22, 2011 - The New York Times

Frank Lloyd Wright's Sustained Relevance

A new exhibit looks at the legacy and modern-day relevance of Frank Lloyd Wright, and imagines how he would react to the suburbia of today

February 22, 2011 - Express Milwaukee

A Unique Time for City Finance

Cities' financial challenges are leading directly to fundamental governance challenges, including questions that are not normally part of budgetary discussions. The consequences for city life and municipal functions may be substantial.

February 18, 2011 - Nation's Cities Weekly

Head of HUD Gives One Condition to Future Grants: Sustainability

In an interview, the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan says that federal money will only go to those who embrace sustainability.

February 18, 2011 - UrbanLand

Don't Forget Suburbia, Fix It

As more and more people move to cities, they will be the focus of much policy and investment. But the suburbs should not be forgotten, argues Mary Newsom. They should be fixed.

February 18, 2011 - The Charlotte Observer

On the Bicycle as Transportation

Accompanying a bike commuter on his 50-mile ride to work, this article from Outside looks at the state of bicycle transportation today.

February 18, 2011 - Outside

The Best Downtown Revitalization Projects of 2010

Urban Land Institute's Award for Excellence winners include projects in Fort Worth, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C.

February 18, 2011 - UrbanLand

Considering the Viability of an Infrastructure Bank

The idea of a federal infrastructure bank has been floating around Washington for years, and has recently gathered significant support. But with debates underway about the federal budget, some wonder whether the idea stands a chance.

February 18, 2011 - National Journal

American Want Transportation Projects, But Not Their Costs

A new survey shows that the majority of Americans place high value on transportation projects, but even more of them say they're not willing to pay any more for it than they already do.

February 17, 2011 - The Washington Post

US Census: Chicago Population Dips Below 1920 Level

The migration away from the city was accelerated by the recent recession, as explosive growth of suburbs far outside of Chicago resulted in some counties growing by as much as 35%.

February 17, 2011 - The Wall Street Journal

Florida Governor Rejects HSR Funds

Florida Governor Rick Scott has announced that he will refuse $2.4 billion from the federal government to complete the Tampa-Orlando Intercity Rail Project.

February 17, 2011 - the transport politic

Is Ed Glaeser an Antiplanner?

In his new book "Triumph of The City," Glaeser gives high regard to high-density urbanism and the city but criticizes planners and historic preservationists for over-regulation in land use planning.

February 17, 2011 - WashingtonCityPaper

Obama's Exploding Transportation Budget

When you look at Obama's $3.73 trillion, 2012 budget proposal, with EPA down 11% and HUD down 16%, one department stands out - transportation, increasing 68%. Yonah Freemark looks at some of the details in his transportation budget proposal.

February 16, 2011 - theTransportPolitic

A "Structural Shift" Away From Suburban Model

Christopher Leinberger argues that the fundamental cause of the mortgage meltdown was a "structural shift in market demand" from low-density suburbs to walkable urban housing.

February 16, 2011 - Urban Land Magazine

Is the Professionalization of Planning a Bad Thing?

Daniella Fergusson believes that a case in Raleigh, North Carolina proves that some agencies use the professionalization of planning to promote "pay to play" policies.

February 16, 2011 - Planning Pool

Jon Stewart Discusses The Importance of The City with Edward Glaeser

The Daily Show host interviews Edward Glaeser of Harvard University to discuss his new book, "Triumph of the City: How Our Greatest Invention Makes Us Richer, Smarter, Greener, Healthier, and Happier."

February 16, 2011 - The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

Hybrid Vehicles, A Threat to Cyclists and Pedestrians?

A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration concluded that Hybrid vehicles were involved in a higher incidence rate of collisions involving cyclists and pedestrians compared to gasoline powered vehicles.

February 15, 2011 - StraightOuttaSuburbia.blogspot.com

Obama's "Better Building Initiative"

Elisa Wood says that Obama's recently introduced initiative will spur innovation among high-tech companies, as well as the usual architects, builders, and energy-efficiency companies.

February 14, 2011 - RenewableEnergyWorld.com

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.

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.