United States

Mortgage Crisis Solution Is In The Past

In this column, Neal Peirce argues that the country needs to take a step back in time to the regulations and policies of the early 1970s to solve the current mortgage meltdown.

January 7, 2008 - The Denver Post

Sub-Prime Crisis + Expensive Gas = End Of Sprawl?

This op-ed by Eduardo Peñalver, a Cornell professor of property and land-use law, suggests that escalating gas prices and declining home prices may drive development inward, presenting a great opportunity to end sprawl using regional planning.

January 7, 2008 - The Washington Post

Cities Keep Broadband In Mind

Many big cities' plans for free citywide Wi-Fi networks fell apart in 2007. But this column from Governing argues that cities should keep broadband Internet access as a priority to remain competitive.

January 4, 2008 - Governing

How Presidential Politics 'Hurts Cities'

In this video clip, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown discusses how presidential politics are unduly influenced by rural power, at the expense of the interests of cities.

January 4, 2008 - AlterNet

Remembering John Parr, Champion Of Regionalism

John Parr was one of the few people who could get narrow-minded local politicians, neighborhood organizers and business leaders to work together for the regional good. Tragically, Parr died in a highway crash just before Christmas.

January 4, 2008 - California Planning & Development Report

'Phenomenal' Impact of Mortgage Crisis on States, Cities

Numerous foreclosures and vacant properties mean dramatically reduced property and sales tax revenues and hence significant budgeting shortfalls.

January 3, 2008 - The Los Angeles Times

Federal Transit Grants Favor Buses Over Portland Streetcar

Portland wants to expand its streetcar system, and is relying on federal funds to do it. But the Federal Transit Administration says it will give grants to only cost-effective proposals -- creating a heavy bias toward buses and away from streetcars.

January 3, 2008 - The Oregonian

Anti-Terrorism Intersects With Planning

This article from Progressive Planning calls on planners to more closely consider the way anti-terrorism planning affects the general practice of urban planning.

January 3, 2008 - Progressive Planning

Real Estate Slowdown Expected to Continue in 2008

Many economists are predicting the continued slowing of the commercial real estate market across the country.

January 2, 2008 - The Washington Post

The New Face of Affordable Housing

High design is entering the realm of affordable housing, with numerous projects around the country garnering acclaim.

January 1, 2008 - The Wall Street Journal

Amtrak's Ridership Up, But Funding Remains An Issue

For the fifth year straight, Amtrak is reporting record highs in ridership. But funding remains a major concern for the struggling transit service.

December 31, 2007 - The Chicago Tribune

Parking Illustrated

In this video from Streetfilms, Donald Shoup discusses and shows how parking reform can work. Toy cars and stop-motion animation included.

December 31, 2007 - Streetfilms

Looking To Architects As Bellwhethers of Building Industry Trends

This column from The Washington Post looks at the housing and development trends presented by the American Institute of Architects' Home Design Trends survey.

December 31, 2007 - The Washington Post

Thoughts on America's Affordable Housing Shortage

This report from NPR looks at the shortage of affordable housing in America.

December 30, 2007 - NPR

America's Global Warming-Fighting Attorney General

California Attorney General (and former governor) Jerry Brown may be to global warming what former NY Attorney General (now Governor) Elliot Spitzer was to corporate reform, as his widely watched lawsuits, and threats of lawsuits, have gained fame.

December 29, 2007 - ASSOCIATED PRESS via San Diego Union-Tribune

House of Cards

A primer on how the economics of housing have been the foundation of not just urban planning but the whole American economy since the 1930s, and why the current housing crisis could have such a far-reaching impact.

December 29, 2007 - AlterNet

Friday Funny: Most Lustful US Cities?

Forbes has published its ranking of the America's 10 Most Lustful Cities. If you're looking for love, start in San Antonio or Cincinnati.

December 28, 2007 - Forbes

Designing The Female-Friendly City

As women become a larger segment of the nation's urban population, more planners are recognizing the importance of addressing the concerns of women through urban design.

December 28, 2007 - USA Today

Is LEED Way Behind?

Flaws in LEED's rating system make it much too easy to get certified, which begs the question: Does LEED really succeed in making our buildings any greener?

December 28, 2007 - Slate

How Temporary Uses Can Revitalize Neighborhoods

Temporary, interim, or intermittent uses are part of a growing trend, evident both in Europe and the U.S., that creatively responds to new planning needs.

December 28, 2007 - Planning Magazine

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.