Australia
Melbourne Ranked as Most Livable City
With high scores in five broad categories, Melbourne, Australia received the highest spot in livability rankings from The Economist's research unit.
Harvesting a Bike Frame in One Piece
Student designer Alexander Vittouris won a design award for his bicycle made out of bamboo. What's so special about that? Vittouris shaped the frame as it grew so it needed no assembly.
VMT Has Peaked In Cities, Says New Report
An Australian study indicates that in large cities in Europe, North America and Australia, driving has 'peaked' largely due to congestion causing a limit to commuter's travel, known as the Marchetti wall.
Carbon Tax Becomes a New Reality in Australia
Australia's first term prime minister Julia Gillard announced a carbon tax that will charge $23 per metric ton. Though Australia is one of the world's top carbon polluters, the program will start next year, reports Sarah Laskow, GOOD Magazine.
Urban Development, Climate Change and Chlamydia: The End of Koalas
Officials are estimating that within 30 years, the combined impact of urban development, climate change and a chlamydia outbreak will cause koalas to go extinct.
Small Cities and Transit-Dedicated Streets
It is commonly accepted that most U.S. cities couldn't support transit-only streets. But Wellington, New Zealand is a model any U.S. city could follow, writes Jarrett Walker.
Western Australia's Capital Envisions its Transformation
Recently released Capital City Planning Framework for Perth outlines a mixed-use city that is both livable and welcoming to outsiders.
Density is Good for Cities, But is it Healthy for Kids?
Yes, people walk around more, less obesity, etc. But a report shows that city kids are less frequently allowed outside to play for safety concerns.
How Far Will People Walk?
Planners have embraced "1/4th of a mile" as the official distance that people are willing to walk to take transit. But why is that the measure, and is it accurate?
Australians Learning to Leave Cars Behind
Randy Salzman says that Australian cities like Perth and Melbourne have found "the key to moving individual transportation behavior away from the convenience of the single-occupancy vehicle."
Rethinking Development As Queensland Recovers From Floods
Drastic flooding inundated Queensland, Australia, and damaged many of the city's buildings. As recovery begins, some are rethinking the city's development patterns.
Perth Unveils Massive Waterfront Redevelopment Plan
The Western Australian city has an urban renewal plan by the waterfront estimated to cost $440 million AU.
Future Slums May Be Suburbs of Today
An Australian report finds that suburbs in Australia may be on the path to slum status if the country's oil addiction is not resisted.
"Urban Sprawl is Finished," Claims Author of Australian Study
The Planning Institute of Australia released a report that predicts a grim future for Australia's suburbs, unless the government moves to radically overhaul its transport and urban policies.
Renewing Newcastle
Newcastle, Australia's downtown business district lacked street life and was littered with empty buildings. A "Renew Newcastle" campaign brought new life and new residents. PPS talks with the man behind the plan.
The Flood and the Sprawl of Brisbane
Devastating floods have inundated Brisbane, Australia. Some say the city's sprawling development pattern fueled the destruction.
Researchers Refute Higher Density=Better Transit Principle
Prevailing wisdom is that transit mode and frequency of service is dependent on residential density, which leaves low density, outer suburbs in a lurch, instilling an auto-dependent lifestyle. Not so, says Australian researcher and author Paul Mees.
Politics vs Progress in Australia
The new Government for the State of Victoria in Australia is attempting to reverse basic initiatives pursuing the integration of land use and transport, brought on by NIMBY influences.
The Future of Australian Cities
Anton Roux and John Stanley of ON LINE opinion outline the future for Australian cities.
Planning Disputes Loom Large Over Upcoming Australian Election
A variety of controversial planning policies and high-profile development projects in Melbourne have led to widespread resident frustration, reports The Sydney Morning Herald. Could planning issues change the city's larger political equation?
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.
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
