British Columbia
Foreign Ownership Still a Hot Button in Vancouver
A controversial proposal has incited new debate about the causes of Vancouver's skyrocketing housing prices. Potential solutions depend on an accurate diagnosis.
Whistler's Secret to Transit Success: Reduced Fares and Free Rides
Faced with a booming population and heavy peak traffic during tourists seasons, Whistler decided to make transit much more affordable—ridership increased as a result.
Cross-Border High-Speed Rail Studied for the Pacific Northwest
The state of Washington has taken a first, serious look at a high-speed rail project linking Vancouver in British Columbia to Seattle and Portland.
Vancouver Studying the Possibility of a Streetcar
Vancouver, often cited as a model of transportation planning success, is very carefully considering the idea of a streetcar.
Vancouver's New 10-Year Housing Strategy Focuses on Rentals
Vancouver is famous for high-rises and a decidedly urban quality of life, but housing prices are still skyrocketing. A new ten-year housing strategy proposes a few drastic measures to rebalance the market's scales.
Vancouver Gets 'Granny Flats' Right
Not forcing "style-matching" are among the recommendations for a good accessory dwelling unit (ADU) policy
3-D Crosswalks Slow Traffic, For a While
Traffic officials around the world are testing 3-D crosswalks in hopes of slowing traffic, and having some success
Analysis: Vancouver Housing Affordability Worsens Despite Foreign Buyer Tax
The trends in the Vancouver housing market have reverted back to normal, after a foreign buyers tax that went into effect in 2016 had an initial effect on parts of the market.
100 LED 'Information Kiosks' on Their Way to Philadelphia Sidewalks
All the details on the new information kiosks expected to hit Philadelphia streets—80 on Center City and University City sidewalks and 20 more in other parts of the city.
Op-Ed: Vancouver Needs a Land Value Tax
Labor leaders argue that curbing real estate speculation is Vancouver's best chance at lowering housing costs.
Major Changes Coming to British Columbia's Carbon Tax
The government of British Columbia, put in power this year with the help of the BC Green Party, is shoring up its climate change action resume.
Could Seattle Be the U.S. Vancouver?
Seattle appears to be following the Vancouver, B.C. model by increasing population and residential density while investing in transit. If it works, traffic congestion will not deteriorate, and vehicle trips should drop.
Building Along Busy Corridors? Public Health Experts Urge Caution
Plans to densify a busy Vancouver corridor have prompted concern among public health experts.
Should There Be a Minimum Age to Ride the Bus Unsupervised?
In a controversy that recalls the ongoing debate about "free range children," B.C.'s Ministry of Children and Family Development is telling one family that their kids aren't old enough to ride the bus alone.
Want Strangers to Trust Each Other? Paint Crosswalks in Rainbows
People say they're more confident that their lost wallets would be returned or that they would meet a friend on a corner that had a rainbow-painted crosswalk.
Housing Construction in Seattle and Vancouver a Study in Contrasts
Planning is only one ingredient of the cocktail that produces new housing, but planning should bear in mind all the other factors influencing the process. Vancouver and Seattle provide case studies and sharp contrasts in housing outcomes.
Evidence that Foreign Buyers Aren't to Blame for High Housing Prices
Vancouver's exploding housing prices are caused by income inequality, housing scarcity, and a housing bubble, not by foreign investors and vacant housing units.
Seattle Tackling Equity Challenges With Global Lens
Seattle is faced with an affordable housing crisis that has led the new Planning & Community Development Director Sam Assefa to look globally for solutions.
Overcoming Density Opponents by Listening to Them
Urbanist Brent Toderian does not begrudge NIMBYs; he values them. In an interview with David Roberts of Vox, he explains that the problem doesn't lie with development opponents as much as it does with the decision-makers.
Wet and Soggy, Maybe—Pacific Northwest Cities Lead in Bike Infrastructure Anyway
Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver have all prioritized the design and implementation of bike infrastructure. A study of how each is implementing its goals reveals the many ways cities can decide to make healthy, active transportation a priority.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
