Exclusives
BLOG POST
Thirst, Altruism, and the Potential for Planning: A Message for New Planners
Community is built through altruism, but planners are taught to think of self interest as the biggest motivator of human behavior. How do we use planning skills to encourage public goods and community interest?
BLOG POST
Downtown Won't Kill You
Despite the stress and pollution of urban life, even the most dense, traffic-clogged cities may be as healthy as streetcar suburbs.
BLOG POST
Understanding Location-Efficient Affordability Impacts
A recent study suggests that families save little by moving to location-efficient neighborhoods. There are good reasons to be skeptical of that conclusion.
BLOG POST
Can 'Ocean Cities' Become the Societies of the Future?
Futuristic, eco-friendly cities can be greener and more eco-friendly, thanks to better use of natural resources.
FEATURE
Los Angeles: Focus on Urban Design (Not Just Urban Planning)
By embracing timeless principles of urban placemaking, we can create walkable transit villages and make room for housing at every socioeconomic level. First we have to re-invigorate high quality urban design.
BLOG POST
New Research Directly Measures Methane's Increasing Greenhouse Effect
According to to a recent study, methane gas produces a much larger greenhouse effect than previously thought. Planners can act to limit the environmental impact of methane.
FEATURE
Eyes from the Street: The Neighbourhood Fabric that Matters
The mantra “eyes on the street" focuses on the physical and functional traits of urban fabric but fails to explain the high crime rate of my Jacobsian neighbourhood. Time to reconsider, look for explanations, and exchange mantras for research.
BLOG POST
Dayenu!
Those of us who cherish cities have much to be grateful for (at least in some cities).
FEATURE
Waymo Wants to Provide a 'Self-Driving Vehicle Tailored to Every Trip' (So Why Not Buses?)
Automated vehicle tech frontrunner Waymo is teaming up with Jaguar to offer a luxury self-driving vehicle for "car lovers." Why not partner with bus manufacturers to offer self-driving buses for city lovers?
FEATURE
The Legacy of Housing Discrimination Still Haunts Minorities
The practice of redlining was outlawed in 1977, but its effects have been indelible.
BLOG POST
Autonomous Vehicle Reality
Planners must be realistic. Autonomous vehicles will probably provide smaller net benefits, including safety benefits, than optimists predict.
BLOG POST
All the Environmental Benefits of Modular Buildings
There is plenty of evidence for modular construction as a key component of a green economy.
BLOG POST
Discussing the State of Transit, and its Future, at the Shared Mobility Summit
Elephants in wine glasses and mobility-as-a-metal-band.
BLOG POST
The Moral Foundations of Public Support For Environmentalism and Public Transit
Why do green transportation policies attract less intense support than environmentalist policies related to waste and litter?
FEATURE
Nashville Could Be a National Example for Transit—If They Don't Screw Up
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry resigned from office earlier this month. The question now becomes whether an ambitious transit investment plan she supported can survive her exit.
FEATURE
Survey: What Are Your Favorite Planning Apps?
We're updating the annual Top Apps for Planning list, and we want your input.
BLOG POST
True Affordability: Critiquing the International Housing Affordability Survey
The International Housing Affordability Survey is biased in ways that make urban-fringe housing seem more affordable and infill seem less affordable. Anybody who uses this analysis should be warned.
FEATURE
Five Key Takeaways from the 2018 World Urban Forum
Insight into the hard work of implementing the New Urban Agenda.
BLOG POST
A Non-Cyclist's Case For Bike Lanes
I don't bike, but I still feel safer on streets with bike lanes. This essay explains why.
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
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.
