Land Use
Birmingham, Ala. Passes ‘Landmark’ Parking Reform
New businesses in Birmingham, Alabama will no longer have to provide a minimum number of parking spaces.
Columbus Zoning Reform Proposal Garners Varied Responses
Proponents of a new zoning designation say it will ease the housing crisis, while other residents worry about density, historic resources, and property taxes.
Palm Beach County Accused of ‘Rural Gentrification’ in Lawsuit
A new zoning ordinance banning semi-trucks from a rural unincorporated area of Palm Beach County has prompted long-time semi-driver residents to sue for the right to continue to park their vehicles on their properties.
Two Cheers For the Planners’ Pledge
A “Planners’ Pledge” created by some of the leading authorities on planning sets forth a bold urbanist agenda- even if not every idea in the pledge is equally useful in all cities.
NYC Budget Makes Key Building Code Change
The change could spur more housing development if accompanying reforms in the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity plan are approved.
Planting Trees Where They are Most Needed
Recently, the U.S. Forest Service awarded over $1 billion in competitive grants to expand equitable access to trees and their benefits. Grantees include Los Angeles County and TreePeople, who are working to plant trees where they are most needed.
Ohio City Refiles Charges Against Pastor for Zoning Code Violations
After a judge-mediated agreement between Bryan, Ohio, and the Dad’s Place over zoning code and fire code violations, the city has once again filed criminal charges against the pastor.
Op-Ed: How ‘Useful’ Businesses Boost Walkability
When mixed-use development isn’t enough to create vibrant, walkable neighborhoods.
Tempe’s ‘Car-Free’ Planned Community: Miracle or Mirage?
Can a car-free community in an auto-oriented society truly achieve its goals?
How ADUs Can Help Ease the Affordable Housing Crisis
Local policies and programs can encourage homeowner participation and increase the number of ADUs available as low-cost rentals.
Maryland Passes New Vacancy Tax Law
The law allows local jurisdictions to set tax rates for vacant lots and properties to discourage speculation and stimulate development.
Faith-Based Housing Brings Light Density With Less Resistance
The ‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ movement brings together powerful partners to develop housing in areas where development might otherwise encounter opposition.
HUD Issues New Flood Protection Rules
Housing that uses federal funding will be subject to stricter regulations that reflect increasing flood risks.
Baton Rouge Will Split into Two Cities Following Court Ruling
A wealthy portion of Baton Rouge will split off and incorporate its own city in what proponents say is a bid for better schools and reduced crime, but critics say it will gut Baton Rouge’s tax base and result in a wealthy ‘white enclave.’
Preserving, Restoring, and Revitalizing Juneau's Downtown
For the past six years, a commission of Juneau, Alaska, residents has examined every aspect of downtown and created Blueprint Downtown to lay the foundation for what comes in the next 20 years.
What’s in the Proposed Columbus Zoning Code Update?
A set of changes to land use and zoning regulations could help maintain housing affordability and promote mixed-use development in the city.
Solar Production Threatens Fertile Farmlands
Solar installations are causing soil erosion and raising concerns among farmers in some of the nation’s most productive agricultural regions.
Revitalizing Connecticut’s Downtowns
An injection of federal funding is helping restore buildings and infrastructure to bring residents and businesses back to central districts.
Opinion: Why Environmentalists Should Support NYC ‘City of Yes’ Zoning Reform
The housing-oriented component of Mayor Eric Adams’ City of Yes proposal could serve the double purpose of making housing more affordable and reducing GHG emissions and car dependency.
A Win for Single-Family Zoning in California
Five Southern California charter cities need not worry about lot splitting in their single-family zoned neighborhoods thanks to a Los Angeles County superior court ruling on April 22. Depending on a forthcoming ruling, 120 cities may join them.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
