The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
The Economic Benefits of Better Streets
New York's street re-designs have been praised for increasing safety and improving mobility for all users. But what effect have they had on the local economy? A new report from the city's DOT makes the business case for better streets.
Tools for Revitalizing CA's Cities After Redevelopment
When California's 400 or so redevelopment agencies were shuttered in 2012, cities lost an essential tool for funding affordable housing and economic development. A new white paper from the ULI recommends new tools to stimulate balanced growth.
U.S. Census Bureau Launches New Interactive Mapping Tool
Christmas has come early for those who love to dig into Census data and interactive visualizations. The U.S. Census Bureau has launched a new interactive tool that maps eight statistics from the American Community Survey at the neighborhood level.
Could a Controversial Project Inspire the Retrofitting of San Diego's Suburbs?
Urbanists hope approving a proposal to allow a 23-acre parcel zoned for 500,000 square feet of office space be developed with 1.4 million square feet of mixed-uses could stimulate suburban retrofits across San Diego.
Second Attempt at Free WiFi in San Francisco Launched on Market Street
After an unsuccessful attempt in 2007, the City is at it again, but doing so in stages. Already in use in limited areas like City Hall and public housing projects, Monday's Market Street roll-out creates a nexus between wifi and surface transit.
If You Want Accurate Traffic Projections, Don't Listen to DOTs
Analysis by the State Smart Transportation Initiative (SSTI) finds that the traffic projections used by state and local transportation agencies, which form the basis for spending priorities, are consistently higher than actual results.
New York's Streets Provide "Platform for Social Activism"
Justin Davidson ruminates on the great strides Janette Sadik-Khan and New York's Department of Transportation have made in reforming the city's streets. As much as they've accomplished, the transformation remains a work in progress.
Could a Well-Placed "Nudge" Get People to Take the Stairs?
An innovative experiment in "environmental calorie labeling" is based on the idea that well-placed information on the benefits of specific physical activities will prompt people to choose healthier options.
Farms Become the Latest Must-Have Suburban Amenity
Forget about golf courses and swimming pools, says Luke Runyon, developers are drawing in residents by integrating fully functioning farms into their new neighborhoods.
What Could Philadelphia Teach Rome About Reducing Traffic?
Rome's new mayor spent two decades in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and he's bringing lessons learned while living car-free in the United States to help solve Rome's traffic problems.
Are We Designing the Wrong Solutions to America's Health Problems?
From encouraging physical activity to improving access to healthy food, planners and designers are increasingly tackling America's public health challenges. But what if cars, suburbs, and food deserts aren't to blame for our unhealthy lifestyles?
The Best Maps of 2013
GIS Lounge is back with its list of the "most interesting and best" maps of the year. This year's honorees make traffic flows come to life, track global bike share inventory, and visualize regional differences in American speech.
Lifestyle Solution Sought for Austin's Snarled Traffic
Austin has a giant traffic tangle on its hands. And because the city largely ignored the growing problem for years, transportation planning experts believe only drastic changes in behavior and lifestyle will ease the snarl.
Portland Developers Get Creative to Fill Glut of Ground-Level Retail
Ground-level retail is often seen as essential for activating urban streets. But what happens when developers have a hard time finding tenants? In Portland, vacant spaces are being converted into ground-level apartments to meet high housing demand.
De Blasio Looks to Spread Progressive Message Beyond New York
While NYC's outgoing mayor looks to spread the gospel of his city-making success stories, the city's next mayor is already seeking allies from across the country to help solve some of the challenges overlooked by the current administration.
Energy Boom Warrants Rethinking 1970's Energy Policies
Harkening back to the long lines at gas stations that erupted after the 1973 Arab oil embargo, followed by diminishing oil production, US crude oil exports were prohibited. With production booming, energy czar Ernest Moniz may reconsider that policy.
Has Hamburg Mastered the Formula for Creating Urban Life?
In Germany's second largest city, a $14 billion experiment will prove whether planners and designers understand what it takes to breathe life into large scale urban redevelopments.
What Will Fuel Your Motor Vehicle in 10 Years?
Alternative fueled vehicles are increasing and will continue to gain in the next decade, according to a new report by the Fuels Institute, but light duty vehicles powered by gasoline will dominate. Diesel fuel will power 94% of heavier vehicles.
Approvals Binge Consumes Bloomberg's Waning Days
With only two weeks left in office, Mayor Michael Bloomberg is still adding to one of the most visible legacies of his administration - the city's evolving built environment. Approvals are being sought for more than $12 billion worth of projects.
Design for Prentice Hospital's Replacement Unveiled
When architecture enthusiasts lost their battle to preserve Bertrand Goldberg's iconic Prentice Women's Hospital in Chicago, many turned their hopes to the design of a fittingly stunning replacement. Will the new design fill the architectural void?
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
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.
