The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Developer Buys Affordable Housing Complex in D.C....to Preserve It?
The Rose Green Cities Fund has purchased an affordable housing complex in a gentrifying area of D.C., not to capitalize on rising prices but to protect affordable ones. Unlikely, you say? The Fund's mission is to preserve affordable housing.
Envisioning a Future Urban Dronescape
Jeff Bezos' proposal to deliver packages by aerial drone has the potential to upset traditional models of logistics and distribution, but it's most powerful effect may be on the urban airspace. Are blue skies ahead for Bezos' vision?
Judge Tosses Controversial Hollywood Smart Growth Plan
A judge has sided with three civic groups challenging a new community plan for Hollywood that permitted increased density around transit stations. In a tentative ruling, Judge Allan J. Goodman called the plan "fatally flawed".
Crude-By-Rail Slowed by a Red Signal
With many oil pipelines stalled due to popular opposition and/or regulatory hurdles (e.g. Keystone XL and Northern Gateway, or even refineries opting for more flexibility) there seemed to be no end to the growth in moving oil by rail...until now.
New Report Explores the Benefits of BRT
By synthesizing existing literature and utilizing four detailed case studies, a new report from EMBARQ explores how bus rapid transit can impact the quality of life, productivity, health, and safety of city residents.
Already Shedding Riders, London's Bike-Share Loses its Sponsor
Amid declining ridership, Barclays Bank has announced its intention to cancel its sponsorship of London's bike-share system after only paying half its promised investment. The announcement is just the latest challenge for the stumbling system.
BLOG POST
Is Washington A Childless City?
Some media commentary suggests that fast-gentrifying cities such as Washington are unable to attract families. In Washington, the reality is more complex; the city's high-income neighborhoods actually gained children over the past decade.
Can Billionaire Innovators Succeed in Disrupting How We Get Around?
While many are focused on fixing the legacy assets of another era, a group of innovative billionaires are training their talents on transforming the "sleepy realm of transportation," observes Kevin Robillard. Can they overcome the inherent obstacles?
Tougher Driving Laws Prevent Deaths, So Why Don't States Adopt Them?
A new study that compares how each of the 50 states regulates dangerous motorist behaviors has found that those with the toughest laws have the least traffic deaths. So why don't more states adopt “evidence-based policies”?
After Month of Hearings, D.C. Still Not Ready to Vote on Zoning Rewrite
After five years of work, D.C.'s Zoning Commission is not quite ready to consider changes to the city's 55-year-old zoning code. Additional public hearings have been scheduled after some groups asked for additional outreach.
Does Privatizing Water Systems Make Sense?
Private financing of water systems goes at least as far back as ancient Rome. But as the number of people served by private water companies grows, some cities that have tasted privatization have found it lacking.
BLOG POST
Streetcars and Recovery
A study of streetcar-adjacent development patterns in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina provides lessons for the many U.S. cities building and planning new streetcar lines.
Orange County Opts for Free Lanes over HOT Lanes
Orange County, birthplace of the nation's first high occupancy toll (HOT) lane, may never see another. Not only did they reject a plan to add one (or two) toll lanes, to the 405 Freeway, legislation to ban them altogether may be introduced.
FEATURE
Top 10 Books - 2014
Planetizen is pleased to release its twelfth annual list of the ten best books in urban planning, design and development published in 2013.
The World's Most Polluted Places
The Blacksmith Institute and Green Cross Switzerland recently released a list of places you definitely don't want to find yourself near: The World's Most Polluted Places.
Only Federal Funding Will Deliver Sydney's Second Airport
New South Wales' new planning minister has called on Australia's federal government to decide and fund much needed infrastructure.
See, You Really Can Build Urban Housing Without Parking
New apartment developments are popping up in cities like Boston, Seattle, and Miami without one key feature: on-site parking. These projects prove that providing parking isn't necessary to lure residents, even in cities not named New York.
PBS Explores Charging-by-the-Mile
The auto fleet is becoming greener - not just with hybrids and electric vehicles, but all new vehicles are required to be more fuel efficient. While that is good for the environment, declining gas tax revenues threaten the nation's infrastructure.
What to Expect from the New "Most Powerful Man in Housing"
After a protracted fight, the Senate has finally confirmed Rep. Mel Watt (D-N.C.) to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. What direction will he steer the United States' housing finance system?
MTA Offers Excuse Notes for Delayed Riders
Since it became available online three years ago, 250,000 riders have taken advantage of a New York MTA program that offers vouchers to substantiate tardiness caused by unexpected subway delays.
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.
