The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Philadelphia has long been derided for its dirty and filthy streets. This reputation has turned out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

August 18 - The Philadelphia Daily News

An unconventional outdoor spaces has helped transform a small part of a problem-riddled San Francisco neighborhood.

August 18 - Next American City

Meagan Elliott, an urban planning student at the University of Michigan, writes about a young, idealistic generation that is moving to Detroit.

August 17 - 7 Stops Mag

<em>Slate</em> looks at the work and vast urban transformations brought about under the leadership of New York City Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan.

August 17 - Slate

As part of a special issue, Scientific American magazine examines the science of "Better Smarter Cities."

August 17 - Scientific American

Bridgeport, Connecticut was known for post-industrial decay and crime. Today, people are talking about its "tantalizing" downtown that is ripe for redevelopment, writes Carrie Jacobs.

August 17 - Metropolis Magazine

Government contracts are filling the pockets of contractors in the Washington D.C. area and helping to create some of the nation's wealthiest neighborhoods.

August 17 - The Washington Post

Crime in urban areas is on the decline. Some attribute the drop to increases in the amount of people returning to city centers.

August 17 - Governing

Delinquent properties are scattered throughout Philadelphia, and they collectively owe nearly $500 million in taxes. This is a major problem for the city, and new legislation is hoping to tackle it.

August 17 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Plagued by foreclosures, DeKalb County Georgia is buying up properties and creating a land bank in hopes of spurring redevelopment.

August 17 - Atlanta Journal Constitution

The S.C. Dept. of Transportation is so broke that it won't be able to pay its contractors after meeting its payroll. It is depending on a payment from the FHWA and requesting additional reimbursements while rejecting federal funds for education.

August 17 - The (Charleston) Post and Courier

The ruling by Judge Bert A. Bunyan of the State Supreme Court in Brooklyn on Tuesday added steam to the NYC transportation commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan's campaign for pedestrian-oriented, cyclist-friendly streets.

August 17 - The New York Times

In interviews with key figures at four of the most influential European architecture firms, the constant theme was that architecture philosophy needs to recognize that eco-friendly design is the future of design innovation.

August 16 - The Wall Street Journal

Candy Chang is using public art installations to spark community involvement and input on land use.

August 16 - Grist

Paul Mason takes a tour of Manila's 10-year-old Estero de San Miguel slum to test the theory that slums have upsides and finds that understanding the question's realities is as important as trying to find the answer.

August 16 - BBC

Rahul Mehrotra talks to The Hindu about sustainable cities, community participation, and infrastructure. The article also has a review of his most recent book "Architecture in India Since 1990."

August 16 - The Hindu

Four Florida metropolitan areas recently ranked as the most dangerous places for pedestrians, according to a survey by Transportation America.

August 16 - New York Times

Community leaders argue that the recently approved Philadelphia comprehensive plan does more for developers than the working class in this op-ed.

August 16 - Philadelphia Inquirer

A new app puts parking spots on the open market, as drivers sell access to the spots they are vacating.

August 16 - GOOD Magazine

Neighborhood naming is fraught with confusion, misunderstandings and downright deception. Take Los Angeles, for example.

August 16 - The Awl