The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Oakland Adopts Urban Forest Plan to Foster Equity and Environmental Justice
The Oakland City Council has adopted its first Urban Forest Plan, a 50-year roadmap focused on equitable tree care, canopy preservation, and environmental justice to benefit underserved communities.
USDOT Issues Accessibility Guidelines for Transit Stations
A new rule aims to clarify accessibility requirements to help state and local DOTs upgrade their facilities more quickly to meet ADA standards.
Silent Threat: America’s Abandoned Oil Wells and the Danger Beneath
Abandoned oil and gas wells across the U.S. pose significant environmental, health, and safety risks, with many leaking hazardous gases and chemicals, highlighting regulatory failures and the immense financial burden of remediation.
DC Suburban Light Rail Expansion Prompts Mixed-Use Development
The Purple Line’s expansion into Maryland suburbs in 2027 has spurred TOD along the line.
Students Drive Solutions for Environmental Justice Through Video Challenge
The Environmental Justice Video Challenge empowers students and communities to collaboratively address environmental inequities through innovative data-driven strategies, resulting in impactful projects and fostering local leadership.
AI Uncovers Forgotten Oil Wells: A High-Tech Solution to Environmental Hazards
Researchers are using artificial intelligence, drones, and sensors to locate and assess undocumented orphaned oil and gas wells, addressing their environmental and climate risks by identifying high-priority sites for plugging and methane mitigation.
Detecting Invasive Species Early Through Citizen Science
Community science platforms like eBird and iNaturalist enhance early detection of invasive species, complementing professional surveillance and highlighting the need for stronger collaboration between the public and official authorities.
How Cities Are Adopting Green Solutions to Combat Flooding
Cities are increasingly adopting nature-based solutions like floodable parks and green roofs to combat flooding, offering cost-effective, multifunctional benefits while requiring careful planning and integration with traditional infrastructure.
FEATURE
The Glass City’s Riverfront Sparkles with Promise
How Toledo is transforming its waterfront into a beloved community space.
Cities Prioritize Urban Reforestation to Combat Heat and Revitalize Communities
Cities like Phoenix, Chicago, and Boise are prioritizing urban reforestation as critical green infrastructure to combat extreme heat, address environmental inequities, and foster community revitalization.
Boston Launches New Affordable Housing Preservation Fund
The Boston Acquisition Fund will offer low-interest loans to developers who pledge to keep multifamily housing affordable.
Delaware’s Hope Center Tackles Homelessness With a ‘Humane, Dignified’ Approach
An emergency shelter has become a hub for social services and support for hundreds of unhoused residents.
Rebuilding Together: How One Baltimore Program Advanced Education and Community Development
When Baltimore got funding for a round of school renovations, the state directed it to design schools that would also advance neighborhood revitalization — and it learned some lessons about why that's not always so simple.
Opinion: San Francisco Needs a Well-Funded Transit System
Muni ridership is above pre-pandemic levels on some lines. Why is the agency still considering service cuts?
Federal Government May Make About-Face on EV Purchases
The incoming administration appears poised to slash funding for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
FEATURE
Planetizen’s Top Urban Planning Books of 2024
Top of mind in 2024 were the far-reaching impacts of climate displacement, zoning as a solution to the housing crisis, and the potential for safer roads and better public transit in American cities.
Barcelona Metro Uses Regenerative Braking to Power Stations, Charge EVs
Energy created when trains brake is harnessed to power the trains themselves, station infrastructure, and street-level electric car chargers.
Cascadia HSR Awarded Planning Grant
The $49.7 million federal grant will allow WSDOT to move forward with public outreach and planning work.
Denver Plans to Update Landscaping Regulations
The city will change its landscaping rules to prohibit “non-functional turf” and encourage native and climate-resilient vegetation.
Trump Transition Team Recommends Nixing Car Crash Reporting Rule
A rule requiring reporting of crashes involving driver assistance technology has faced strong opposition from Tesla and other automakers.
Ada County Highway District
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
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.
