The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Dark blue Greyhound buses parked in a row.

Flixbus Nearing Deal With Chicago Bus Terminal

Greyhound is shedding stations around the country, but Chicago intercity bus passengers will still be able to use the city’s main bus terminal — for now.

October 22 - Smart Cities Dive

How a Dallas Housing Coalition Won Bonds for Affordable Housing

Dallas's bonds aren't usually used for housing. A new coalition of advocates changed that.

October 22 - Shelterforce Magazine

Large trees on street in Las Vegas at night.

Urban Trees Have Bigger Impact in Hot, Dry Cities

The cooling effect of robust urban tree canopies is more pronounced in hotter, drier cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas.

October 22 - U.S. Geological Survey

Two-way green painted bike lane in city.

BLOG POST

Book Review: Combining Sustainability and Smart Growth

A review of The Sustainable Urban Design Handbook, by architects Nico Larco and Kaarin Knudson.

October 22 - Michael Lewyn

Nighttime view of blurred fast car traffic on street leading to U.S. Capitol dome in Washington, D.C.

DC’s Traffic Cameras Are Working, but Not a Panacea

Automated enforcement is reducing speeding, but bigger changes to street design and the built environment are needed to make the District’s streets safer and more pleasant for people walking.

October 22 - Greater Greater Washington


Blue and white "hurricane evacuation route" sign.

Will Hurricanes Drive Away Florida’s Retirees?

Some children of Florida retirees are urging their parents to leave hurricane-prone areas for safer regions.

October 22 - Curbed

Aerial view of the Danube River in Belgrade, Serbia.

Report: European Rivers Are in Trouble

Some of the continent’s most important rivers are suffering from overuse and pollution.

October 21 - Politico


Black and white photo of Taylor Yard site in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles River in the 1890s.

Fundraising Begins for Development of 100-Acre Park in Los Angeles

River LA has launched a capital campaign to develop the 100-acre Taylor Yard Park, featuring amenities like a welcome pavilion, wetlands, and a pedestrian bridge, with completion costs estimated at over $1 billion.

October 21 - Urbanize LA

Oil refinery sillhouetted against evening sky.

Oil Refinery Closure Offers Relief for Impacted Communities

The sudden closure of the Phillips 66 refinery in Los Angeles has been welcomed by environmental and community activists, raising hopes for reduced pollution.

October 21 - Los Angeles Times

Silver and blue Amtrak train approaching an oncoming orange freight train at station in Seattle, Washington.

Opinion: Prioritize Amtrak, but Don’t Demonize Freight

A proposed bill would tighten enforcement of a 1973 law that gives passenger trains priority over freight shipments.

October 21 - Mass Transit

Mature jacaranda trees full of purple blooms on street in Los Angeles, California.

Addressing Tree Canopy Disparity in South Los Angeles

A new study highlights the complex challenge of addressing tree canopy disparities in South L.A., where historical environmental injustices, budget constraints, and competing community priorities hinder efforts to increase equitable tree coverage.

October 21 - Los Angeles Times

Person walking red bicycle with green Uber Eats delivery bag on cobblestone street in Bucharest, Romania.

EU's New Rider Directive Poses Challenges to Cash-Strapped Delivery Platforms

The European Union has adopted a new directive aimed at improving working conditions for platform workers and increasing transparency. This new directive goes beyond Spain’s Rider’s Law, aiming for a harmonized set of standards across the E.U.

October 21 - Cities of the Future

Paved Atlanta Beltline trail segment next to street with bike and pedestrian crossing sign and 30 mph speed limit sign.

Atlanta Beltline Expands Westside Trail and Redevelops Rail Corridor

The Beltline is expanding the Westside Trail with new sections, including the Kudzu Trail, while also redeveloping abandoned rail corridors, with completion expected between 2025 and 2027.

October 21 - WSBTV

Large metal pipe discharging water or wastewater into creek or body of water with shrubs and field in background.

Supreme Court Could Curb EPA’s Water Quality Regulation Powers

A suit brought by the city of San Francisco argues that the agency’s language around water treatment and discharge is too vague and imposes retroactive penalties.

October 20 - Roll Call

Young child riding scooter on gravel path in park.

How Local Parks Promote Equitable Outdoor Access

Targeted investments in local parks, improved infrastructure, and enhanced transit connectivity are essential strategies to close the nature gap and ensure equitable outdoor access for underserved communities.

October 20 - The Wilderness Society

Aerial view of purple MBTA train at West Concord station in Concord, Massachusetts.

Massachusetts TOD Law Yielding Results

While some cities are fighting the state’s push to increase density near transit, others are already breaking ground on multifamily projects that will bring hundreds of new housing units online.

October 20 - Boston.com

Main building at old Walter Reed Army Medical Center campus in Washington, D.C.

Former DC Army Garage Gets New Life

The fortress-like underground structure posed unique challenges to engineers redeveloping a former U.S. Army complex.

October 20 - CoStar News

Man golfing on golf course in Watts, Los Angeles, California.

A Historic Golf Club's Community Revival

South LA’s Chester Washington Golf Club is experiencing a revitalization, blending its rich legacy with modern advancements while continuing to foster community, diversity, and fellowship.

October 18 - Fore

Two workers in yellow safety vests and hard hats looking at multiple computer monitors.

BLOG POST

The Role of AI in Streamlining Municipal Services and Operations

Explore how artificial intelligence optimizes municipal services, enhancing efficiency in urban planning, traffic management, and public safety.

October 18 - Devin Partida

Close-up on passengers holding overhead straps on busy public transit bus.

APTA Report Documents Transit Equity Efforts

Transit agencies around the country are boosting their efforts to serve historically marginalized communities and make transit work better for the households that rely on it the most.

October 18 - Smart Cities Dive

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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.