The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Group of children looking down at map.

Building Healthier Communities: The Role of GIS in Park Planning

Integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into park planning enhances community health by promoting physical activity, supporting mental well-being, fostering social connectedness, and addressing public health crises and climate change.

August 19 - Esri Blog

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument site.

Site of Race Riot in Springfield, Illinois, Designated as National Monument

President Biden has designated the site of the 1908 Springfield race riot as a national monument, honoring its historical significance.

August 19 - National Public Radio

Hands holding up climate change protest signs against blue sky.

Language Matters: “Climate Change” Generates More Concern Than “Climate Crisis”

A recent study found that the terms “climate change” and “global warming” are more familiar and generate greater public concern than less recognized terms like “climate crisis” and “climate justice.”

August 19 - University Of Southern California

Alstom Train

NJ Transit Fare Holiday Announcement Draws Mixed Reactions

New Jersey officials say the fare-free week is a “thank you” to loyal transit riders after a summer of service disruptions; transit advocates say it’s a gimmick and longer-term solutions are needed.

August 19 - Patch

Historic homes with intricate white trim on tree-lined street in Richmond, Virginia.

Property Taxes Cuts on the Ballot in at Least Eight States

From completely eliminating property tax to creating new exemptions, voters in eight states across the country will cast their votes on a variety of ballot measures that could have major implications for local budgets.

August 18 - Stateline


Aerial view of Spokane, Washington with river in foreground.

Spokane Could Eliminate Parking Minimums Near Transit

A Washington state proposal to reduce parking minimums failed in the state legislature earlier this year.

August 18 - The Urbanist

"Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada" sign at night.

Las Vegas BRT Line Breaks Ground

The new bus project will include pedestrian and bike improvements along a 12-mile stretch of the Maryland Parkway.

August 18 - Traffic Technology Today


White city bus on road in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with tall city buildings in background.

Pennsylvania Adopts State Transportation Plan

The plan addresses roads, transit, and other transportation infrastructure over the next 12 years.

August 18 - Roads & Bridges

Nighttime view of blue and red lights on top of a white police car.

DOJ Issues Warning to Local Governments with 'Crime-Free' Housing Programs

The Justice Department has put local governments with “crime-free” and “nuisance” housing programs on notice that implementation may be unlawful when it unfairly penalizes classes of people protected under federal law.

August 16 - Oklahoma's News 4

Aerial view of dense housing in San Francisco Bay Area.

Affordable Housing Bond Nixed From the California Ballot

Supporters of the proposed bond say the measure will have more success in the future.

August 16 - Alameda Post

Close-up on red traffic light with blurred street in background.

Boston AI Pilot Optimizes Traffic Light Timing

The program has led to reductions in stop-and-go traffic of as much as 50 percent.

August 16 - Cities Today

Outdoor train platform for light rail train in Minneapolis, Minnesota with passenger walking toward blue and yellow train.

Transit Crime Down in NYC, Minneapolis

The two cities launched targeted efforts to improve security and offer supportive services to transit users.

August 16 - Cities Today

Aerial view of residential neighborhood on coast near Honolulu in Kahala, Oahu, Hawaii.

How Hawaii Can Make the Most of its ADU Law

The state recently legalized accessory dwelling units in residential districts, but there’s more state lawmakers can do to reduce other hurdles to large-scale ADU production.

August 15 - Niskanen Center

Aerial view of downtown Stockton, California with brick church in foreground.

Will This Resident Group Get Full Control of the Complex They Helped Fix?

A group of Cambodian immigrants took partial control of an affordable housing property in the 90s, and since then, they’ve made big changes to the complex. But they haven’t been able to get full legal control of the property for decades. Why?

August 15 - Shelterforce Magazine

Blurry view of semi-crowded subway car

Do Americans Want Women-Only Subway Cars?

Results from a YouGov survey indicate there is interest in subway and train cars being designated as women only, especially among female riders, younger riders, and people who have had negative interactions on public transportation.

August 15 - YouGov

Close-up of white sign with black text; line drawing of bike and 'BIKE LANE'

Denver Could Add Bike Lanes to Major Streets

City planners say limiting protected bike infrastructure to smaller streets isn’t enough to create a safe, connected bikeway network that reaches all parts of the city.

August 15 - Denverite

Aerial view of suburban sprawl with large single-family homes near Dallas, Texas.

National Zoning Atlas Expands

The online tool can help city and state officials understand where zoning codes need reform and how they compare to other localities.

August 15 - Route Fifty

"Stop - Pedestrians in crosswalk" sign in white and red lights.

Which Cities Have the Highest Pedestrian Fatalities?

Rapid population growth and limited pedestrian infrastructure puts people walking at higher risk.

August 15 - Motor Biscuit

Close-up on yellow sign with black 'BUMP' letters indicating speed bump ahead.

Kansas City Adding Speed Bumps for Traffic Safety

The city is adding the traffic calming measures at 50 high-risk intersections.

August 15 - The Kansas City Star

Commercial street in Orlando, Florida with elevated pedestrian walkway crossing the street at Church Street Station historic train station and commercial hub.

Orlando Approves New Nightclub Rules

The city ended a temporary moratorium on new nightclubs, replacing it with a rule limiting them to roughly one per every city block.

August 15 - WESH Orlando

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Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.

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.