The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Skinny Skyscraper

Changes to Proposed NYC Pied-à-Terre Tax Will Yield Less Revenue for Transit

The real estate intervened, and a proposed pied-à-terre tax became a mansion tax.

April 6 - City & State

West Palm Beach, Florida

A Big Week for Virgin Trains USA, Formerly Brightline, in Florida

Virgin Trains USA has the funding to start construction on a rail link between Orland and West Palm Beach, and the system has launched its official rebranding under its new ownership.

April 6 - CBS 12 News

Bowery

Protecting and Growing Cultural Facilities in Expensive Cities

Independent cultural institutions provide so much of what make cities world class, and they are a big part of the appeal for people who choose to live in highly urbanized areas. These days, cultural institutions are having a hard time affording rent.

April 6 - Art News

Energy Factory II

No Good News for Climate Stabilization From a New Worldwide Energy Report

Last month, the Paris-based International Energy Agency released its annual "Global Energy & CO2 Status Report." Energy consumption grew 2.3 percent with fossil fuels accounting for 70 percent on the increase. CO2 emissions jumped 1.7 percent.

April 5 - The Washington Post

Imperial Valley

Editorial Calls for Drastic Actions to Fix the Salton Sea

A Los Angeles Times editorial board sheds light on the ongoing environmental disaster of the Salton Sea in California, and the lack of action by the state to mitigate the worsening impacts.

April 5 - Los Angeles Times


Frederick Maryland

Where Americans Are Most Likely to Live With Housing Cost Burdens

New analysis reveals the geographic patterns of housing cost burdens in the United States.

April 5 - CityLab

Rowhouses in Canada

'Rental-Only Zoning' a Tough Task

Richmond, British Columbia is trying to develop "rental-only zoning" for 60 properties in the city.

April 5 - Richmond News


Chicago Mayor

Mayoral Election Likely to Have Consequences for Chicago Mega-Development

The most recent citywide election in Chicago was considered a referendum on the old way of operating the city. The $6 billion Lincoln Yards project, on the brink of approval, could be included in that referendum.

April 5 - Chicago Tribune

Boulder Colorado

One City Was Skeptical Enough About Opportunity Zones to Declare a Development Moratorium

Boulder declared a moratorium on development in a federally designated Opportunity Zone back in December. Here's how the decision has played out so far.

April 5 - Next City

Gas and Oil Company

Royal Dutch Shell: Big Oil with a Conscience?

Big Oil companies are not all alike. Royal Dutch Shell is the first one to part ways with a major oil industry trade group over differences on climate change. It's also linking executive pay to goals to reduce the company's carbon footprint.

April 5 - The Washington Post

Road Sign

The Idaho Stop Now Legal in Arkansas

The state of Arkansas is now the second station in the nation to completely legalize the Idaho Stop—a frequently practiced maneuver on bikes that advocates say is a key to bike safety and comfort on the streets.

April 5 - Streetsblog USA

405 Traffic

Congestion Pricing Marks the End of an Era

A New York Times article marks the historic significance of congestion pricing—gone are the days of treating roads like they're free while ignoring their costs.

April 5 - The New York Times

Driverless Shuttle

Cities Increasingly Piloting Autonomous Shuttle Services

There is no shortage of autonomous shuttle services operating around the United States, which means there are plenty of lessons to be learned.

April 4 - Smart Cities Dive

Hermiston. Oregon

New Transit Funds to Support Buses in Rural East Oregon

A payroll tax will fund the expansion of bus services in Umatilla County, Oregon.

April 4 - Union Bulletin

New York City, New York

Op-Ed Supports Staten Island Rezoning for its Green Benefits

A rezoning proposal for Staten Island in New York City gets support from a local resident with deep involvement in the community.

April 4 - silive.com

Water SUpply

Las Vegas' Growth Tied to its Dwindling Water Supply

Las Vegas has almost maximized its growth potential given projects for its future water supply—something has to give.

April 4 - Las Vegas Review-Journal

Cleveland i-80

Gas Tax Increase Approved in Ohio

On July 1, motorists in Ohio will pay an additional 10.5 cents per gallon to fill up, while truckers will pay 19 cents per gallon more on diesel fuel sales. Accompanying the tax hikes are two controversial provisions that DeWine chose not to veto.

April 4 - The Columbus Dispatch

Massachusetts

Zoning Code Rewrite Paused in Newton, Massachusetts

The mayor of Newton says the city's planning department is stretched too thin, with several ordinances and large development proposals in the works.

April 4 - The Boston Globe

Bears Ears National Monument

The Consequences of Trump's Attempt to Reduce Bears Ears National Monument by 85 Percent

Drone footage and 3d models reveal the stakes in an ongoing legal controversy surrounding the Trump administration's attempt to undo the Obama administration's use of the Antiquities Act to create the Bears Ears National Monument.

April 4 - The Washington Post

Denver TOD

Voters Could Decide if Denver Gets a New Department of Transportation and Infrastructure

Denver is considering a new city department in response to concerns expressed by bike and pedestrian advocates about the implementation of long-term plans.

April 4 - The Denver Post

Post News

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.