The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Close-up of narge eucalyptus tree.

Rethinking Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Which Trees Should We Plant?

Fire experts emphasize the need to replace highly flammable trees like Mexican fan palms and eucalyptus with fire-resistant species such as oak, sycamore, and toyon, while also strengthening home fire defenses to reduce wildfire risks in California.

February 18 - Los Angeles Times

Aerial view of Fremont, California.

Fremont, California Criminalizes Homelessness, “Abetting” Encampments

Non-profits worry the ordinance, which does not explicitly exempt service providers, will have a chilling effect on unhoused residents and those who offer resources.

February 18 - The Guardian

Crowd of people walking around Viru Gate medieval towers in Tallinn, Estonia.

Estonian Capital Launches Noise Reduction Action Plan

European Union cities are required to create ‘noise maps’ and strategic plans for reducing environmental noise.

February 18 - Smart Cities World

Red painted and curb-protected bike lane in downtown Austin, Texas.

Austin Outlaws Blocking Bike Lanes

Drivers who park in bike lanes will receive citations of up to $300.

February 18 - KUT

Aerial view of South Orange, New Jersey.

BLOG POST

Off-Street Parking in the Midburbs

In several New Jersey cities, eliminating parking requirements has boosted local businesses.

February 18 - Gabe Bailer - PP - AICP - NJ Urbanthinker


Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18 - National Parks Traveler

People sitting at outdoor tables with green umbrellas in Union Square, San Francisco.

Traditional Retail is Hanging by a Thread. What Now for Cities?

After Kaid Benfield paints a rather grim retail outlook — where even retail bastions like San Diego are going dark — he suggests a series of actions for city leaders and planners.

February 17 - * A Placemaking Journal


Group of five small children running on concrete outdoors on sunny day.

BLOG POST

Planning Communities for Thriving Children

When it comes to children's health and economic success, current trends are dismal. New research identifies how to plan communities where children can thrive. The secret? Compact, mixed-income, multimodal neighborhoods.

February 17 - Todd Litman

Small trees on city sidewlak with glass buildings in background.

Urban Forestry as a Pathway to Equity and Opportunity

Urban forestry job training programs are creating economic opportunities for underrepresented individuals while addressing workforce shortages and advancing tree equity in communities most impacted by environmental disparities.

February 17 - American Forests

Brick "USC University of Southenr California"  sign at entrance to campus

Sustainability Expert Becomes Dean of USC’s School of Public Policy

Chris Boone, a sustainability leader, becomes dean of the USC Price School of Public Policy, where he aims to advance interdisciplinary solutions and sustainability initiatives while building on the school’s legacy of public policy leadership.

February 17 - USC Today

Fort Mill, South Carolina: Kingsley Town Center. Mixed use development of repurposed textile mill with smokestack and streets "Textile Way" and "Broadcloth Street."

BLOG POST

Rethinking Suburban Development: New Trends in Creating Livable Communities

Discover new trends in suburban development focused on creating more livable, sustainable communities for future growth.

February 17 - Devin Partida

Aerial view of old buildings and government or church building with tall roof in Annapolis, Maryland.

Commentary: We Need a Return to the Adaptability of Traditional Urban Form

How the rigidity of modern suburban development fails to prepare cities for the future.

February 17 - Strong Towns

Girl on phone struggling to hear standing on loud city street.

Neurodivergence and the City

Researchers are starting to understand how people with conditions like autism experience cities differently — and how to design for the neurodiverse brain.

February 17 - Bloomberg CityLab

View of Seattle skyline on clear sunny day with Space Needle on left and Mount Rainier in the background.

Housing Measure Wins in Seattle Special Election

Voters approved a new tax that could bring in $50 million per year for social housing.

February 16 - King 5 News

Wildfire recovery area with small trees growing in burn areas in Angeles National Forest in California.

Resilient Communities, Healthy Ecosystems: A Balanced Approach to Wildfires

Effective wildfire mitigation in California requires a holistic approach that goes beyond large-scale vegetation removal, emphasizing home hardening, defensible space, strategic planning, and reducing human-caused ignitions.

February 16 - UCLA Sustainable LA Grand Challenge

Two-way protected bike lane on wide street in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida with high-riise buildings in background.

St. Petersburg’s Bike Infrastructure Efforts Pay Off

New bike infrastructure is encouraging more people to take to the streets on two wheels, but advocates say safety challenges remain.

February 16 - The Crow's Nest

"No Camping" stencil on concrete.

Why Accuracy in Homelessness Data Matters

Cities have access to tools that can more effectively capture information about unhoused residents and pinpoint what types of resources are needed and where.

February 16 - Governing

Aerial view of Kapi'olani Community College in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Community Colleges: A Pathway for Native Hawaiian Achievement and Growth

The University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges provide Native Hawaiian students with transformative educational experiences, integrating academic success, cultural identity, and strong community support to help them find purpose and thrive.

February 14 - University of Hawai'i News

Los Angeles, California skyline against mountains at sunset.

Building Resilient Communities: Insights from the LA County Cities Summit

The Los Angeles County Cities Summit convened local leaders to share strategies for advancing sustainability, addressing climate resilience, extreme heat, and other pressing environmental challenges through policy and community-driven solutions.

February 14 - Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office

Green Flixbus bus parked on street in Los Angeles, California with palm trees and Hollywood buildings in background on sunny day.

Intercity Bus Ridership Grows Despite Service Cuts

Passengers continue to rely on intercity bus lines, even as cities shutter bus terminals and bus companies restructure to avoid financial failure.

February 14 - Smart Cities Dive

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