The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

A More Populated Future for Tysons Corner

Despite a high concentration of shopping, jobs and parking, Tysons Corner does not have a lot of people. Plans are moving forward that will bring more life to this office park, shopping center city.

December 20 - The New York Times

Cuba Serves As Model For Urban Farming

With urban farms sprinkled throughout the island, Cuba is proving to be one of the world's most successful models of how to integrate agriculture into urban areas.

December 20 - Reuters

Friday Funny: Spit City

Officials in Sarasota, Florida have thrown out a 100-year old rule against spitting in public, despite some concerns about public health.

December 19 - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Schwarzenegger: Decaying Infrastructure Is Hurting Economy

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger writes that the failure of the U.S. to invest in infrastructure is hurting the economy, and a massive investment is necessary.

December 19 - Newsweek

Ray LaWho?

The announcement of Ray LaHood as Transportation Secretary came as a surprise to many transportation planners and environmentalists. This article looks at some of their reactions to the pick.

December 19 - Grist


Stimulus Money Pits Cities Against States

In an effort to secure federal stimulus funding, cities and states are elbowing to see who can get transportation projects started the fastest.

December 19 - Stateline

From Modernist to New Urbanist

A developer in Holmdel, New Jersey sees promise in a building designed by Eero Saarinen to become a pedestrian-friendly town center. 'This place can be a great public realm."

December 19 - The Independent


Is Urbanism Enough to Curb Global Warming?

Witold Rybczynski reports on a recent conference at the University of Pennsylvania at which planners emphasized technology. He thinks that there is more to it than that.

December 19 - Slate.com

Tucson Rejects Density Plan

There will be no infill development at Jefferson Park, near the University of Arizona, that increases density. The move contradicts the city's plan to achieve a more "urban feel."

December 19 - Tuscon Citizen

Farmer's Markets Bucking the Trend

Architect Richard Reep argues that farmer's markets in Orlando are creating public space in areas that have all but rejected the idea of common ground.

December 19 - newgeography

Housing for the Mentally Ill

Last week, a Santa Barbara apartment community, The Garden Center, opened to 38 new residents. The apartments were specifically designed to combat homelessness through housing and mental health care all at once.

December 19 - Miller-McCune

Congregation Hits Wall in Bid to Raze Historic Chicago Church

The high costs of preservation and the current economic downturn have pushed the Chicago archdiocese to request a demolition permit for a historic church. But preservationists are pushing back.

December 19 - Chicago Tribune

In Japan, a Billboard That Watches You

Two digital cameras atop a billboard at a Tokyo rail station will scan passersby. One will record who is looking at the billboard, the other will count the number of people passing by.

December 18 - Good Gear Guide

When Neighborhoods Improve, Social Safety Nets Unravel

Residents of one Las Vegas community fear being evicted as an urban renewal project goes underway. According to this article, projects like this often hurt neighborhoods by destroying the social ties they once contained.

December 18 - Las Vegas Sun

Raise the Gas Tax, Reduce the Payroll Tax

Time's Michael Kinsley explains why now is the perfect time to introduce a revenue-neutral gas tax, with the revenue used to lower the payroll.

December 18 - Time

Nighttime Urban Renewal

One lighting artist's work has helped revitalize and make nightlife possible in a number of European cities.

December 18 - Metropolis Magazine

Housing Authority 'Charging for Everything'

The Paterson Housing Authority in New Jersey will soon enact some new rules and fees, including charging $20 for every washer, dryer and large screen plasma television.

December 18 - North Jersey

Republican LaHood Chosen As Transportation Secretary

Surprising many, IL Congressman Ray LaHood, a Republican, was selected to fill the transportation position in Obama's administration, presumably to show a bi-partisan approach. Transportation reauthorization and the stimulus package await LaHood.

December 18 - The Wall Street Journal

OC City May Snatch Up Foreclosed Properties

Huntington Beach is one of a few cities that is weighing the option to purchase its own foreclosed properties, and eventually making them affordable housing.

December 18 - Orange County Register

Infrastructure In Canada Threatened By Climate Change

An internal report to the Canadian government written nearly two years ago concludes that infrastructure in the country is at serious risk from climate change. The study came to light recently under the Access to Information Act.

December 18 - The Vancouver Sun

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.