The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
BRT Fails in Delhi
The Bus Rapid Transit System has failed to meet the demands of New Delhi's riders and pedestrians. A better strategy, according to one report, is to improve its mass transit instead.
Report Shows Driving Trends Have Been on Downward Path For Years
Though the recent decline in vehicle miles traveled has been commonly linked with this year's rise in gas prices, VMT has been on the way down for years, according to a new report from the Brookings Institution.
Homogeneity Prevails in East LA
Although Southern Californian suburbs are more ethnically integrated than ever, the census shows that East LA is 98% Latino--a decline in diversity.
Houston Lights go LED
The city of Houston moves to convert all the bulbs at its traffic stops to LEDs, aiming to save energy and money.
An Architectural Beacon of Hope in Skid Row
On the edge of Los Angeles' Skid Row, a gleaming white arts complex opens. A "stubborn declaration of hope," the center is intended to show architecture's power to create community.
Missouri Streets are a Little More Complete
DeSoto and Ferguson are the first two cities in Missouri to adopt Complete Street plans. The ordinances are in place to encourage walking and biking, and, ultimately, healthier lifestyles.
Air Board Approves Diesel and Climate Protection Plans
In back-to-back rulings, the Californian Air Resources Board approved the nation's strongest climate protection plan and the strictest on-road diesel emissions plans that will mean the oldest, most polluting trucks and buses will soon be no more.
Understanding San Francisco's Congestion Pricing Study
In this op-ed, the executive director of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority makes a case for congestion pricing in the City, though he is quick to indicate the SFCTA is only studying the concept to see if it could be applied there.
Seattle's Affordable Housing Plan Blasted For Poor Timing
The Seattle City Council recently approved a new affordable housing plan allowing builders to develop larger buildings if they include a certain amount of affordable units. But developers say the plan is ill-timed and they plan on ignoring it.
Better Streets Called a Top Reason to Love New York
<em>New York Magazine</em>'s list of reasons to love New York includes a nod to the city's streets and their recent renovation into pedestrian- and bike-friendly thoroughfares.
BLOG POST
What A Difference A Year Makes
In late 2007, it was with increasing frustration that I penned and op-ed entitled "Make Miami a Bicycle-Friendly City." Appearing in the December 13th edition of the Miami Herald, the article implored City officials to make the city more amenable to bicycling (It was no surprise in the spring of 2008 when Bicycling Magazine named Miami <a href="http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s1-2-18-17082-1,00.html">one of the three worst cities in America in which to bicycle</a>). <br /> <p class="MsoNormal"> The City's response exceeded all of my expectations. </p>
Best Career for 2009? Urban and Regional Planner
U.S. News and World Report picks Urban Regional Planner as one of thirty careers 'that offer strong outlooks and high job satisfaction.' Architects, on the other hand, are 'overrated'.
Ask What Baton Rouge Can Do for You
To retain its young and educated, Baton Rouge officials must identify what they want and follow through in giving it to them.
Geomapping the Rats of New York
By mapping rat infestations, New York City's health inspectors have found a whole new way to beat back the rodents.
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Be Afraid of "Real Nice"
<p class="EC_MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size: small"><span style="color: #000000"><span style="font-family: Garamond">You have heard it, or seen it, before.<span> </span>A developer comes in for a presubmittal meeting, and he is <em>excited</em>. He has the best project your city has <em>ever</em></span><span style="font-family: Garamond"> seen, and, when all is said and done, he insists that the city will never be the same.<span> </span>And he’s right.<span> </span>
Protests Arise as Historic Chicago Park Eyed as Olympic Site
As part of its bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, the city of Chicago has proposed a slight change to the layout of its Olympic stadia. The only problem is that the newly proposed site for the aquatics center is listed on the National Register.
Personal Rapid Transit for San Jose Airport?
The City of San José, CA is reviewing proposals from 18 companies to create a PRT system connecting the airport to other transportation modes.
How Will D.C. Cope with 4 Million Obama Fans?
Planners in Washington D.C. are bracing for the arrival of millions of visitors for President Obama's inauguration -- which they expect will overwhelm the parking supply and the public transit system.
Subprime North
Two years ago, Canada opened the door to American subprime lenders, leading to a game of one-upmanship with Canada's federal mortgage insurer, CMHC.
Turning Big Box Blocks Into Mixed-Use
Mesa, AZ is adding a new land use category to its general plan to promote mixed-use, high-density development along the light-rail corridor- specifically in an area of West Mesa formerly dominated by WalMart.
Ada County Highway District
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
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.
