The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
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.
Boom Coming Soon in Louisiana
With a new four-lane highway and bridge, West Feliciana Parish in Louisiana is preparing for growth -- despite the economic downturn.
Prince of Wales Says 'Green' Architecture Does Not Have To Be Modernist
Prince Charles makes a case for the commercial viability of green housing with traditional design, as opposed to the modernist styles typically associated with the future of low carbon homes.
Builders Chafe at Green Standards
The State of Connecticut will enact a new green building code in January, and builders are already calling it "awkward" and "unworkable".
BLOG POST
Making Urban Planning Fun, For Kids (and Everyone)
When Chris Steins approached me with his idea to write a kids book about urban planning, I was a little skeptical. We had gotten a hold of a book from 1952 called <em>Neighbor flap foot. The City Planning Frog</em>, by Bill Ewald, Jr. and Merle Henrickson, and to be generous, it wasn’t fit for a modern audience. Here’s a sample: <br /> <br /> <blockquote> “Did you know that there is a special rule from City Hall to make sure each house has plenty of light and air, Mickey?” the wise frog asked. <br /> “No, I haven’t heard about that.”<br /> “Well, there is. Blue Nose told me about it,” answered Flap Foot, hopping about to limber up his stiffened legs. “It’s is called <em>zoning.</em> It is a good rule, like brushing your teeth, only this rule is for people who build buildings.”<br /> </blockquote>
Growing People And Jobs While Shrinking Traffic
As New York City faces its worst financial crisis in 2 decades, a NYC D.O.T. study was released showing that from 2003-2007, the increase in jobs and people was accompanied by a slight decrease in traffic due primarily to increased transit usage.
Forget the Subway, Build Streetcars Instead
Streetcars are a better option than Vancouver's proposed 2.8 billion subway, says Prof. Patrick Condon of the Design Centre for Sustainability at UBC.
From Motor City to Metaphor City
Detroit's decay epitomizes the collapse not just of the American auto industry, but the entire American consumer economy as well, writes Jennifer Wells.
Bronx Borough President Tapped As Obama's Urban Policy Secretary
Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion is expected to be named secretary of the newly created White House Office of Urban Policy.
New York Housing Commissioner to Head HUD
New York City Housing Commissioner Shaun Donovan has been picked to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Blocked Church Expansion into Greenbelt Challenged
Church officials in Ventura County, California, are challenging a decision barring them from expanding into protected open space, arguing that federal law allows them exemptions from zoning controls.
Streets, Reconquered
This piece from <em>Worldchanging</em> looks at recent efforts by cities to "reconquer" streets by making them (temporarily, at least) pedestrianized and closed off to car traffic.
Bottom-Up Urban Revival in America
America's growing regional metropolises can be the guiding light for America's urban revival, according to Manuel Pastor, Jr.
Maryland Uses GIS To Track Open Space
The State of Maryland has created a new internet-based mapping system, which it hopes will help target conservation funds.
Seattle Freeway Replacement Plans Whittled to Two Options
Planners and officials in Seattle have whittled down the list to just two ideas for replacing the city's damaged inner-city viaduct. Washington Governor Christine Gregoire reportedly wants a final decision by the end of the year.
FEATURE
Education Suffers in NY Projects
Rural Economies Imprisoned by Prison Building
Prison construction is flourishing under the assumption that it boosts rural economies, but as Eric Lotke points out, investing in other types of building would yield greater returns to society.
Rapid Buses To Serve Suburbs?
A local leader in the suburban Maryland/Washington DC area proposes aggressive use of "rapid buses" in dedicated lanes to accommodate growth, like other jurisdictions in the U.S.
Greenhouse Gas Plan Punts On Land Use Issue
In a surprising last-minute change, a new plan that outlines how California will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions does not include a concrete target for reductions attributable to less-sprawling land use patterns.
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Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
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Harvard GSD Executive Education
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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.
