The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Can Portland's Bike Boom Outlast the Pandemic?
"Anytime the city does something to dramatically improve streets for people and limit car access...it’s hard to take them back."

Cities in the South and West Keep Sprawling
New suburbs continue to expand into previously undeveloped areas, putting strain on local resources.

How to Maximize the Local Impact of the American Rescue Plan
A new report provides advice and guidance on how cities, with Philadelphia as its example, can make the most of the historic funding opportunities made available by the American Rescue Plan approved by Congress earlier this year.

One Pandemic Real Estate Bet: Condos for Cars
The possibility of many more urban dwellers driving than ever before, even in transit-rich locations like New York City, is still very real.

Former San Diego Mayor Leaves Pro-Development Politics Behind for Recall Race
While Mayor of San Diego, Republican Kevin Faulconer made a name for himself as a prominently YIMBY politician. He's abandoned those views now that he's running for Gov. Gavin Newsom's spot in the state's recall race.
New Mobilities: Smart Planning for Emerging Transportation Technologies
A recent Eno Foundation webinar critically evaluated the benefits, costs, and equity impacts of 12 emerging transportation modes and services. It's a timely and fun discussion. The video and slideshow are available for free.

Vaccinated Californians Estimated to Account for 20% of Current COVID Infections
State and national health authorities are unusually tight-lipped when it comes to so-called vaccine breakthrough infections, so one Bay Area newspaper editorial page editor did the math himself.

Quality Bike Infrastructure Saved Lives During the Pandemic, Study Says
Evidence from Arlington, Virginia.

Looking Beyond the 'Sidewalk Ballet:' Jane Jacobs in the 21st Century
While The Death and Life of Great American Cities remains an urban planning classic, today's planners must contend with challenges that Jacobs couldn't have anticipated.

How Virginia Communities Are Encouraging 'Missing Middle Housing'
Local leaders hope that streamlining permit processes and eliminating restrictive zoning regulations will set the groundwork for increased production of small and mid-sized multi-family housing.

D.C.'s Flexible Rent Subsidy Helps Families Avoid Homelessness
The program gives households a rent subsidy that can be used flexibly over time, making it a valuable tool for workers with fluctuating incomes.

What Is the Future for Transit After COVID? - A Debate
Critic Randal O'Toole and advocate Todd Litman debate how communities should plan for public transit in the post pandemic future. Should it contract or expand?

Report: How L.A.'s Transportation System Fails Women
According to an LADOT study, the city's women face disproportionate barriers in accessing safe, efficient transportation.

Delivering Clean Water to the Many in Need
Examining the immense scale of the challenge in delivering clean drinking water to everyone in the world.

Miami Herald: Collapsed Florida Residential Building Had Major Defects, Violated Code
The safety of Champlain Towers South was compromised to make more room for parking, according to an investigation by the Miami Herald in consultation with four engineers and a general contractor.

Developer Accuses L.A.'s Eviction Moratorium of Illegal Taking, Files Lawsuit
Geoff Palmer is suing the Los Angeles, seeking $100 million to make up for income lost because of the city's eviction moratorium during the pandemic.

Opposition to LaGuardia AirTrain Plan Emerges After Cuomo Resigns
A highly criticized project has new critics among staffers at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

More and More Homeowners Achieve 'Equity Rich' Status
A growing percentage of homeowners owe less than half of their homes total value, according to recent analysis.

Opinion: Chicago Needs an Office of Parking Management
The city of Chicago needs a local agency empowered to planning, studying, or managing parking, according to a recent opinion piece published by Streetsblog Chicago.

Permanent Car-Free Streets in Manhattan's Meatpacking District
The local Business Improvement District has decided to permanently block cars from a large swath of Manhattan's Meatpacking District.
Pagination
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
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.