The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Back view of group of six children and one adult walking down school hallway.

BLOG POST

The Role of Schools in Fostering Vibrant and Inclusive Communities

Discover how schools play a crucial role in community development by fostering inclusivity, enhancing local engagement, and serving as hubs for social and cultural activities.

August 20 - Devin Partida

Worker in blue pants holding hose while standing in flooded interior room.

Baltimore Sewer Backup Assistance Programs Stall

Two programs aimed at helping residents safely clean up overflows caused by aging pipes are in limbo due to a dispute between the city and the EPA.

August 20 - Inside Climate News

Construction site of offshore wind farm near the Dutch coast.

US Offshore Wind Industry Gains Momentum

Federal support for offshore wind projects is helping the industry grow, with nine projects approved so far this year.

August 20 - Sierra

Historic Victorian houses in San Jose, California.

San Jose Homeowners Can Now Sell ADUs as Condos

A new policy could help boost the supply of smaller, more affordable ‘starter homes’ in the first California city to legalize the sale of ADUs.

August 19 - San José Spotlight

Aerial view of smoke from fires in Lahaina area of Maui, Hawaii.

University of Hawaiʻi Researchers Assess Impacts of Maui Fires and Support Recovery

One year after the devastating Maui wildfires, UH researchers are addressing the disaster's impacts through studies on health, environmental contamination, disaster preparedness, and housing, aiming to support recovery and improve resilience.

August 19 - University of Hawai'i News


Intake towers for Hoover Dam in Lake Mead.

Western States Face New Round of Water Cuts

In Nevada, efforts to conserve water include a ban on ornamental grass and regulations on swimming pool sizes.

August 19 - Nevada Current

Green oil well behind a fence next to a small street in California.

California Could Extend Oil Well Monitoring Deadlines

Legislators are considering extending the deadline for new oil well safety regulations by up to 54 months, sparking controversy over whether the delay benefits the oil industry at the expense of public health.

August 19 - CALmatters


Group of children looking down at map.

Building Healthier Communities: The Role of GIS in Park Planning

Integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into park planning enhances community health by promoting physical activity, supporting mental well-being, fostering social connectedness, and addressing public health crises and climate change.

August 19 - Esri Blog

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument site.

Site of Race Riot in Springfield, Illinois, Designated as National Monument

President Biden has designated the site of the 1908 Springfield race riot as a national monument, honoring its historical significance.

August 19 - National Public Radio

Hands holding up climate change protest signs against blue sky.

Language Matters: “Climate Change” Generates More Concern Than “Climate Crisis”

A recent study found that the terms “climate change” and “global warming” are more familiar and generate greater public concern than less recognized terms like “climate crisis” and “climate justice.”

August 19 - University Of Southern California

Alstom Train

NJ Transit Fare Holiday Announcement Draws Mixed Reactions

New Jersey officials say the fare-free week is a “thank you” to loyal transit riders after a summer of service disruptions; transit advocates say it’s a gimmick and longer-term solutions are needed.

August 19 - Patch

Historic homes with intricate white trim on tree-lined street in Richmond, Virginia.

Property Taxes Cuts on the Ballot in at Least Eight States

From completely eliminating property tax to creating new exemptions, voters in eight states across the country will cast their votes on a variety of ballot measures that could have major implications for local budgets.

August 18 - Stateline

Aerial view of Spokane, Washington with river in foreground.

Spokane Could Eliminate Parking Minimums Near Transit

A Washington state proposal to reduce parking minimums failed in the state legislature earlier this year.

August 18 - The Urbanist

"Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada" sign at night.

Las Vegas BRT Line Breaks Ground

The new bus project will include pedestrian and bike improvements along a 12-mile stretch of the Maryland Parkway.

August 18 - Traffic Technology Today

White city bus on road in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with tall city buildings in background.

Pennsylvania Adopts State Transportation Plan

The plan addresses roads, transit, and other transportation infrastructure over the next 12 years.

August 18 - Roads & Bridges

Nighttime view of blue and red lights on top of a white police car.

DOJ Issues Warning to Local Governments with 'Crime-Free' Housing Programs

The Justice Department has put local governments with “crime-free” and “nuisance” housing programs on notice that implementation may be unlawful when it unfairly penalizes classes of people protected under federal law.

August 16 - Oklahoma's News 4

Aerial view of dense housing in San Francisco Bay Area.

Affordable Housing Bond Nixed From the California Ballot

Supporters of the proposed bond say the measure will have more success in the future.

August 16 - Alameda Post

Close-up on red traffic light with blurred street in background.

Boston AI Pilot Optimizes Traffic Light Timing

The program has led to reductions in stop-and-go traffic of as much as 50 percent.

August 16 - Cities Today

Outdoor train platform for light rail train in Minneapolis, Minnesota with passenger walking toward blue and yellow train.

Transit Crime Down in NYC, Minneapolis

The two cities launched targeted efforts to improve security and offer supportive services to transit users.

August 16 - Cities Today

Aerial view of residential neighborhood on coast near Honolulu in Kahala, Oahu, Hawaii.

How Hawaii Can Make the Most of its ADU Law

The state recently legalized accessory dwelling units in residential districts, but there’s more state lawmakers can do to reduce other hurdles to large-scale ADU production.

August 15 - Niskanen Center

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.