A feature-length story examines the dramatic impact transit-oriented development is likely to have on Austin's future.
"Transit-oriented development promises to radically reshape our skyline. Is Austin ready?
...The logic behind the [TOD] ordinance is simple: If the city wants Capital Metro's mass transit especially the commuter rail line approved by voters last November to be efficiently used, then the "mass" needs to be near the "transit." The TOD Ordinance, if it fulfills its intentions, will through zoning standards promote much higher development densities than ever before seen in seven different areas of Austin, clustered around six proposed rail stations and one park-and-ride bus line. The explicit desire is to put as many potential mass transit users within quick walking or bicycling distance of the rail stations as possible."
Thanks to transport-policy listserv
FULL STORY: Here Comes the Train
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Poorest NYC Neighborhoods Pay Price for Delivery Boom
The rise of ‘last-mile’ e-commerce warehouses — and their attendant truck traffic and air pollution — is disproportionately impacting the most historically disadvantaged parts of the city.
Greening Oakland’s School Grounds
With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.
California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas
Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.
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.
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Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
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