Geneva Overholser of the Washington Post Writers Group writes about sprawl, new urbanism, and smart growth. "The truth is that smart growth has an uphill battle against the mother lode of dumb growth, suburbia..."
An op-ed by Geneva Overholser of the Washington Post Writers Group discusses the problems created by suburbia. "Of course, Americans have every right to choose where they live. But the choice has been powerfully influenced by the notion that cities are the problem and suburbs the answer...There are attempts here and there to redress suburbia's wrongs. Responding to its assault on aesthetics is something called the new urbanism. This movement seeks to recreate, on vast stretches of new land, walkable communities. Too often, though, the results are huge islands of urban-influenced architecture and you still have to drive forever to get to them."
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
FULL STORY: If Cities Are a Problem, Suburbia Is No Answer
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.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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.
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