Charlotte

The Keys To Charlotte's Successful Light Rail

Many things came together for light rail to come to Charlotte, starting in 1996. Key was perseverance by a conservative mayor, a volunteer group that started a historic trolley, voters who supported a sales tax, and experienced transit professionals

July 8, 2010 - Grist: Cities of the Future

Charlotte's Light Rail Extension Faces Decade of Delay

Plans to expand Charlotte's CATS light rail system to a nearby university could be delayed by a decade or more.

May 27, 2010 - The Charlotte Observer

DOT Rethinks Selection Process for Funding

When Charlotte's new light rail line opened, it vastly exceeded anticipated ridership figures. As the city plans an extension of the system, the federal government is revising how it distributes funding to avoid making the same mistake again.

April 8, 2010 - The New York Times

Charlotte's Development Animated

This paper animation clip by Rob Carter shows the urban growth and development of Charlotte, North Carolina over time.

February 14, 2010 - Good

Transit Use is Growing, But Not Where You Think

Transit saw some big ridership increases over the past few years, but maybe not where you'd expect. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows the top ten metropolitan areas where transit use has increased the most.

November 19, 2009 - Nate Berg

Charlotte Light Rail May See Six Year Delay

In an effort to give themselves more time to pay for it, transit officials in Charlotte may delay an 11-mile light rail extension for six years.

September 16, 2009 - The Charlotte Observer

Charlotte Transit Plans Face Delays, Even With Tax Increase

Votes in the Charlotte area are considering another raise to their sales tax to fund transit projects. New documents show the tax increase may not bring the improvements quickly. But without the raise, some projects may never get built.

May 18, 2009 - Charlotte Observer

Can Charlotte Overtake Atlanta as Powerhouse of the South?

Atlanta is seen by many as the economic powerhouse of the South. But some say Charlotte's progress in providing transit and reducing traffic may begin to tip the scales.

May 13, 2009 - Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Charlotte Considers Doubling Tax to Fund Transit

Mecklenburg County commissioners are scheduled to debate whether to add a second half-cent sales tax to fund transit in the Charlotte area.

April 25, 2009 - The Charlotte Observer

Recession Forces Charlotte to Cut Down Light Rail Construction

Two new light rail projects near Charlotte were planned to get built at the same time, but the economic recession is forcing officials to choose one and delay the other.

April 24, 2009 - The Charlotte Observer

Forget Closing the Freeway Loop, Fund Transit

Charlotte politicians have been pushing for the completion of a freeway loop around the city -- a $220 million project. Mary Newsom argues that road funding would better serve the city and the region if it were directed to Charlotte's transit system.

April 4, 2009 - The Naked City

You Can't Teach A Big Box New Tricks

A Home Depot Expo in Charlotte, NC, is closing. Mary Newsom explains that the real problem with big boxes like this is that they don't make sense over time.

January 28, 2009 - The Naked City

Prescribing a Healthy Future For Charlotte

Charlotte faces a number of challenges in the 21st century, from rising immigration to declining industry to sprawl. This Citistates Report suggests one strategy to harbor a healthy future: go green.

October 8, 2008 - The Charlotte Observer

Light Rail a Boon for Charlotte and Beyond

Charlotte's light rail system has proven to be a major success in the city, spurring development and igniting the local economy. But as it expands, will the other communities it benefits join in the funding party?

June 5, 2008 - Governing

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.

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.