Chicago

Gold Rush San Francisco

Boomtowns No Longer Attract Waves of New Workers

The latest Upshot by Emily Badger looks at why American cities with the greatest economic opportunity no longer attract the population increases of yore

December 11, 2017 - The New York Times

Mobile Phones

Editorial: Ditch the Foolish Distracted Walking Tickets

Crossing the street can be dangerous in the best conditions, but a $500 fine for looking at the phone while crossing the street won't help anything, according to this editorial.

December 7, 2017 - Chicago Tribune

O'Hare Blue Line

RFQ Released for Express Train to O'Hare

Express rail between the Loop and O'Hare moves a step closer to reality

December 5, 2017 - Progressive Railroading

Proterra Electric Bus

Chicago to Buy Electric Buses

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) plans to put 20 electric buses into their fleet and power them with en-route chargers.

December 4, 2017 - Streetsblog

Cross-Laminated Timber

Timber Industry 'Bracing' for Soaring Demand

Building with wood is back in fashion, but lumber producers have to reckon with thorny politics and new timber-based materials that have yet to be truly defined.

November 28, 2017 - The Architect's Newspaper

Chicago

What to Expect From the Chicago Transit Authority in its 8th Decade

Streetsblog Chicago took a look at the big projects reshaping the Chicago Transit Authority, on the occasion of the transit system's 70th anniversary.

November 23, 2017 - Streetsblog Chicago

Chicago Commute

Chicago's Innovative Ride-Hailing Tax Approved

The Chicago City Council has approved a new budget that includes a new transit funding mechanism that could level the playing field for transit.

November 22, 2017 - Streetsblog Chicago

Suburban Chicago

Chicagoland's Regional Transportation Authority Helping Deliver Local TOD Results

The Regional Transportation Authority has been supporting transit oriented development planning processes in suburbs like Bartlett.

November 22, 2017 - Chicago Tribune

Child Bikes

Suburban Cycling and Walking Becoming More Dangerous

Chicago-land bikers and walkers are facing increased danger outside the city's center.

November 16, 2017 - Daily Herald

Chicago Transit Authority

Chicago Buses Slowing for Years

A new report from Active Transit Alliance outlines plans to get Chicago buses back up to speed.

November 13, 2017 - Streetsblog Chicago

School Buses

Chicago-Based Equiticity Takes Mobility Justice Nationwide

The new group will challenge the unequal distribution of mobility resources to low-income communities of color.

November 10, 2017 - Chi.Streetsblog

Illinois Freeway

Chicago Needs Congestion Pricing

The Chicago Tribune's editorial board argues that congestion pricing will not only decrease congestion, but also make the city more attractive to people and businesses.

November 8, 2017 - Chicago Tribune

Uber

Op-Ed: Ride Sharing Tax Will Help Poor

Chicago's Mayor Emanuel's proposed tax would be used for the benefit of transit.

October 31, 2017 - The Washington Post

Chicago Extreme Weather

Chicago to Use Vacant Lots to Capture Stormwater

Chicago's Planning Department is putting eight city lots to work as "Stormwater Parks."

October 20, 2017 - Chicago Cityscape

CTA

Tax Uber and Lyft to Pay for Transit? Chicago Might

The city of Chicago is already taxing rides with transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft. Now mayor Rahm Emanual wants to raise those fees and spend the extra money on transit projects.

October 18, 2017 - DNAinfo Chicago

Rodents Vermin

The City With the Most Rats Is...

It's the day everyone has been waiting for! The 2017 "Rattiest Cities" list has been announced.

October 18, 2017 - The Washington Post

Under Construction: An Elevated Pedestrian Path on the Chicago River

The new 312 RiverRun will connect three parks on a two-mile elevated pedestrian path.

October 16, 2017 - DNAinfo Chicago

Chicago Train Commute

Chicago CTA Expands Hard Back Seat Pilot, Seeking to Avoid Wet Surprises

Chicago trains and buses have long had dark cloth coverings, which can hide liquids and make for unpleasant experiences for riders.

October 14, 2017 - Reader

Jackson Park

Obama's Presidential Center Raises Displacement Concerns

As the former president seeks to distinguish the Obama Presidential Center from for-profit development, many locals still want to see a binding community benefits agreement.

October 13, 2017 - CityLab

Chicago's Lakefront Trail Gets an Update and Loses an Exit

Construction on Chicago's Lakefront Trail, which stretches from south of the city's downtown up to the North Side, will involve many updates and changes.

October 2, 2017 - Streetsblog Chicago

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.