Controversies
Two Signs of Approval Process Failure Finally to Proceed in Los Angeles
Neighborhood groups blocked the construction and completion of a Target-anchored retail complex and a 22-story residential high rise for years. Developers and the city have finally moved forward.
Judge Upholds Seattle's Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda, Clears the Way for Upzoning
Since a city judge determined the legality of the long controversial Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda, Seattle has been able to move forward with the plan to allow new density around the city.
Montreal Street Reconfiguration Could Remove Parking, and Businesses Aren't Happy
The city of Montreal will spend $123 million on the first phase of a project to revamp Ste-Catherine Street, removing 140 on-street parking locations in the process. More parking spots could follow.
New Hollywood Community Plan Draft Released
One of the most controversial community planning documents in Los Angeles history was approved by the city in 2012 and thrown out by a judge in 2013. The new draft environmental impact report for the plan is now publicly available.
Cross Walk Flags Create a Pedestrian Safety Controversy
Safety advocates in Halifax, Nova Scotia have installed crosswalk flags at over 150 crosswalks in the city. The question is whether the flags make anyone safer.
New Vancouver Council Plotting to Rescind Recently Approved Zoning Changes
Local elections have consequences.
Preservation of Gas Station Won't Stand in the Way of New Housing
Preservationists had mobilized behind the cause of protecting a dilapidated gas station in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles.
L.A. Decides to Keep Short-Term Rentals Out of Rent Controlled Apartments
A City Council decision on short-term rental regulations reverses the decision of the City Planning Commission.
Are Chicago's Transit Oriented Developments Generating Enough Affordable Housing?
Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood is the scene for a very contemporary land use policy debate: how much affordable housing can cultivated from the development opportunities in proximity to transit lines?
Survey: Public Not Sold on New Supply as a Solution to the Housing Crisis
The public and the "urbanism cognoscenti" do not see eye to eye when it comes to housing policy. A new survey makes the disconnect in opinions on matters of supply, regulations, and affordable housing very clear.
Final Renovation Plan for the Alamo Plaza Approved
The San Antonio City Council culminated years of planning and design this week by approving a plan to overhaul the Alamo Plaza.
Triplexes Replace Fourplexes in Revised Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan
Minneapolis planners have released a revise draft of the Minneapolis 2040 comprehensive plan, cutting back on some of the plan's most controversial aspects, but still maintaining an ambitiously urban approach.
Short-Term Rentals Too Controversial to Touch in New Orleans
A proposed revision of the city of New Orleans' regulations of short-term rentals was too controversial for the City Planning Commission to approve at a hearing this week.
As Phoenix Light Rail Extension Debate Devolves, Questions About Funding
Transit advocates are saying the Koch Brothers are responsible for a sudden outbreak of controversy surrounding the South Central Light Rail Extension in Phoenix.
Another Chicago Skyscraper Sign Controversy
Regulations crafted in the wake of the Trump sign controversy of 2014 could be relaxed to let Salesforce leave its mark on the city of Chicago's skyline.
Much Hand Wringing After Brooklyn-Queens Expressway Replacement Plans Announced
New York City Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg compared the project to replace a section of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in Brooklyn heights as New York's "Big Dig."
Controversial High Rise Wins Key Approval in Brooklyn
80 Flatbush has been one of the most closely watched, and hotly debated, proposed developments in the country.
Weekly Scooter Media Brief: September 10-20
It seemed like maybe the pace of electric scooter news was slowing. Wrong.
New York's Economy Is Going Strong. Can it Build Fast Enough to Keep Up?
If Brooklyn keeps up the pace of current growth, it could pass Chicago in population in the next few years.
Private Shuttles Don't Slow Public Buses, Study Suggests
As more companies start to run private buses, some of which use public transit bus stops, the question of whether or not they're getting in the way has become more hotly contested.
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.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
