Density
Planning Commission OKs ADUs Citywide in St. Paul
The City Council will still have to approve the likely controversial idea of allowing accessory dwelling units citywide in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Zoning Changes for the 'Missing Middle' Take a Step Forward in Olympia
Olympia, Washington joins the ranks of cities making new incentives for the creation of missing middle housing.
Controversial Green Neighborhood to Rise on Former Auto Plant Site
Plans for a sizable eco-friendly development on the site of St. Paul's Twin Cities Assembly Plant have drawn support from many, including the city's young mayor. But density opponents remain unconvinced.
Editorial Board: The Suburbs Need to Make Room for New Residents
Utah has generally made room for single-family homes in the past, but the Salt Lake Tribune thinks its time for new plans as the state faces demographic changes and worsening affordability.
Learning From Europe: Part 2 (Or, You Can't Have It All)
It is indeed possible to have a city full of low-rise buildings that is still compact enough for excellent transit service—but only if most side streets are used for mid-rise buildings instead of houses.
LA Times: City Council Should Take Responsibility for Lack of Transit Oriented Development
The Los Angeles Times editorial board has strong words for the Los Angeles City Council about planning for transit oriented development.
A California City Approves its First-Ever Apartment Building
A small city in the South Bay Area, south of San Jose, has approved its first multi-family housing project—because state law mandated it.
Learning from Europe
European cities tend to be more walkable and transit-accessible—perhaps because they get the three Ds right (density, diversity, and design).
Post-SB 827, California Addresses Infill and Local Planning
California State Sen. Ben Allen has authored SB 961 to finance optional neighborhood infill TOD districts, with support from fellow legislators. Redondo Beach Mayor Bill Brand is considering an initiative to protect local zoning.
Environmental Impact Study Builds the Case for Accessory Dwelling Units in Seattle
Proponents of a new Accessory Dwelling Unit rule in Seattle say the tactics of opponents backfired with this Environmental Impact Study.
Bill to Increase Multi-Family FAR Breaks Along Surprising Political Lines in New York
A state bill would allow for higher floor area ratio in New York City, designed to alleviate housing costs in the city, has gained most support from legislators representing areas outside the city.
Density Battles in Affluent Suburbs
The city of Edina, Minnesota, provides an example of the suburban reaction to a wave of multi-family residential construction.
Dense Development Generates More Property Taxes Than Big Box Stores in Chicago
After examining property taxes for Target, Family Dollar, and Liberty Bank in Chicago, Steven Vance found that nearby dense development paid more per square foot than the big box developments.
Denver Bans 'Slot Homes,' But Not Before They Changed Neighborhoods
Aerial photos show just how completely some areas of the city were transformed before the building typology was eliminated earlier this week.
Zoned Out: Seattle Prioritizes Single-Family Residential
In Seattle, most (88 percent) of the city's new housing is being developed in a few small, already dense areas around the city. Most of the city is reserved for single-family housing.
Can Density Prevent Diabetes?
In Australia, a new study will determine the best ways to make high-density developments healthy places to live.
The Best Option in a Housing Crisis: Build More
Some oppose housing on the grounds that building in expensive cities just makes more homes for rich people. According to and, while there's some truth to that, adding housing beats the alternative.
How SB 827 'Cleaved the California Environmental Movement'
Even before the bill was defeated, it exposed a major generational divide between anti-development environmentalists and their pro-density, pro-housing heirs.
Dallas Housing Proposal Aims for Equity, Finally
Not only does the plan promise more affordable housing, it’s also supposed to deliver “access to more upwardly mobile communities."
Chicago Coach Houses, Legalize 'Em
Coach houses could provide affordable housing and revenue for home owners if they were more widely permitted in the city.
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.
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
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
