Philadelphia

Pope's Visit Converts Car-Free Believers in Philadelphia

The decision to shut down a 4.7-square-mile swath of Philadelphia's Center City on the occasion of the Pope's visit last weekend has converted a lot of new believers to the open streets cause.

October 2, 2015 - Philly Voice

Opening Tomorrow: Pier 68—Philadelphia's Newest Waterfront Park

The latest city to upgrade its urban waterfront into an open space amenity is Philadelphia, which will open Pier 68 to the public October 1, 2015.

September 30, 2015 - PlanPhilly

Philadelphia's Open Data Reveals Land Use Trends

A trove of data from the Office of Property Assessment has been released to the public. It's like Christmas day for zoning wonks in the City of Brotherly Love.

September 6, 2015 - PlanPhilly

Graduation Ceremony

Is 'Brain Drain' a Legitimate Problem?

According to analysts like Aaron Renn, the exodus of educated Millennials from what some perceive to be less-glamorous cities shouldn't signal impending doom. For one thing, brain drain might not be happening at all.

September 1, 2015 - Next City

SEPTA Cycle-Transit Plan a Model for Multi-Modal Commuting

As ridership grows on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) rail system, system planners are looking to a novel approach to relieve crunched station parking: bikes.

August 27, 2015 - Next City

Indego Bikeshare in Philadelphia Building on Early Success

Now that Philadelphia has established itself as a bikeshare town by quickly reaching high numbers of rides on Indego, the question turns to what happens next for expanding and improving the system.

August 10, 2015 - PlanPhilly

What Does it Take to Keep the Paint Fresh on Bike Lanes?

The bike lane on a well-traveled street through Philadelphia has faded beyond recognition. Appeals to restripe the lane have focused on a forthcoming visit from the pope.

August 7, 2015 - Philadelphia

Obama Promise Zones

Promise Zones Partner Up in Los Angeles and Philadelphia

A new phase of President Obama's Promise Zone anti-poverty initiative will take place simultaneously in Los Angeles and Philadelphia. AmeriCorps staff will be on hand to provide career coaching to high school students.

August 7, 2015 - Next City

A Simple Approach to Abandoned Buildings Improved Crime in Philadelphia

The city of Philadelphia's Doors and Windows Ordinance applied the Broken Windows Theory to positive results.

July 22, 2015 - Pacific Standard

Auto-Repair Facility Permit Filed a Day Before Pedestrian-Friendly Zoning: What Next?

A case study in the development miscues that can move forward while plans are developed and approved.

July 12, 2015 - PlanPhilly

To Auction or Not? Philadelphia Proceeds with Tax Lien Auction Despite Criticism

In an ongoing effort to turn around its stock of vacant, tax delinquent properties, the city of Philadelphia will send some 1,400 liens to auction.

June 25, 2015 - NewsWorks

Philadelphia Rowhouse

Philadelphia's Rowhouse Remedy for Gentrification

Blessed with an innate resilience, Philadelphia's brick rowhouses risk disrepair and redevelopment. Local nonprofits are looking for ways to keep this resource equitable.

June 24, 2015 - Next City

Largest Ever Philadelphia Housing Authority Redevelopment to Seize 1,300 Vacant Properties

Philadelphia Housing Authority will use eminent domain to redevelop a huge swath of vacant properties in the Sharswood neighborhood.

June 12, 2015 - Philadelphia Inquirer

Is Gentrification on Tap at Philadelphia's Pop-Up Beer Gardens?

Danya Henninger reports on the local controversy over a pop-up beer garden in the Philadelphia neighborhood of Point Breeze.

June 8, 2015 - Billy Penn

$3 Million for Bike Stations Backs Up SEPTA's Bike Planning Efforts

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) recently released the budget that will back up the components of its first ever bike plan: the SEPTA Cycle-Transit Plan, released in April 2015.

June 7, 2015 - Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia

How Cities Are Stopping the Blight Contagion

Every city with neighborhoods in decline and a lack of demand for new investment is faced with the challenge of how to address blight. Each city's challenges are unique, but many are finding new and effective strategies to end the spread of blight.

May 28, 2015 - The Washington Post - Wonkblog

Pronto Bikeshare

Why Bikeshare Doesn't Appeal to Low-Income Commuters

While bikeshare garners a lot of attention from the white and wealthy, it is a less obvious choice for low-income communities. Difficulties include weather, time constraints, and overall demand for non-auto modes.

May 19, 2015 - Vox

Amtrak Resumes Full Service on Northeast Corridor Today

Six days after one of Amtrak's worst derailments that resulted in the deaths of 8 passengers, service will resume on the Northeast Corridor, the busiest train route in the U.S. Amtrak #188 had accelerated to 106 mph as it entered a curve on May 12.

May 18, 2015 - Planetizen

Amtrak Train Derails Near Philadelphia—At Least Six Confirmed Dead

A northbound Amtrak Northeast Regional train derailed after leaving the Philadelphia Amtrak station around 9:30 p.m, on May 12. The scene was called a disaster, with the first of the seven cars that derailed severely crushed. No cause was given.

May 13, 2015 - The Washington Times

Details Emerge for Philadelphia's LOVE Park Redo

One of the country's most scrutinized and anticipated renovation projects, Philadelphia's LOVE Park, has been unveiling critical design decisions in recent weeks.

May 2, 2015 - Plan Philly

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.