Philadelphia
Philadelphia City Council Adopts Data-Driven Framework for Planning Decisions
Ashley Hahn reports on Philadelphia's "Community Sustainability Initiative," a data-driven process for evaluating public investments. Questions remain about how the new decision making framework will change planning operations in the city.
Identifying Trends from Analysis of 7,000 PlanPhilly Stories
A meta-analysis of the archive of popular local planning website PlanPhilly provides insight into the issues and ideas that drive the planning conversation in Philadelphia.
The Reviews Are In: Philadelphia's New Dilworth Park
Calling it "a suit in a jeans-and-T-shirt world," Philadelphia Inquirer Architecture Critic Inga Saffron's review of the redesigned Dilworth Park in Philadelphia is more criticism than celebration.
Philadelphia's Waterfront Showing Signs of Life
After decades of promises of improvements along the Delaware River In Philadelphia with little to show for it, recent "small but powerful" public improvements are remaking the city's waterfront into a "welcoming, fun place to hang out."
Philadelphia's Grand New Dilworth Park—How a Public-Private Partnership Delivered
Dilworth Park, on the front door of Philadelphia's City Hall, made a splashy debut yesterday, but just as impressive as the design of the park is the work of a non-profit in achieving the grand vision for the park.
Government Reform Proposed for Better Planning in Philadelphia
Geoff Kees Thompson digs into one component of this old city's proposed mayoral platform for Philadelphia: the need to organize the city's alphabet soup of planning agencies under one director and give the Planning Commission teeth.
A Primer on Innovative Parking Regulations
Writing for Smart Growth America, Neha Bhatt provides a survey of innovative parking regulation and management strategies in cities around the country.
Placemaking in Communities of All Sizes
A new article from Smart Growth America portrays the successes of placemaking in communities as diverse as Soldotna, Alaska (population 4,163), Orlando, and Philadelphia.
Mobile App Helps Battle Graffiti in Philadelphia
Philadelphia's Community Life Improvement Program is using Esri's Collector mobile app to empower their data collection in management. Prior to Collector, the anti-graffiti effort was driven by Excel.
'Pop-Up Beer Gardens' Hack Pennsylvania's Alcohol License Restrictions
Some restaurants have found ways to circumvent the expense of liquor licenses in Philadelphia by opening pop-up beer gardens operating under a much, much cheaper catering permit. Cue state legislation to curb the practice.
Speed Cameras: Working in Chicago; Needed in Philadelphia
In Chicago, speed cameras are proving effective at reducing speeds; in Philadelphia, a police commissioner is lobbying the state to allow the implementation of the cameras.
How Park Design Helps Keep Communities Healthy
A review of the healthiest cities in the United States establishes that urban parks play a vital role in the activity of a city. What conclusions can be drawn from each city?
Philadelphia Zoning Board Called Out for 'Municipal Dysfunction'
Ryan Briggs reports on the state of the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment—although zoning reform was a promise of Mayor Michael Nutter's administration, Briggs finds that inconsistency and mysterious politics still mar the board's decisions.
Benefits of Uber in Philadelphia: Reduced Drunk Driving
While much of the concern of how to regulate transportation network companies like Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar comes down to questions about safety and access, recent findings show that the apps have reduced DUI arrests in the City of Brotherly Love.
Is the Millennial Political Revolution Beginning in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia Inquirer Architecture Critic Inga Saffron writes of a possible political awakening among Millennials in Philadelphia in response to the old guard's efforts to stifle progressive parking and zoning decisions.
More Disincentives for Driving Required for Philadelphia to Achieve 'Greenest' Status
Philadelphia's Mayor Michael Nutter has set a policy goal of becoming the "Greenest City in America," but the city's lack of progress in reducing automobile use is a troubling obstacle to such a lofty goal.
Philadelphia Planners and Police Looking for Pedestrian Safety Solutions
Pedestrian safety in Philadelphia is a mixed bag. While it can often be a pleasant, pedestrian-friendly city, recent pedestrian deaths have highlighted the ongoing need to improve the safety of the Philadelphia's sidewalks and streets.
$2.4 Million Settlement for Cyclist Sends Message in 'Dooring' Crash
A precedent-setting settlement for a cyclist run over after being doored should send a message to motorists, both exiting their parked vehicle and when driving, and cyclists when riding adjacent to parked cars.
Planning Neglected in Philadelphia's High School Fire Sale
Inga Saffron asks the tough questions of Philadelphia's sale of University City High School to Drexel University.
Obama Intervenes On Philly Rail Strike
President Obama signs executive order to end SEPTA transit strike, establishes emergency labor mediation board in response to Governor Corbett's request.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
