Plannerese
Toward a Vocabulary of Micromobility
All these newfangled devices and no universal nomenclature.
Different Types of Pro-Development Urbanism, Explained
Can't tell New Urbanism from YIMBY? This post tries to help.
No More 'Manholes' in Berkeley
In removing all gendered language from its civil code, the city of Berkeley is tossing out some familiar nomenclature.
Defining Key Zoning Code Terms for the Masses
What it means when planners use their words.
'NIMBY' Too Gentle a Word: How About 'New Urban Luddites'?
Richard Florida calls for the use of the term "New Urban Luddites" to describe the embedded interests that obstruct the growth of cities. The consequences of New Urban Luddite politics, according to Florida, are too severe for such an innocuous term.
'Define Each and Every Acronym'
A participant in some of Seattle's most consequential planning processes puts out a call for a more inclusive use of language.
Good Jargon and Bad
Some planning jargon actually clarifies rather than confuses.
8 Planning Terms to Retire in 2017
A collection of planning and transportation experts humbly submits a list of words and terms that have lost their value (if they ever had any to begin with).
Ask the Editor: Planning Grammar Edition
The Planetizen managing editor answers questions about some of the post consistently befuddling grammar questions that arise when writing and talking about planning.
20 Google Chrome Substitutions for Planners
Extensions that automatically change the appearance of words in the Google Chrome browser have provided serious laughs. Now for a planning edition.
Tips for Writing Better Planning Documents
Writing may not be the key focus for urban planners, but it is a necessary skill for better communicating with the public on important planning issues, writes Clement Lau, a Los Angeles County planner.
On the Sudden Rise to Prominence of the Word 'Infrastructure'
At some point in the past 35 years, the word infrastructure became common in policy discussions and even in the common tongue. But why did we suddenly prefer the word "infrastructure" to other terms like "public works"?
I Use the Word 'Vibrant' (and You Can Too)
Planners and designers should not be afraid to reclaim overused and misused words—as long as they know what they're doing.
Toward a Definition of Mixed-Use
A panel at the recent Urban Land Institute conference in Houston considers the imperative of understanding mixed-use development and its various forms.
Spell Check Now Speaks Planner
Microsoft announced a big update to the Word spell check dictionary today to include the constantly evolving and often incomprehensible language of planning.
Will the Neil deGrasse Tyson of Planning Please Stand Up?
Do you have to be a “plannerd” to think planning is cool? Is there a planner alive who can bridge the divide between the mysteries of planning and general public interest? One writer dares to hope.
Friday Funny: Can You Understand This Planner?
Planner Robert Voigt created this XtraNorml video to poke fun at the incomprehensibility of planner speak, and how it sabotages community engagement.
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 Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
