Richmond

Amtrak Train

Virginia Planning for High-Speed Rail Between Richmond and D.C.

The pieces of the still-speculative Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor—connecting Atlanta to Washington, D.C.—are starting to take shape. The latest leg to come into focus would connect Richmond to D.C.

December 21, 2016 - Greater Greater Washington

Old Timey Ticky Tacky

Tuesday's Election May Hinge on the Changing Demographics of Suburbs

Today's suburbs have changed dramatically from a generation ago. Younger, more diverse, and more liberal, they are "trending more Democratic." The PBS News Hour explores this critical demographic shift five days before Election Day.

November 7, 2016 - PBS NewsHour

East Brother Light Station

Developer's Ballot Box Planning Would Allow Suburban Development at Ferry Terminal

A June 7 ballot measure in Richmond, California would permit 59 single family homes to be built on a 5-acre bayfront lot within walking distance to a future ferry landing for San Francisco service. The site is zoned for high-density housing.

June 4, 2016 - San Francisco Chronicle

Richmond, Virginia Planning to Link Land Use Planning and Transit Investment

Richmond, Virginia is launching a planning study aimed at maximizing the benefits of a proposed bus rapid transit system connecting the city and its surrounding metropolitan area.

July 13, 2015 - Richmond Times-Dispatch

The Keys to Virginia's Urban Revitalization: Live/Work/Play

An op-ed makes the case for the benefits of mixed-use development in Virginia, namely the creation of 24/7 environments for living, working, and playing.

March 12, 2015 - Virginia Business

California Refineries Prepare to Receive Cheaper Crude-by-Rail

The surge in oil production has not benefited California, but that's about to change. Shale oil from North Dakota and other states costs $15 less than imported oil. After transportation costs, California refineries would save $3 per barrel.

October 10, 2014 - The Wall Street Journal

Mean Streets

Mapping the Happiest Places in the United States (Disneyland Not Included)

Researchers from Harvard and the University of British Columbia used "self-reported life satisfaction data" from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to locate the cities and regions where Americans are most happy (or unhappy).

July 31, 2014 - Vox

High Line park NYC - Manhattan - New York City

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?

July 20, 2014 - UrbDeZine

Richmond, California Moves Ahead with $1 Billion Refinery Expansion Project

After a two day hearing late last week, the Richmond Planning Commission approved a contentious $1 billion plan to expand a Chevron refinery located in the city. The plan still requires city council approval.

July 14, 2014 - San Francisco Chronicle

California Takes Legislative Steps to Address Growing Crude-by-Rail Shipments

While regulated on the federal level, there is still much that can be done on a state level, including adding per-barrel fees to pay for cleanup plans. Plus, a new regulation took effect requiring railroads to notify states about Bakken crude trains.

June 10, 2014 - Los Angeles Times

Despite Threats, Interest in Using Eminent Domain to Stop Foreclosures Grows

Since it announced a plan to combat foreclosures by using eminent domain, Richmond, CA has been beset by opposition from Wall Street and Washington. Despite the threats, other cities are exploring using the controversial tool.

November 20, 2013 - The New York Times

Using Eminent Domain to Keep People in Place

Richmond, California is prepared to become the first city in the U.S. to use eminent domain, a power traditionally utilized to force owners to vacate their land in the name of the public good, for the purposes of stopping foreclosures.

July 30, 2013 - The New York Times

Chaining Bicycles to Economic Development

Biking can be a formidable economic development tool, argues James A. Bacon, who examines several ways in which investment in bicycle infrastructure can create wealth and jobs.

March 7, 2013 - Bacon's Rebellion

Historically Inclined Richmond Brands Itself Anew

For a city known for its storied history, but whose burgeoning creative culture has gone less noticed, a recent branding campaign was charged with the challenge of merging both identities.

June 18, 2012 - Fast Company

County Stuck With Mall It Bought At Cusp of Recession

Chesterfield County, Virginia purchased the ailing Cloverleaf Mall two years ago with the idea of turning it into a mixed-use development. One recession later, the mall still stands and the city is stuck with an "expensive eyesore".

August 26, 2010 - Richmond Times-Dispatch

Downtown Rebirth Through Two-Way Streets

The city of Richmond, Virginia, is hoping to undo years of downtown driving confusion and congestion by converting its web of one-way streets into two-way streets.

August 23, 2010 - Richmond Times-Dispatch

An Urban River Ignored

The James River runs right through downtown Richmond, Virginia. But with few public access points, the river is a largely ignored part of the urban realm.

August 19, 2010 - Richmond Times-Dispatch

Intercity Rail Rides Again in Virginia

Intercity rail service has begun operations in Virginia, connecting Lynchburg and Washington D.C.

October 4, 2009 - The Washington Post

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.