Urban Development
Power Blue City Welcomes Green Condos
Designed by architect William McDonough, a pair of towers recently approved for downtown Chapel Hill will be the first mixed-use development to meet LEED Gold standards in North Carolina.
Seattle Development Plans For Public Plaza
Plans have been unveiled for a new public plaza in downtown Seattle, built in conjunction with the construction of a high rise office and residential tower and street level retail complex.
The Best Cities For Artists -- And Real Estate Investors
First come the artists, then the high rents. So why not base you real estate investment strategy on where artists are going now?
Gated Communities Command A Premium
Houses in gated communities generally command values 5-7% higher than equivalent houses non-gated communities. Despite the rapid growth of gated communities, many critics question the value.
Will Growth-Averse Berkeley Go High-Rise?
In response to meeting regional housing demand requirements stipulated by the Association of Bay Area Governments, the Downtown Area Plan Advisory Committee of Berkeley, California, considers a high-rise development plan proposed by city staff.
Citizens Feeling Left Out Of Casino Planning
Residents are upset that plans for a waterfront casino in Sparks, Nevada, were not revealed to the public early enough in the planning project. Many fear that by the time a public hearing is held, the citizen voice will have no power to make changes.
'Adult Studio' Better Use For Historic Building Than Housing
After the San Francisco Planning Department rejects several condo projects for the city's historic State Armory and Arsenal Building on the edge of the Mission District, an Internet pornography studio buys the building to make films.
Save Downtown With Restrictive Zoning
Why industrial areas are vital to healthy cities.
Massachusetts City Collects Smart Growth Incentives
Approving high density, smart growth developments has brought urbanity and monetary benefits to the town of Easton, Massachusetts.
Texas Counties Cooperate For Aerial Photography Project
In an effort to improve the accuracy of property information, 13 counties in North Central Texas have initiated an aerial photography project to document the land. Many hope the publicly available project will improve property appraisals.
A Street For Detroiters
In an effort to build community, Jerry Belanger has quietly redeveloped two bars along Detroit's burgeoning Park Street bar district.
Small Town New Jersey Looks At Big Redevelopment Project
The small New Jersey city of Harrison is considering a massive redevelopment project that could drastically change the character of the city. Some residents worry that the $1 billion redevelopment plan is too ambitious for the small town.
The Battle Over 'Billyburg'
The Willamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, is the setting for the latest iteration in the modern day gentrification saga.
Is Sustainability Here To Stay?
Thinking and acting green is all the rage these days, but commentator Neal Peirce ponders if it can ultimately be more than just a passing fad?
Ontario's Long-Term Vision
The future of Ontario is looking a lot greener and much more dense, as local officials tout recent legislative changes that they expect to drastically reshape the city in the next 25 years.
Planning on Walking?
With positive effects on public health, safety, and environmental quality -- walkability has become the new buzz word in planning.
Philadelphia Zoning Concerns Highlight Need For Revision
Many citizens have voiced concerns over approved developments in Philadelphia. As zoning issues take center stage in public hearings and disputes, the city readies itself for a May vote to create a zoning commission that will revise the process.
Mall Plans Incite Protesters In Austin
As plans to develop a Wal-Mart and a shopping mall draw thousands of protesters in Austin, Texas, the public seems to be demanding a new kind of development.
The True Building Culture Of New Orleans
In this article from Metropolis Magazine, architect and planner Andrés Duany looks at New Orleans through a new lens to find the city's true character -- and to redefine how the city can restore itself.
Residents Wary Of High Rises? Buy 'Em A Balloon
In order to help residents understand the possible implications of a new multi-story transit oriented development, a developer plans to illustrate building heights by raising large balloons into the air where the buildings would stand.
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
