Illinois

Map: Chicago Has a Lot of Developable Land
An interactive map from Chicago Cityscape shows all of the city's parking lots, vacant spaces, and city-owned land. Not all of it is truly vacant, or developable, but the map shows how much scope remains for new construction.
The Cost of Thanksgiving at Whole Foods in Englewood in Chicago
Is Whole Foods making Thanksgiving accessible for residents of Englewood in Chicago?

Megabus Cutting Back Operations in Chicago
The Chicago hub of Megabus operations will be just another stop between Ohio and Texas.

Chicago to Co-Locate Libraries and Public Housing
The city wants both public uses to be housed in "eye-catching works of architecture."

Chicago Debates Merits of Expanding the Kennedy Expressway
Chicago's Kennedy Expressway to the O'Hare Airport is getting a $22.9 million lane expansion, some active transit and public transit advocates question the wisdom of that investment.

The Big Ideas Behind the Proposed 'Chicago Transit Redevelopment Trust'
The Chicago Central Area Committee has thrown its hand into the ring for the "100&Change" grant from the MacArthur Foundation.

A Plan to Bike the Length of the Chicago River by 2030
The Chicago River is attracting some of the city's most creative visions for the future. The second plan in recent months proves the potential of the river as an open space asset.
Chicago Changing the Local Investment Game
With the announcement of a $100 million infusion into a local investment fund, Chicago will become the first city to fund in ways usually reserved for the federal government.

Historic Missouri-Illinois Bridge Completes Rehabilitation Funded by Recovery Act
Remember President Obama's 2009 economic stimulus program? Add another completed project to the program's successes: the restoration of the multi-modal 1874 iconic Eads Bridge connecting St. Louis and East St. Louis, Ill. over the Mississippi River.

Chicago TOD Strategies: Sum Of Parts Equal, Greater Than the Whole
A successful TOD will be predicated upon three core elements: 1) development; 2) transit; and 3) transit-friendly amenities. While focus tends to be on the first two elements, this article provides insights on the importance of the third element.

Responding to a Proposed Ban on Self-Driving Cars in Chicago
Gabe Klein thinks a proposed ban on self-driving cars in Chicago is shortsighted.

Chicago's Hilliard Homes Succeed Despite Trend Away From High-Rise Projects
The Hilliard Homes avoided the wrecking ball for 50 years, even while other high-rise projects were knocked down. A Chicago Reader pierce suggests the design and management of these buildings could make them a model for future High-rise projects.

In Chicago, Suburbs Becoming More Liberal
Chicago suburban residents were long more conservative than the average Illinois voter but, over the last two decades, that has changed.

Call for Guardrails on Trucks to Protect Bike Riders
John Greenfield's Op-Ed calls for legislation to mandate safety guards on trucks operating in the city of Chicago.
High Hopes for New Developments in the Chicago Neighborhood of Englewood
Chicago's Englewood neighborhood recently saw the opening of a Whole Foods, Starbucks, and other retailers in a bit of a good news, for a neighborhood that's challenged by low employment and high violence.

Commercial Vehicles Are No Match for Bike Safety
All six bicyclists killed in Chicago this year had something in common: commercial vehicles. Still missing from the discussion: what to do about it.

A Clever Way to End Cigarette Litter
Chicago smokers will soon be able to vote on matters of pop culture importance with their butts.

Unable or Unwilling to Hike Gas Taxes, Illinois and New Jersey Go to Voters
However, neither state will ask voters to increase the gas tax. Instead, they ask voters to assure that gas tax and other transportation-derived revenues are spent on transportation. Neither state has raised the tax in over 25 years.

Lessons of Housing Desegregation—From the 1960s to Today
The New York Times mines historic footage and current research for perspective on the effects of housing segregation.

The Business of Maintaining and Expanding Chicago's Bike Infrastructure
The Chicago Department of Transportation is busy with bike infrastructure projects around the city. Steven Vance updates the latest.
Pagination
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.
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NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service