New York

Pilot Program Will Monitor Car Computers to Fix New York Streets

A pilot program operated by New York's DOT will gather data from 500 city motorists' vehicles in order to find problematic city streets and help drivers reduce their gas use and increase their safety.

September 12, 2013 - The Wall Street Journal

Livable Streets Advocates Are Winners on NYC Primary Day

Bill de Blasio wasn't the only candidate backed by the newly-formed livable streets political action committee StreetsPAC to emerge victorious from Tuesday's primary elections in NYC. 13 of 18 council candidates supported by StreetsPAC won.

September 12, 2013 - Streetsblog

'Once-Lowly' Piece of Infrastructure Honored as a Hero of 9-11

David W. Dunlap recounts how the slurry wall built around the World Trade Center's foundations prevented the devastation to Lower Manhattan from becoming much worse, and "became a symbol of resilience in the months and years after the attack."

September 11, 2013 - The New York Times

What is the Key to Improving New York City's Livability?

The candidates competing to emerge from today's mayoral primary confront a host of challenges that threaten the quality of life in the Big Apple. Five experts identify the issues they believe are key to improving the city's livability.

September 10, 2013 - The New York Times

When Speeding Pays

Speeding is paying-off in the amount of $15 million for Seattle area schools thanks to speed-enforced cameras, a proven but nonetheless controversial traffic safety tool. Revenue will be used to make walking safer under a proposal by Mayor McGinn.

September 9, 2013 - The Seattle Times

"Now or Never" as Developers Clamor for Approvals Before Bloomberg Departs

Apparently the construction boom that's taken place over the last 12 years in New York hasn't quenched developers' appetites to build. Many are pushing to get their projects approved before the development-friendly administration leaves office.

September 9, 2013 - Crain's New York Business

Does NYC Mayoral Front-Runner's Friendliness to Developers Betray His Message?

As New Yorkers prepare to vote in tomorrow's mayoral primaries, Democrat Bill de Blasio's "tale of two cities" critique of the Bloomberg years has resonated with voters. But when it comes to land use, do his policies promise more of the same?

September 9, 2013 - The Wall Street Journal

Bike and Pedestrian Improvements Boost Vehicle Speeds in NYC

New data from New York's Transportation Department shows that although miles of Manhattan street space have been turned over to bikes and pedestrians since 2008, average traffic speeds have actually increased, despite a consistent volume of vehicles.

September 7, 2013 - The New York Times

Citibike 00001 jeh

NYC Mayoral Candidate Positions on Planning Issues

From stop-and-frisk to sugary sodas to popular pedestrian plazas, The New York Times reviews the positions of NYC's candidate pool on the important issues -- many of them planning-related -- facing the Big Apple's next mayor.

September 5, 2013 - The New York Times

What's Behind Bike Share's Skyrocketing Growth?

Earth Policy Institute's bike share charts allow readers to compare bike share programs in the U.S., now numbering 34 with 18,000 bikes. As impressive as it is, a comparison with bike share programs abroad put the numbers in perspective.

September 4, 2013 - Earth Policy Institute

NYC's App Quest Generates Wealth of New Subway App Ideas

New York City's MTA is gearing up to wire all of its subway stations for cellular use, and has released the full list of application concepts created by developers for subway riders. The public can vote now -- what would make your ride better?

September 3, 2013 - WNYC: Transportation Nation

An Argument Against “Skyscraper Phobia” in the Big Apple

Kenneth T. Jackson of the New York Times expresses his opposition to recent density concerns in New York City, which he believes are compromising its future as the world’s greatest city.

September 3, 2013 - The New York Times

Pristine Lake George to be Made a 'Smart Lake' to Monitor Climate Change

New York’s Lake George will soon be wired to more monitoring technology than any other body of water in the world.

August 29, 2013 - Grist

Celebrated Critic's Campaign to Save NY Library Triumphs After She's Gone

In the last column published before her death, pioneering architectural critic Ada Louise Huxtable railed against plans to irreparably alter the New York Public Library. In response to such criticism, the library has altered its plans.

August 29, 2013 - The Wall Street Journal

One Billionaire's Extremely Valuable Hole in the Ground

A valuable lot overlooking the East River in Manhattan has sat vacant for years without a clear indication of whether billionaire Sheldon Solow will follow through on his redevelopment plans.

August 28, 2013 - The New York Times

What subprime crisis? Affordable houses are everywhere.

Micro-Apartments Fill Essential Need

Sarah Watson makes the case for micro-apartments, those controversial 250-350 sq. ft. units that neighbors often oppose but meet a critical need.

August 27, 2013 - The Urbanist

Rendering an Argument: How Illustrations Shape Development Debates

Elizabeth A. Harris looks at how architectural renderings are used to sway opinion on development projects. Such tools aren't unique to our digital age, but have a much longer pedigree.

August 27, 2013 - The New York Times

Janette Sadik-Khan at Manhattan Bridge Archway opening

Janette Sadik-Khan Previews NACTO's Street Design Guide

Janette Sadik-Khan, NYC DOT Commissioner and president of the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), discusses NACTO's mission and forthcoming Street Design Guide: a "permission slip" for cities to change their streets.

August 25, 2013 - Future Cities

Community Benefits Agreement in Brooklyn Draws Criticism from Local Organizations

An agreement between Related Developers and a community organization that has gotten substantial support from an area councilman to support a job training and referral program draws criticism from some groups who feel left out.

August 25, 2013 - City Limits

New York Cycling

Please Use Bike Share, Just Don't Ride Home from the Bar

Cheaper than a cab and more appealing than waiting for a train, Citi Bike has become a popular means of late night travel for New Yorkers. The Times finds the need to point out to overly enthusiastic users that biking while drunk isn't exactly legal.

August 25, 2013 - The New York Times

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.