Land Use
Vancouver Poised to Increase Residential Zoning
The city council will vote on a proposal to eliminate single-family only zoning in favor of rules that would allow up to six units per residential lot.
Expanding Chicago TOD Zones Could Boost Transit Ridership
Data indicates broadening the definition of transit-oriented zones to include more of the city would put housing within easy reach of transit for more residents and increase ridership.
Austin Could Reduce Minimum Lot Sizes
In an effort to increase housing production and bring down housing costs, the city council approved a resolution calling for reduced lot sizes and higher density in single-family neighborhoods.
Hawaii Governor Wipes Away Regulatory Barriers to Housing With the Stroke of a Pen
The governor of Hawaii is using emergency powers to remove barriers to housing construction.
L.A. Freeway Expansion to Move Ahead, Sans Displacement
The 605 freeway expansion project was expected to demolish hundreds of homes and multifamily buildings.
Gainesville in Final Discussions on Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance
A see-saw battle over land use and housing policy continues in the city of Gainesville.
Phoenix Could Ease Parking Requirements to Support Transit, Affordable Housing
In addition to lower citywide parking requirements on residential properties, a proposed law in Phoenix would lower minimum parking requirements even further for affordable housing developments near the city’s light rail system.
Land Use Changes Could Improve Walkability Along Bus Rapid Transit Corridor in Denver
Denver councilmembers are proposing an overhaul of land use regulations along a long stretch of East Colfax Avenue—the route of a planned Bus Rapid Transit line expected to open in 2026.
The Double-Edged Sword of ‘Healthfields’
Building hospitals and other health-oriented facilities on former brownfield sites can benefit the community, but can also perpetuate historic inequities and exploit undervalued land at the expense of local residents.
New Plans for Palo Alto: Updated Zoning and 6,000 Housing Units
The city of Palo Alto, a city central to the geographic and economic might of Silicon Valley, is planning a significant overhaul to its plans for the future, making space for over 6,000 new housing units in the next eight years.
National Zoning Atlas Makes Headway
The project aims to bring zoning data from around the country into one database, making it easier for planners and researchers to compare policies and their impacts.
Public Lands in the United States, Part Two: The Conservation Turn and ‘America’s Best Idea’
As Western expansion reached its geographic terminus, the U.S. government began tightening rules around land use and designating protected areas such as national parks and wilderness areas, often displacing local Native Americans in favor of a Wester
New Public Hearing Requirements Delay Completion of Reston’s New Comprehensive Plan
One of the country’s most prominent master-planned communities has spent several years working on an a comprehensive plan update. The plan will have to wait a little longer as the Fairfax County, Virginia community adjusts to new state laws.
ADU Demand Grows Across the West Coast
In communities from California to Washington, permit applications for accessory dwelling units outpace the ability of permitting and construction to keep pace.
‘Divided by Design’ Underscores Inequities in Transportation Policy
The report calls for a wholesale overhaul of U.S. transportation policy to redress the damages caused by decades of auto-centric development.
San Francisco’s Tunnel Tops Gets Family-Oriented Expansion
Unlike its flashier, selfie-friendly neighbor, the new Outpost Meadow is designed to provide comfortable space for locals.
Midtown Master Plan Envisions More Walkable Missoula
The plan envisions safer, more walkable streets, more affordable housing, and improved opportunities for small businesses.
Zoning Reform Proposed in Austin
Proposed changes would create more room for mid-density housing and shift away from single-family homes on large lots.
Car-Free Montreal Street Hailed as Success
A summer pedestrianization project is widely popular with residents and local businesses.
New Research Blames Affluent Suburbs for Housing Crisis
Small, often wealthy enclaves build far less multifamily housing than their larger counterparts, exacerbating the dearth of affordable housing near big cities and job centers.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
