Density

New York's Economy Is Going Strong. Can it Build Fast Enough to Keep Up?

If Brooklyn keeps up the pace of current growth, it could pass Chicago in population in the next few years.

September 18, 2018 - Curbed NY

Massachusetts

The History of the Failed 'Housing Choice' Bill in Massachusetts

The House Choice bill, supported by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, failed to earn approval from the State Legislature this year.

September 11, 2018 - WBUR

Oakwood Modernist House

Raleigh Could Legalize Accessory Dwelling Units—With Lots of Strings Attached

Residents in parts of Raleigh would be allowed to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their property, if a majority of their neighbors approve the idea.

September 6, 2018 - The News & Observer

Pedestrians and Walkable Street

Walkable Suburbia

It's not impossible to reshape the suburbs to be more walkable, but it does require careful planning and design.

September 6, 2018 - Jason Beske

Vancouver Townhomes

'Making Room Housing Program' Would Allow New Density in Vancouver

Duplexes, rowhouses, and small apartment buildings will be on the zoning menu for "housing choice neighborhoods" around Vancouver, thanks to the city's new "Making Room Housing Program."

August 22, 2018 - Sightline Institute

Twin Cities

City Planning Criticism at a Critical Point in Minneapolis History

A columnist presents criticisms and recommendations for both sides of the density debate as Minneapolis considers a new comprehensive plan.

July 30, 2018 - Star Tribune

Bike Parking

Reducing Cities' Carbon Footprints

There is more than one way for a city to systematically reduce it carbon footprint.

July 25, 2018 - Kayla Matthews

Minneapolis Traffic

Density Battles Looming in Minneapolis

The public comment period for the draft Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan will wrap up soon. City council members are already responding to concerns from singe-family neighborhood residents about the density proposed in the plan.

July 25, 2018 - Star Tribune

The Penninsula

Bay Area City Could Extend Development Restrictions Beyond Their Expiration Date

A signature-gathering campaign has expressed a desire to extend height and density limits in San Mateo.

July 19, 2018 - The Daily Journal

Planning Commission OKs ADUs Citywide in St. Paul

The City Council will still have to approve the likely controversial idea of allowing accessory dwelling units citywide in St. Paul, Minnesota.

July 18, 2018 - Pioneer Press

Washington State Capital

Zoning Changes for the 'Missing Middle' Take a Step Forward in Olympia

Olympia, Washington joins the ranks of cities making new incentives for the creation of missing middle housing.

July 15, 2018 - The Olympian

Twin Cities Assembly Plant

Controversial Green Neighborhood to Rise on Former Auto Plant Site

Plans for a sizable eco-friendly development on the site of St. Paul's Twin Cities Assembly Plant have drawn support from many, including the city's young mayor. But density opponents remain unconvinced.

July 11, 2018 - CityLab

Salt Lake City, Utah

Editorial Board: The Suburbs Need to Make Room for New Residents

Utah has generally made room for single-family homes in the past, but the Salt Lake Tribune thinks its time for new plans as the state faces demographic changes and worsening affordability.

July 3, 2018 - The Salt Lake Tribune

Germany

Learning From Europe: Part 2 (Or, You Can't Have It All)

It is indeed possible to have a city full of low-rise buildings that is still compact enough for excellent transit service—but only if most side streets are used for mid-rise buildings instead of houses.

July 3, 2018 - Michael Lewyn

Expo Line LA Skyline

LA Times: City Council Should Take Responsibility for Lack of Transit Oriented Development

The Los Angeles Times editorial board has strong words for the Los Angeles City Council about planning for transit oriented development.

June 26, 2018 - Los Angeles Times

A California City Approves its First-Ever Apartment Building

A small city in the South Bay Area, south of San Jose, has approved its first multi-family housing project—because state law mandated it.

June 16, 2018 - The Mercury News

Multi-Modal

Learning from Europe

European cities tend to be more walkable and transit-accessible—perhaps because they get the three Ds right (density, diversity, and design).

June 11, 2018 - Michael Lewyn

Pacific Ocean

Post-SB 827, California Addresses Infill and Local Planning

California State Sen. Ben Allen has authored SB 961 to finance optional neighborhood infill TOD districts, with support from fellow legislators. Redondo Beach Mayor Bill Brand is considering an initiative to protect local zoning.

May 27, 2018 - The Planning Report

Accessory Dwelling Unit

Environmental Impact Study Builds the Case for Accessory Dwelling Units in Seattle

Proponents of a new Accessory Dwelling Unit rule in Seattle say the tactics of opponents backfired with this Environmental Impact Study.

May 24, 2018 - Sightline Institute

New York City Greenwich

Bill to Increase Multi-Family FAR Breaks Along Surprising Political Lines in New York

A state bill would allow for higher floor area ratio in New York City, designed to alleviate housing costs in the city, has gained most support from legislators representing areas outside the city.

May 19, 2018 - Crain's New York Business

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.