Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Law Removes Obstacles to Blight Reduction
“We don’t need every old coal miner’s house” to stay standing, says Sen. David Argall (R-Schuylkill).
A Small Town Makes its First Zoning Update Since 1997
Mixed-use development and a floodplain overlay are the big-ticket items when the small community of Akron Borough in Pennsylvania recently updated its zoning code.
!["I [heart] Philadelphia" sign in front of fountain with city hall building in background](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_514479381_Editorial_Use_Only.jpeg.webp?itok=3o9OsQs9)
Philadelphia’s City Center Rates Highly for Transit, Walkability
While not all parts of the city are equally accessible, its central district boasts one of the nation’s densest transit networks and high ridership rates.
The Effort to Plug Pennsylvania’s Abandoned Oil Wells
Hundreds of thousands of defunct oil wells litter the state, leaking dangerous substances and often hidden under parking lots, buildings, or covered over by vegetation.
Philly Bus Cameras Catch Over 20,000 Bus Lane Violations
A pilot program revealed roughly 4,000 instances of vehicles blocking bus lanes or bus stops every week.
Master Plan Envisions New Neighborhood Around Philly’s 30th Street Station
A partnership led by Amtrak plans to redevelop the area around a historic train station with mixed-use buildings, cultural amenities, and open space.
Pittsburgh Aims for Equitable Mobility
A two-year pilot program aims to provide an integrated, multimodal, and affordable transportation system across the city combining transit, bikes, e-scooters, and other options.
Examining Philadelphia’s Zoning Overlay Districts
A decades-old policy allowing hyperlocal zoning exemptions and restrictions creates a confusing patchwork of zoning regulations across the city.
SEPTA Launches On-Demand Transit
The service will expand SEPTA bus service to the Philadelphia suburbs.
Philadelphia Mayor Hopefuls Want More Affordable Housing on Vacant Lots
Many of the candidates agree that a slow, complex sales process and strong councilmanic prerogative hinder the development of city-owned lots.
SEPTA’s Strategy for Easing Its Staffing Shortage
The agency is taking multiple steps to recruit and retain more transit operators, but it likely won’t be enough to prevent the agency from having to cut service on some of its bus lines.
Pittsburgh Developers Push Back on Zoning Review Fees
An increase in fees for commercial construction projects is raising concerns from local developers who say the industry already faces rising costs to build in the city.
‘Bus Revolution’ Revised in Philadelphia
The bus system redesign underway in Philadelphia changed direction after riders and local politicians complained about an initial draft plan.
Philadelphia ‘Lights Out Pledge’ Seeks To Prevent Bird Deaths
Migratory birds are often lured away from their normal paths by the bright lights of cities, with deadly results.
Pittsburgh Moves Ahead With Zoning Changes for University-Adjacent Neighborhood
The implementation of a new master plan for the neighborhood of Oakland, home to the University of Pittsburgh, is moving forward despite controversy and a contentious community engagement process.
Pittsburgh Adaptive Reuse Program Accepting Applications
The city has issued a request for proposals to support projects converting downtown office buildings to affordable housing.
The Bicycle as Economic Lifeline
For many low-income households, bikes offer an affordable way to access more destinations and economic opportunities.
SEPTA To Install Arrival Clocks
The digital displays will finally let riders know when the next train is coming.
Digging Into SEPTA’s Problems
Philadelphia’s transit agency faces some structural challenges as it struggles to reorganize its services and bring back ridership.
New Philadelphia Outdoor Dining Laws Exclude Most Restaurants
Restaurant owners argue that new requirements for the city’s permanent outdoor dining program are practically impossible for most of them to meet.
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
