Pennsylvania
Seeking an Automotive Balance in Philly
The city continues to grapple with the practical implications of local planning legend Edmund Bacon's prescriptions for carless streets.
Will Removing Buses Improve Downtown Pittsburgh?
The Port Authority of Allegheny County is moving forward with plans to remove buses and bus stops from Downtown Pittsburgh in an effort to decrease congestion on the streets and sidewalks. The plan is supported by the presumptive next mayor.
America's First Non-Profit Supermarket Provides a Model for Alleviating Food Deserts
Last weekend a new supermarket opened in Chester, Pennsylvania. But this isn't just another Safeway, Chester's groundbreaking non-profit supermarket could provide a model for areas across the country struggling to attract full-service grocers.
Can a Land Bank Help Dispose of Philadelphia's 40,000 Vacant Properties?
Seeking to stabilize healthy neighborhoods and revitalize others, Philadelphia is planning to establish a land bank to "consolidate its inventory of distressed real estate," reports Jon Hurdle. The plan could become a national model.
Unusual Approach to Public Engagement Produces Exciting Results in Philadelphia
Rather than bringing a powerpoint presentation and ritzy renderings to a meeting with neighborhood residents, developer Omar Blaik brought blank sheets of paper. The result? A process devoid of the usual rancor and a denser design than zoning allows.
Philly Swaps Squad Cars for Foot Patrols
Philadelphia's police force has increased the proportion of police on foot in its most violent neighborhoods. Not everyone likes the new presence, but the change has has achieved remarkable reductions in violent crime.
Pittsburgh's Mayoral Candidate Pitches Light Rail Expansion
The University of Pittsburgh's student newspaper reports on mayoral candidate Bill Peduto's proposal to extend the city's light rail system to connect to Oakland, where three of the city's largest employers (including Pitt) reside.
Steel City Rolls and Strolls to a New Identity
In advance of their annual biking, walking, and placemaking conference, the Project for Public Spaces identifies five elements that the make Pittsburgh a unique destination for 'rolling and strolling'.
Downtown Defrost: Pittsburgh Engages Artists to Warm Up Public Spaces
Keeping public spaces active and attractive during the winter months is a common challenges in cold weather climates. Pittsburgh is seeking ideas from artists to help enliven downtown's Market Square during the depths of winter.
Philly's Ugliest New Building Shows the Folly of Public Subsidies
Philadelphia Inquirer architecture critic Inga Saffron has the knives out for a new hotel built in Center City, calling it the 'worst new architecture' in the city. Worse yet, we all helped pay for such awful design.
Cities Lead a New Push to Reduce Urban Poverty
Recent reports have documented an alarming rise in poverty levels across America. With the federal government cutting funding for social programs serving the poor, cities are stepping into the void by creating anti-poverty centers.
Reputation Renewal: Reconsidering America's Master Builders
Over the last several years, successive books and exhibitions have sought to paint America's midcentury master builders in a new light, by focusing on their accomplishments. What can we learn from the 'post-war planning titans'?
In Replacing Hockey Arena, Pittsburgh's Goal is to Repair Street Grid
When Civic Arena was built in the late 1950's, it severed Pittsburgh's historic Hill District from Downtown, displacing thousands of African American families and businesses. A redevelopment being proposed for the site aims to re-establish the link.
Pa. Budget Passes but Without New Transportation Package
Gov. Tom Corbett's goal of increasing transportation funding was thwarted by political differences in the House. Republicans couldn't agree on lifting the gas tax cap while Democrats wanted more funding for transit. They will try again in the fall.
Westward Ho! Philly Fulfills its Manifest Destiny
With seven high-rise housing projects planned for the area between the western edge of Center City and the University City Science Center, Philadelphia's development axis is bending westward. The city's ed and med sectors are providing the impetus.
In Aftermath of Building Collapse, Philly Mulls Vacant Property Tax
The tragic deaths of six people in last week's downtown building collapse have prompted Philadelphia City Council President Darrell L. Clarke to revive a bill he originally sponsored 13 years ago that would penalize owners of vacant properties.
Fabricating Philadelphia's Industrial Revival
A newly adopted master plan seeks to transform Philadelphia's underperforming industrial belt along the Lower Schuylkill River into a modern manufacturing hub.
Is Philadelphia Building Collapse the City's Fault?
On Wednesday, a four-story building that was being demolished in downtown Philadelphia collapsed on top of a neighboring store, killing one person and injuring several people. According to Inga Saffron, the city bears some responsibility.
What Happens When Student Renters Crowd Out Homeowners?
The growing imbalance of student housing and single family homeowners in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh is affecting the surrounding community. A new master plan seeks to maintain a healthy equilibrium between the housing options.
Pittsburgh Poised to Elect Progressive Urbanist as Mayor
With promises of creating a strong planning department, increasing bicycle mode share, and focusing development around transit, Bill Peduto won Pittsburgh's Democratic mayoral primary this past week. His win is being hailed by urbanists nationwide.
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
