Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Leads the Largest Cities in America for Bicycle Mode Share
A new report from The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia shows that Philadelphia's bicycle mode share is more than double that of Chicago's (the big city with the second-greatest share).
Philadelphia Goes Porous
Philadelphia's water department has opened its first street made of porous pavement, which will help city streets safer by absorbing rain water.
Crowdsourcing Street Trees
A new online tool uses the power of crowdsourcing to "map, inventory, and preserve the Philadelphia urban forest."
Philadelphia Housing Authority Forced To Step Aside For HUD
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will take on the responsibilities of the Philadelphia agency for at least one year, after revelations of profligate spending led to the termination of the former Executive Director.
The Trouble with Radioactive Water
Grist delves into the responses and repercussions of a recent New York Times story about contaminated water in Pittsburgh caused by a method of extracting natural gas known as hydraulic fracturing or fracking.
Levi's Boosts Braddock's "Do it Yourself" Revitalization Efforts
The New York Times profiles Braddock Pennsylvania's Mayor John Fetterman, who has practiced a wide range of revitalization strategies to bring his town back from the brink.
Planning a Future for Pittsburgh's Riverfront
The city of Pittsburgh has released a new plan focusing on revitalizing the Allegheny Riverfront, with proposed new housing, retail and public spaces.
Updating and Improving Philadelphia's Downtown Plazas
Three public plazas in the center of Philadelphia are set to see much-needed makeovers, and soon.
The Broken Teeth of Philadelphia
David Gouverneur, urban designer and Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture at PennDesign, says mending the urban fabric of his city is a bit like acupressure: you put the pressure in certain key places to mend the whole.
Pittsburgh's First Comprehensive Plan, 252 Years Later
The city of Pittsburgh is making progress on its first comprehensive plan. Next American City talks with Director of City Planning Noor Ismail about its process and potential impact.
The Best "Chains on Main"
The Commercial District Advisor and LISC have selected five businesses as "The Best Chains on Main", recognizing their commitment to economic revitalization and dedication to improving their communities.
The Year of the Small
Critic Inga Saffron says that the interesting architecture and urban design is happening on the small scale: small parks, small houses and small plans.
The Conflicting Needs of Tourists and Residents
A new Independence Mall stands in the historic heart of Philadelphia, a decade after the old mall's demolition. According to The Inquirer's Inga Saffron, the new space has been a major boon for tourists but has alienated many city residents.
Philadelphia Plans to Green 500 Acres by 2015
Today Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced the ambitious 'Green 2015' plan to turn approximately 500 acres of city land into public green space over the next five years, with a focus on bringing parks to currently underserved communities.
Property Taxes Discourage Density
Local property taxes are often levied disproportionately on multifamily developers, resulting in higher taxes for apartment-dwellers, says Stephen Smith.
TIGER Funding Spurs Transit Plaza and Park in Philadelphia
Flush with federal grants, a new transit plaza and park is set to pop up in Philadelphia.
Quantifying the Impact of Abandoned Properties in Philly
A new study suggests that Philadelphia's 40,000 vacant buildings reduce home values by as much as $8,000 and cost the city $20 million per year in maintenance.
Pittsburgh: The City That Bounced Back
Pittsburgh is the new poster child for recovery, the city that managed to turn around its economic struggles. Ben Schulman digs in to figure out if how the myth meets reality.
Cash-Strapped Township Puts Bridge Up For Sale to Public
The Pennsylvanian township of Upper Salford is auctioning off a 35-year-old wooden bridge to the highest bidder through an online forum, the latest creative solution for cash-strapped local governments seeking to clean up expensive local problems.
Recession Chic in Braddock, PA
Braddock has become the poster child for a sort of bootstrap revitalization - an attitude that Levi's wants to rub off on their jeans. In exchange for using Braddock as a brand enhancer, the company built Braddock a community center.
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
