Austin

Trailer Park

How Mobile Homes Fill a 'Critical Gap' in Affordable Housing

Cities across America have a housing crisis on their hands—should they be talking more about trailer parks?

April 27, 2018 - CityLab

Fire Escape

10 U.S. Cities Launch Anti-Displacement Network

More than half of American tenants are rent-burdened, putting them at risk of displacement. A national collaboration with PolicyLink hopes to help.

April 22, 2018 - Curbed

Texas

Austin's CapMetro Releases Plan for Expanded Transit Options

CapMetro's plan calls for high-capacity transit but does not specify whether that will mean a train or bus rapid transit.

April 18, 2018 - The Daily Texan

Dockless Scooters

Dockless Scooters Leapfrogging the Bikeshare Industry

A columnist in Austin is reminded of the early days of ride hailing companies. How did that work out for taxis?

April 16, 2018 - Austin American-Statesman

Homeless Person

Austin Proposes Using Blockchain Technology to Help Its Homeless

The city wants to give its 7,000 citizens without permanent homes "[u]nique digital identifiers" to help them get reliable access to services.

March 5, 2018 - Quartz

500 Kirkham Street

Both Sides of the Parking Spectrum

Examples from California and Texas exemplify two extremes in thinking about parking.

February 26, 2018 - Socket Site

Vota Latino

Hispanic Families Left Behind in the Central Texas Boom

A new report shows the need for Central Texas counties and cities to invest in their Latino populations.

February 15, 2018 - KUT

Sixth Street, Austin

Catch Up With Austin's CodeNEXT

CodeNEXT is one of the most ambitious, and controversial, zoning reform projects ongoing in the country, with lessons to offer planners all over the country in code writing, public outreach, and planning outcomes.

February 8, 2018 - CodeNEXT

HOPE Outdoor Gallery

Death Warrant Signed for Austin's Graffiti Park

The Hope Outdoor Galley, as Graffiti Park is officially known, will relocate to a decidedly less central location.

January 31, 2018 - Community Impact Newspaper

North Shoal Creek

Critiquing Austin's North Shoal Creek Neighborhood Plan

A local resident reviews an important new neighborhood plan in Austin from a pro-development and livability perspective.

January 21, 2018 - Austin On Your Feet

Houston

A Look at Houston's Demographic Future

Using the Urban Institute's Mapping America's Futures tool, the Kinder Institute overviews likely racial demographics in Texas and elsewhere by 2030.

January 5, 2018 - The Urban Edge

Uber Lyft Departure

An Uber-Lyft Duopoly Could Benefit Customers

As monopolies, especially local ones, loom in some other industries, Uber's predominance has been slipping. Will a duopoly between Uber and Lyft be enough to ensure quality ride-hailing?

December 23, 2017 - City Observatory

Texas State Capitol building

Huge Toll Lane Setback in Texas

In a landmark, unanimous vote, the Texas Transportation Commission eliminated all 15 express lane projects from their 10-year capital plan despite pleas from Austin area officials to retain the $8 billion, I-35 project that includes four toll lanes.

December 19, 2017 - Austin American-Statesman

Austin, Texas

Austin Pitches Splashy New Sports and Entertainment District

A new sports and entertainment district in East Austin, the former site of the Travis County Exposition Center, has attracted starchitect design talent and is likely to run up a world-class price tag.

December 9, 2017 - Austin American-Statesman

Tiny Home Village for the Homeless to Expand in Austin

Political support and a new capital campaign are helping to expand the tiny home concept as a solution to homelessness in Austin, Texas.

November 16, 2017 - Curbed Austin

Texas Freeway

$8 Billion Transportation Vision for Austin: Three-Level Freeway, Tollway

Interstate 35 through Central Austin would be transformed into a three-level roadway wIth toll lanes in the middle, according to an 8.1 billion vision proposed by TxDOT.

November 2, 2017 - Austin American-Statesman

E-470 Toll

New Texas Express Lanes Pricey but Popular

In a series of articles by Austin-based KXAN-TV, reporters examine the new MoPac Express Lane, now in full operation more than two years behind schedule. Despite significant construction setbacks, the congestion-priced lanes are well-used.

November 1, 2017 - KXAN

Columbus Crew

Major League Soccer Team Playing Austin Against Columbus for a New Stadium Deal

The Columbus Crew could become Austin FC if a new stadium doesn't materialize in Ohio's capital city.

October 18, 2017 - USA Today

Texas State Capital

Texas Bill Would Immunize Property Rights From Zoning Code Changes

The Texas Legislature and executive branch is continuing to wage a battle against local control, this time pursuing a land use law that would undermine zoning code changes, such as the current CodeNEXT process in Austin.

July 25, 2017 - Austin American-Statesman

Austin Neighborhood Objects to Proposed Transect Zone

The CodeNext project of updating the city of Austin's zoning code and land use policies has faced a controversial and protracted period of public scrutiny. The Allandale neighborhood provides a case study.

July 19, 2017 - Austin American-Statesman

Top Books

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Top Apps

Planning apps for a brave new world.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

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.