Chicago

Accessory Dwelling Unit

Mayor Lightfoot Expected to Push for Legal Coach Houses in Chicago

Mayor Lori Lightfoot is expected to introduce legislation that would relax zoning restrictions on coach houses, known widely as accessory dwelling units, in the city of Chicago.

March 19, 2020 - Chicago Sun-Times

Bus Priority Zones

Camera Enforcement of Bus Lane Scofflaws Proposed in Chicago

A new level of enforcement would keep bus lanes clear in Chicago.

March 19, 2020 - Chicago Sun-Times

People on Bikes and Pedestrians

Bikes Gain Popularity as People Ditch Subways and Buses

Bike counts and bike share rides are increasing in two of the country's largest cities as commuters look for transportation modes that allow for physical distancing.

March 18, 2020 - The New York Times

Amazon Fulfillment Center

The Architectural Glory of Historic Warehouses

Chicago warehouses were once built with architectural flair, but today’s industrial structures don’t come close.

March 15, 2020 - Chicago Tribune

Chicago Spire

Two Skyline Changing Apartment Towers Proposed to Rise on the Site of Chicago's Failed Spire

An infamous site has new development life after developers returned to the public with a revised project proposal.

March 12, 2020 - Chicago Tribune

Chicago, Illinois

National Shared Mobility Summit Cancelled Due to Coronavirus Fears

Planning conferences are among the events experiencing the effects of Coronavirus mitigation measures.

March 10, 2020 - Chicago Tribune

Basement Apartment

Illinois Could Force Statewide Legislation of Accessory Dwelling Units

State legislation would preempt local governments that block the construction of accessory dwelling units, known locally as coach houses, to increase the supply of affordable housing options in the state.

March 5, 2020 - Crain's Chicago Business

The Windy City

No Slowdown of Out-Migration of Black Residents from Chicago

The city of Chicago continues to see a decline in population, including tens of thousands of African-Americans who have left in recent years.

March 4, 2020 - The New York Times

Kids Biking

LeBron James Wants Kids to Bike

The NBA star says bikes have played an important role in his life, and he wants young people to have the same access and freedom that biking gave him.

March 2, 2020 - Outside

CTA Bus

Chicago to Pilot All-Door Bus Boarding

Chicago is late to the game on all-door bus boarding, but that will change this summer.

February 25, 2020 - Chicago Tribune

Rock Island Line

Opinion: Improved Commuter Rail Services Would Better Serve Chicago’s South Side Residents

The city’s South Side residents need more transit options, but an extension of the Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line would be a costly and less effective alternative.

February 23, 2020 - Chicago Tribune

Goose Island Chicago

Residential Development Proposed for Chicago’s Goose Island

A plan for the riverfront property would bring thousands of housing units to the historically industrial area.

February 17, 2020 - Chicago Tribune

Chicago, Illinois

Tax Increment Financing Reforms Promised by Chicago Mayor Lightfoot

The controversial tax break known as TIF looks headed for reforms in the Windy City, as Mayor Lori Lightfoot promises reforms that ensure more equitable application of the benefits of TIF.

February 11, 2020 - Chicago Tribune

Chicago

The Impact of Segregation and Disinvestment on Chicago's Black Population

The city is losing black residents, but those who stay are relocating to parts of the city with less transportation access and opportunities.

February 7, 2020 - Streetsblog Chicago

Bloomingdale Trail

Extension Planned for The 606 Takes Crucial Step Forward

Plans to extend The 606 bike and pedestrian path north to the planned Lincoln Yards mega-development project recently took a crucial step forward.

January 28, 2020 - Chicago Tribune

LaSalle Street Chicago

Chicago Financial District Doesn't Need a N.Y.C. High Line

An elevated walkway along Chicago’s LaSalle Street would not foster the vibrant street life that proponents envision.

January 15, 2020 - Chicago Tribune

Southside Chicago

Proposed $20 Billion Chicago Megaproject Gets Reprieve

The 34-acre One Central project still faces opposition, but an extension on a federal loan application could give it a much-needed boost.

January 6, 2020 - The Real Deal

Nighttime Skyline

LEDs, Downward Lights Changing the Night in Chicago

The nighttime illumination of Chicago is almost finished with a complete overhaul of its streetlights, producing a dramatic effect in the nighttime environment of the city.

January 3, 2020 - Chicago Tribune

Chicago

Chicago Planning Commissioner Focuses on Disinvested Neighborhoods

A new initiative seeks to bring investment dollars to Chicago communities that for decades have suffered from the loss of wealth and population.

December 29, 2019 - Next City

Hyperloop

Experts: Great Lakes Hyperloop Study Full of Dubious Claims

About that Hyperloop report…

December 20, 2019 - Jalopnik

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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

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Planning for Universal Design

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