Innovation
‘Moonshot’ Infrastructure Program Aims to Fund Transformative Ideas
A new federal program hopes to replicate the success of DARPA by developing ambitious infrastructure projects with government funding.
Despite Covid, Planners Expect Return to 'Old Normal,' Survey Says
Although the survey collects data from a small sample, it looks like North American planners don't expect the pandemic to change much about the way cities are planned.
Planning for New Mobilities: Preparing for Innovative Transportation Technologies and Services
New mobilities—emerging transportation technologies and services—have tantalizing potential. They allow people to scoot, ride, and fly like never before. However, they can also impose surprising problems. How should communities prepare?
Lessons From the Great Recession
Professionals working in the built and natural environments have been through tough times before. A recent webinar offered a few prominent urban designers a chance to discuss how they coped with the last big economic downturn.
Technology Might Not Save Us
In the absence of more enlightened policies, technological change is as likely to increase pollution as to decrease pollution.
Co-Working Spaces Fill Opportunity Zone Developments
Developers are working to attract tenants to co-working spaces, in a relationship that they say benefits companies as well as surrounding communities.
2019 Already a Big Year For 'Smart City' Evolution
While 2019 doesn’t scream smart city revolution, we are seeing signs of significant smart city evolution.
Asking for Forgiveness
In the age of new technology, is it better to ask for forgiveness, or beg for permission? Austin Brown and Kelly Fleming of UC Davis explore why companies have taken this approach and how policymakers and business leaders can improve the situation.
Mobility Plans and Dynamic Planning
A new survey by Governing and living Cities examines what it takes for cities to innovate.
Somerville Launches 'Urban Lab' for Innovation
The city seeks to incubate creative ideas in the public interest.
9 Transportation Innovations from U.S. Cities
Curbed surveys the nation for cities leading the push toward more sustainable, equitable, and effective transportation systems.
5 Ways Tech Is Changing U.S. Cities
A new era of civic-minded, urbanism-focused technology is here.
Author Discusses 'The New Localism: How Cities Can Thrive in the Age of Populism'
An interview with Jeremy Nowak about how he thinks the new localism will shape 21st century urban places in an environment of municipal fiscal distress.
Los Angeles Investing in a Transit-Oriented Olympics
Ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games, Los Angeles is rallying around infrastructure buildout and technological advancement.
Report: How Pittsburgh Can Boost Its 'Innovation Economy'
A team of researchers at Brookings suggests ways for Pittsburgh to lock in its status as a hub of the next economy, leaving all talk of the "Rust Belt" behind.
Behind Some of History's Most Powerful Urban Innovations
A series of pieces from Sidewalk Labs examines the history and context of vital urban "innovations." So far, elevators, sewers, and traffic signals have been covered.
The Incredible Story of Frances Gabe and Her Self-Cleaning Home
The New York Times pays tribute to an American inventor, builder, and feminist who, more than anything, hated housework.
In a Perfect World, Maintenance Is the Coolest Trend in Infrastructure
The New York Times opinion section includes a call for society, politicians, and business leaders to recognize the importance of maintenance.
Smart Cities: High Costs, High Potential
Over the next two decades, bold estimates have local governments around the world spending over $41 trillion on "smart cities." But what are smart cities, and how do we measure return on investment?
The Days of 'Uber-for-X' May Be Over
On-demand laundry service Washio is only the most recent "Uber-for-X" startup to shut down.
Placer County
City of Morganton
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Dongguan Binhaiwan Bay Area Management Committee
City of Waukesha, WI
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Indiana Borough
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.
