Urban Development
![Multi-Family Housing](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/shutterstock_1495717133.jpg.webp?itok=ssF7N1EF)
Lack of Multi-Family Zones Contributes to Nashville’s High Housing Costs, Study Says
Nashville and surrounding communities allow for a relatively small amount of multi-family housing, according to a new zoning atlas of Middle Tennessee. A regionally focused nonprofit is using the atlas to push for zoning reforms.
![View of busy street at night with full moon in background in Stockholm, Sweden](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_283388033.jpeg.webp?itok=wrf19A94)
The Rise of the ‘Night Mayor’
More cities are acknowledging the unique role of nighttime activities in urban life and the need for special ‘night governance.’
![Aerial view of historic Oxford, England street with old buildings and red double-decker bus](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_135015816.jpeg.webp?itok=Kyx41QhK)
When Planning Issues Become ‘Culture Wars’
‘Commonsense’ urbanism projects are being painted by opponents as sinister plots to limit movement and erode property rights.
![Aerial view of scorched forest area in Round Mountain, central Texas](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_550461115.jpeg.webp?itok=cD0bKGIq)
As Central Texas Population Grows, So Does Fire Risk
Sprawl in and around Austin is contributing to growing wildfire risks, and local officials worry about a lack of public awareness of the issue.
![Urban sidewalk shaded by large mature trees](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_348367409.jpeg.webp?itok=XVXhTBxV)
Cool Walkability Planning
Shadeways (covered sidewalks) and pedways (enclosed, climate controlled walkways) can provide comfortable walkability in hot climates. The Cool Walkshed Index can help plan these facilities.
![Nighttime view of U.S. Capitol and blurred traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_205296951.jpeg.webp?itok=MS5M5sXm)
D.C. Residents Fight Light Pollution
New LED lighting has raised concerns about the health and environmental impacts of excessive or harsh lighting.
![Houston Texas](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/shutterstock_465068648.jpg.webp?itok=LyvtE6KJ)
Houston’s Future Hinges on Regional Cooperation
A movement to change how the regional planning council operates could give the city of Houston more power in decisionmaking.
![Close-up photo of Megan Kimble against blurry green background with title "A journalist's take on planning"](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/image0-1.png.webp?itok=Ly7GW1ro)
Through the Eyes of a Journalist: Megan Kimble Reflects on Covering Food Systems, Zoning Changes, and Highway Projects in the Southwest
Kimble’s interest in topics related to urban planning spawned from research and writing about food systems in the borderlands of Arizona. She then moved to Austin in the midst of the city’s update of its Land Development Code.
![Aerial view of 238 freeway in Oakland, California cutting through neighborhood with small houses](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_276033228.jpeg.webp?itok=qIK48vSY)
The Limitations of ‘Reconnecting Communities’
The Biden administration has pledged to correct the damage imposed on communities by highways and infrastructure, but many projects are only committing to minor improvements, not transformative changes.
![View down Pennsylvania Avenue with U.S. capitol in background and bike lane in middle of street](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_381123047.jpeg.webp?itok=47IUV3Np)
Opinion: Downtown D.C. Recovery Requires More Inclusive Planning
To meet its climate goals and revitalize its downtown core, the District must expand its transit and urban amenities to meet the needs of a wider variety of people.
![Colorful high-saturation view of downtown Houston, Texas with pink and blue dusk sky](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/shutterstock_1047875437.jpg.webp?itok=DBxex62S)
Transforming Downtowns Into Functional Neighborhoods
Rather than ‘monofunctional’ business districts or urban playgrounds, American downtown districts could become multipurpose neighborhoods.
![Aerial view of Missoula, Montana](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_84176395.jpeg.webp?itok=7GJHOmQj)
Montana Governor Signs Zoning Reform Bills
Four bills that target housing production promise to streamline permitting processes, reform ADU regulations, and loosen zoning restrictions in commercially zoned areas.
![View of Colorado River winding through canyon in red rock cliffs against lightly cloudy blue sky](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_250466408.jpeg.webp?itok=OFFl88F2)
Lower Basin States Closer to Agreement on Colorado River
After a year of contentious negotiations, Western states dependent on the river’s water supply are nearing a deal that would reduce water use significantly over the next three years.
![Aerial view of single-family homes in Houston suburb with setting sun in background](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_220770635.jpeg.webp?itok=A9y9bMta)
Census: Texas Home to Fastest-Growing Cities
Census Bureau data reveals strong growth in large and small Texas cities, while major metros continue to draw residents.
![Otay Mesa Port of Entry building at U.S.-Mexico border](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/Otay_Mesa_Port_of_Entry.jpg.webp?itok=-5bGzRsk)
San Diego Region Plans for Rail Expansion, New Border Crossing, More Bike Lanes
The budget proposed by the San Diego Association of Governments focuses on a new port of entry, expansion of the regional bikeway system, and mitigating coastal erosion.
![Late evening view of downtown Minneapolis skyline with stone bridge in foreground](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_199999320.jpeg.webp?itok=5b1V1bEl)
Minneapolis to Begin Environmental Review in Response to 2040 Plan Lawsuit
After environmental groups sought to stop the city’s ambitious comprehensive plan, Minneapolis is looking for ways to resume its implementation.
![View from street level looking up at high-rise apartment building with multi0floor garage at bottom in Austin, Texas against blue sky](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_569774923.jpeg.webp?itok=PuwrewpQ)
Austin as a Model for Parking Reform
The Texas capital’s new parking law signals a shift in thinking about the relationship between land use, transportation, and housing affordability.
![A picture of the Vermont State Capitol building with fall colors on display on trees in the background.](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/Vermont-State-Capitol.jpeg.webp?itok=jy5NC4QX)
Vermont Next State in Line to End Single-Family Zoning, Ease Parking Requirements
Both houses in the Vermont Legislature have approved legislation to preempt local land use regulations by rescinding single-family zoning and easing parking requirements throughout the state.
![Pastoral landscape painting by Thomas Cole depicting pre-colonized idyllic scene](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/Cole_Thomas_The_Course_of_Empire_The_Savage_State_1836.jpg.webp?itok=LjChvxt3)
Planning for a Post-Climate World
A series of 19th century paintings that illustrates the rise and fall of empire highlights the limits of growth.
![Ellis Island is shown across the water of the New York Harbor.](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/Ellis-Island.jpeg.webp?itok=8QVW-MHC)
New York Suspends Land Use Reviews for Shelters
The Adams administration in New York City will relax the review process for homeless shelters to create new space for arriving asylum seekers.
Pagination
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
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