Planning
Planning is an essential function of local and state government agencies, involving the strategic development of policies and initiatives that shape the growth and sustainability of communities. Effective planning covers a wide range of areas, including land use, transportation, and environmental impact, ensuring that development aligns with the region’s long-term goals. This directory offers articles on planning and related topics like Zoning, which explores the regulations that govern land use and development to create orderly and beneficial urban and rural environments.
Are connected roads the answer to the country’s infrastructure problem? With integrated technology, these smart streets may be able to pay for themselves.
Federal TIGER funding seals Mobile’s downtown reconstruction plans, with complete streets featuring a bike lane, narrower roadways and crosswalks.
Smart Growth America wants to remind cities about the importance of developing walkable neighborhoods in their climate action plans
A landmark ruling by the Supreme Court for a Wyoming landowner potentially threatens municipal abilities to convert unused railways and trails into bike/walk friendly trails. Details of the case and its impact on you inside
A number of important ideas and practices were shared at the recent ICIC Economic Summit. We focus on the three main strategies efficient cities are using to develop urban neighborhoods.
Efforts to cull red tape from over-regulation of development is leading to expedited permitting and new tax-increment financing strategies. We cover projects in East Providence, RI and Crestview, FL.
Lakewood, NJ, is facing a doubling of its 100k population in the next two decades. How will it deal with infrastructure, sustainability, open space and transportation? Read the report inside
A survey of housing options in Boise showed new residents willing to pay 12.5 percent more to live in walkable proximity to schools, parks and restaurants.
What is an LID and how can it your city use it to help finance community projects? Read how Wenatchee, WA and other municipalities are utilizing them
At your disposal are three new technologies your city can utilize at no cost. Impacting planning, purchasing and economic development, these open source tools were recently provided seed funding by the Knight Foundation. Read on for details
NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service recently awarded three cities for innovative zoning for accessory dwelling units (ADU). What’s an ADU and why is this important? Read inside to learn how an aging population and your city or town is impacted
As the redevelopment of Treasure Island begins, sustainability is the action word to describe how residential and commercial projects will move forward on this former naval air base in between SF and Oakland. Details on how artificial wetlands, water treatment and renewable energy are front and center
Your budget decisions can enhance developments and simultaneously reduce expenditures. Coincidentally, one-third of your budget is directly impacted by growth strategies. Details on how cities are moving forward in this area
Montevallo, AL, population just north of 6,000, is working with the local university to make its downtown area more consumer friendly. A major component of the program is the reduction of cars in the downtown promenade with a goal of promoting bike usage through a bike sharing program. Read on for details of this small community with big city vision
New design guidelines in Chicago will force any future city projects to take pedestrian and commuter safety into consideration. The new planning models take into consideration population, congestion points, “complete streets” and optimal land use. Read inside for how your city or town can integrate aspects of this plan
Two new studies are helping to explain how zoning can actively play a role in creating safe communities. We summarize and provide links to details including how adding residential housing to commercial areas can dramatically reduce crime
In an effort to boost sagging downtown retail businesses and simultaneously offer city residents more options for shopping, the city of Pittsburgh, PA, is launching a new revitalization effort. Read on to see the city’s plan, details on engaging stakeholders and more.
What happens when smart city officials team up with intelligent business owners to re-energize a downtown area? This story on Grand Rapids, MI, and its efforts to pursue a multi-purpose food “Market” presents an interesting approach. Read inside for details including how a feasibility study drove the process.
Goleta, CA, population 30,000, recently announced it would rebate 50 percent of land use fees to developers who build under a new “Green Building Code” meant to lower energy costs and water use as well as improving air quality. Details of how the city utilized state frameworks, will implement the program and guidelines for you to follow.
