Codes

Form-based codes and guidelines

Why cities are unaffordable

Cities and towns would do better to focus on more effective regulations and find ways to make them as streamlined as possible.

Big Apple takes proactive zoning approach

New York City was the first US city to adopt zoning — in 1916. Now the city is taking the lead in making zoning a proactive tool for livability, says this report.

Regulations that promote sprawl are ebbing

The overall trend is toward a more place-based, character-based legal environment, according to one of the authors of the Codes Study.

Posted by Robert Steuteville on 20 Jan 2012

As funds vanish, New England looks at how to pursue sustainability

Boosting the proportion of development along transit networks is one goal of smart growth advocates in the region.

Posted by Philip Langdon on 05 Dec 2011

Shape public space first, then design the buildings

New York should learn from the Dutch, who have urban designers organize sites for the public good before the architects are called in.

Opportunity for urbanists: Occupy Wall Street

There’s tremendous capital waiting to be invested in urban real estate, but capital funds managers face a gap in experience and expertise.

Posted by Robert Steuteville on 01 Dec 2011

Renewable Natural Resources Foundation honors LEED-ND

CNU, NRDC, and USGBC receive Outstanding Achievement Award

Posted by Robert Steuteville on 01 Dec 2011

Urbanism blossoming near Georgia university

A Mercer University initiative, with aid from the Knight Foundation, and a class trip to confer with Richard Florida result in “The Lofts at Mercer Village.”

Posted by Robert Steuteville on 28 Nov 2011

2011 Sustainable Communities grants announced

Less than a week after the innovative HUD grants program was eliminated, the 2011 recipients are announced.

Posted by Robert Steuteville on 21 Nov 2011

A 'slow growth' county shifts to smart growth

Montgomery County, Maryland, will try to encourage mixed-use development—urbanizing parts of what has been a predominantly suburban jurisdiction.

Posted by Philip Langdon on 15 Nov 2011