• State of Coronavirus in America, update

    The virus appears to have peaked or plateaued across much of the US, even as New York and other hotspots bear the worst of the crisis.
    At the end of a traumatic and deadly week for the coronavirus, there are signs that the crisis may be easing in large parts of the US. At this time last week, both deaths and cases were rising in every part of the nation—although the northeast was the worst hit by far. Now, cases and deaths appear...Read more

  • Urbanists keep planning through crisis

    Using online tools, urban designers conduct virtual charrettes during the coronavirus crisis. Envisioning the future of a city is a great way for all involved to stay productive and connected to the community.
    The Mullan Neighborhoods Master Plan public design charrette in Missoula, Montana, was scheduled March 23-27, just as the governor was ordering residents to stay home. The charrette went ahead as scheduled—as a virtual, online process—producing plans similar to an in-person event. Other design...Read more

  • How urban places can adapt after the coronavirus

    Walkable communities will continue to be viewed as ideal for live, work, and play—but more responsibility will fall on community planners to accommodate new desires, needs, and expectations.
    For many of us, the time of “sheltering in place” or “staying at home” has become a period of reflection, and a time to plan our next move for when we can slowly recover from the health and economic crisis. Most of us have already modified our social distancing expectations, consumer behaviors, and...Read more

  • Best practices in land-use codes recognized

    The Driehaus Form-Based Code Award, to be announced at CNU 28 in June, is accepting nominations until April 17.
    The Richard H. Driehaus Form-Based Codes Award has recognized exemplary form-based codes for more than a decade. It’s garnered more than 100 submissions since its inception and continues to provide examples of best practices in urbanism and smart growth. One lesson we take away from this program is...Read more