The hottest Urban planning Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Why Transit In Oakland Sucks

The Discourse Lounge • 1443 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban planning
  1. Oakland's public transit is underfunded and not very helpful, making many people rely on cars. Even in a dense area, it's hard for low-income families to give up their cars because transit options aren't reliable.
  2. Simply removing parking requirements won't fix Oakland's transit problems. There needs to be more focus on improving and funding public transport to reduce car dependency effectively.
  3. Oakland's city leaders haven't prioritized expanding transit, and as a result, the transit system is disorganized and ineffective. Without a solid plan for better transit, the city struggles to meet its climate goals.

Effective Urban Planning in 10 Simple Steps

Exasperated Infrastructures • 33 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
🪑 Design Urban planning
  1. Decide carefully about planning school and commit to being a lifelong learner; pick a technical specialty you can go deep on while also learning the adjacent fields that shape your work.
  2. Develop clear core values and a reasoned point of view, and learn the local politics and history so your projects actually fit the people and place you’re serving.
  3. Build relationships by showing up, be open to moving between public/private/nonprofit work, ask for help politely, and protect yourself from burnout while you persist through the field’s counterintuitive challenges.

The LVT Landscape #1: Movement Across the U.S.

Progress and Poverty • 1270 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban planning
  1. Land value tax (LVT) is becoming popular in various states in the U.S. as a way to manage property taxes more fairly.
  2. Cities like Baltimore and Spokane are making efforts to adopt LVT to deal with issues like vacant properties and encourage development.
  3. Legislation supporting LVT is being introduced and discussed in places like Minnesota and New York, indicating growing interest in this tax reform.

Letters to the Editor: The Fires Weren’t Inevitable

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1521 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
📰 News Urban planning
  1. Some readers disagree with the idea that Los Angeles was meant to burn, arguing it's a defeatist attitude. They believe avoiding blames and focusing on solutions are more productive.
  2. The discussion highlights that LA's construction on dry grasslands makes it vulnerable to wildfires, but it's also important to consider how this can be managed better.
  3. There’s a broader concern about accepting problems as unavoidable rather than addressing them, which can reflect in various societal issues today.

Why The Trump Administration Is Taking Over Washington D.C.’s Public Golf Courses

Huddle Up • 58 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban planning
  1. The Trump administration abruptly ended the lease for three taxpayer-owned D.C. public golf courses, saying the manager missed payments and capital improvements.
  2. Public records and filings indicate the nonprofit manager largely met its obligations, so the stated reasons look like a pretext rather than a clear contractual failure.
  3. The likely goal is to remake the courses into an upscale venue for high-profile events and legacy projects, which would drive up prices and reduce affordable public access.
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I’m back, and asking: why shouldn’t Cambridge be the size of Bristol?

The Newsletter of (Not Quite) Everything • 904 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Urban planning
  1. The idea of expanding cities like Cambridge to the size of Bristol is being considered for economic growth.
  2. Historically, English cities have transformed in size as economic conditions change, showing potential for growth.
  3. Challenges like housing affordability and lab space need to be addressed for cities like Cambridge to thrive as tech hubs.

The Wildfire Prep Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1146 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Urban planning
  1. Being prepared for wildfires in LA is very important. Make sure to have a go-bag ready with essential items like masks, goggles, and fire-resistant clothing.
  2. Plan multiple escape routes from your home, as traffic can get very bad during evacuations. Knowing alternate paths can help you get out more easily.
  3. Keep your home and car ready for quick evacuations. This means keeping your gas tank full and clearing any flammable vegetation around your home.

Why Manchester should bid for the Olympics

Odds and Ends of History • 134 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban planning
  1. Manchester should consider bidding for the Olympics because it could help improve transport links in the region, especially with Northern Powerhouse Rail.
  2. The current system for protecting historic buildings is not working well and needs to be changed to better preserve important structures.
  3. Engaging the community in these discussions is important, as it affects both local development and preservation.

Housing affordability and the declining fortunes of Democrats

Urben Field Notes • 70 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban planning
  1. When homes are scarce and expensive in blue states, people move to cheaper Sunbelt cities and that migration is already eroding Democratic political power and could cost them electoral votes and congressional seats.
  2. Many Sunbelt states grow because they allow more housing, but that growth often takes the form of sprawl and oversized single-family homes that still don’t provide the smaller, cheaper units most people need.
  3. Historically, conversions and small-unit housing created naturally affordable options, but modern zoning and teardowns favor McMansions and limit starter homes, so progressives who want to rebuild political coalitions need to embrace more and varied housing construction.

The central planners come for me

In My Tribe • 653 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban planning
  1. Central planners are trying to reshape communities based on their ideas, which may not reflect the preferences of the people living there. Residents should have a say in how their neighborhoods are developed.
  2. Plans for new walkable communities can complicate life for those who rely on cars, especially in areas that are already affordable and diverse. It's important to consider the needs of all residents before making drastic changes.
  3. Incremental improvements might be better than sweeping changes. Solutions like reducing traffic speed can help, but they should not disadvantage those who depend on cars to get around.

This Map Might Change Where You Live

The New Urban Order • 119 implied HN points • 01 May 24
🕹 Technology Urban planning
  1. Close is an interactive map that helps people find neighborhoods with amenities important to them, like public schools, increasing personalized walkability.
  2. Close uses free spatial datasets and user feedback to build a detailed destinations roster, showing a commitment to accuracy and continuous improvement.
  3. Close differs from tools like Walkscore by focusing on transparency, user customization, and the 'time to furthest important destination' approach to assess walkability in cities.

Big Housing Vote For Berkeley on Thursday!

The Discourse Lounge • 284 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban planning
  1. A crucial vote on Middle Housing is happening soon in Berkeley, and it's important for locals to express their support. Engaging in the vote can shape the future of housing in the city.
  2. Uniform density standards are needed across all neighborhoods to make zoning fair and understandable for everyone. This change would help avoid confusion and promote inclusivity.
  3. The design of new housing should reflect traditional styles to appeal to community preferences. Mixing old aesthetics with modern needs can create beautiful and welcoming living spaces.

Whence Fall Snowflakes

Bastiat's Window • 511 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Urban planning
  1. Toxic fragility in universities may stem from lack of confrontation, mentorship, and intellectual exploration among students.
  2. Past educational practices like age-segregated schooling and urban designs have impacted critical thinking and creativity in children.
  3. Restrictions on children's time and space lead to a generation dependent on constant supervision, impacting their ability to explore and think independently.

The Sports Economy Is More Than Stadiums

The New Urban Order • 139 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
🎾 Sports Urban planning
  1. The sports economy involves more than just building stadiums, with a focus on combining sports with other economic activities like housing and retail to create sustainable developments.
  2. There is increasing skepticism about the economic benefits of public subsidies for stadiums, with citizens and governments becoming more cautious about investing in such projects.
  3. The concept of 'stadium neighborhoods' is evolving, with a shift towards creating more holistic developments that offer amenities beyond just sports entertainment, emphasizing urban recreation and community needs.

Urban Paradise Lost?: The History of Seoul's Only Planned City

S(ubstack)-Bahn • 301 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
💼 Business Urban planning
  1. Wirye New Town is a planned city in Seoul that looks great on the outside, with tall buildings and parks, but residents are unhappy due to missing public transport. They have protested and even sued the government over these transportation issues.
  2. Housing prices in Wirye spiked quickly, but now many homeowners feel anxious as prices have dropped significantly. The reliance on real estate for wealth in South Korea adds to their stress during this market instability.
  3. The city’s complex administrative setup creates confusion for residents, as the differing regulations lead to issues with services and community life. This mixed governance makes it hard for residents to get the help they need.

Mini Exasperation #4

Exasperated Infrastructures • 14 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban planning
  1. Showing up matters — attending local advocacy events and tours gets officials, media, and neighbors to pay attention and can move projects forward.
  2. We need audacious but realistic transit and housing plans that account for capacity and geometry, because thoughtful investment can add miles, stations, and new homes.
  3. Small, practical fixes like targeted service extensions, bus priority, and operational improvements paired with advocacy can deliver meaningful improvements quickly.

artificial intelligence and urban planning | thinkthinkthink #26

thinkthinkthink • 65 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Urban planning
  1. Urban planning needs to change from being static to adaptive. Cities should continuously adjust their planning based on current data and local needs.
  2. We can use technology like Large Language Models to break down cities into understandable parts. This helps us see how different elements of a city interact and affect each other.
  3. New governance systems such as Decentralized Autonomous Organizations allow for more community involvement in decision-making. This means people can vote based on how strongly they feel about an issue, leading to fairer outcomes.

Demystifying the Contraflow Transit Lanes

Italian (urban) Letters • 235 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Urban planning
  1. Contraflow transit lanes are essentially two-way streets with one direction reserved for transit, simplifying traffic flow for buses and minimizing conflicts.
  2. These lanes can significantly reduce conflicts at intersections and curb-side encroachments, making public transit more efficient and reliable.
  3. Strategically deploying contraflow transit lanes can optimize transit routes, prioritize public transportation, and improve traffic flow within cities.

Office Armageddon

Diane Francis • 639 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
💼 Business Urban planning
  1. Many big city offices are empty now because a lot of people are working from home. This change is hurting banks and city budgets as tax revenues drop.
  2. Cities are losing population for the first time in decades, which is causing more vacant shops and offices. This could lead to financial trouble for local governments.
  3. Turning empty office buildings into homes could be a solution, but it’s complicated and expensive. Cities need to rethink their spaces and invest in community facilities to attract people back.

A road conundrum in Ballantyne

The Charlotte Ledger • 176 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📰 News Urban planning
  1. Traffic on U.S. 521 in Ballantyne is increasing, and transportation planners are exploring complex solutions like new intersections and even a possible tunnel.
  2. The widening of U.S. 521 is facing challenges due to rapid area growth, making it trickier and more costly to find effective traffic solutions.
  3. State officials are considering various comprehensive solutions, such as flyover intersections or tunnels, to accommodate the expected increase in traffic volumes in the future.

Why Trump killed congestion pricing

Silver Bulletin • 386 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban planning
  1. Congestion pricing in New York has made commuting faster for many people, saving them time despite the added fees. Some drivers find it worth paying extra to avoid long traffic delays.
  2. Not everyone benefits equally from congestion pricing; it can be a burden for lower-income commuters who rely on personal vehicles. Still, it helps reduce traffic and pollution in the city.
  3. The policy has mixed effects on local businesses. While it may deter some visitors, faster travel within the city could encourage local spending from commuters using public transit.

S.F.’s Marina District towers are bad, actually

Urben Field Notes • 27 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban planning
  1. A developer used the State Density Bonus and a zoning loophole to propose a 25‑story tower on a site zoned for four stories, effectively letting builders waive height and bulk limits and defeating the point of zoning.
  2. Density bonuses should be tied to clear, objective height rules — for example a percentage above the zoned height or an absolute cap like double the allowed height — so bonuses increase homes without obliterating predictable zoning.
  3. Cities do need more housing, but growth should be guided by context: protect iconic waterfronts and steer taller buildings to transit-rich corridors so planning and public shape of the city still matter.

When Fill Fails

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 319 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Urban planning
  1. Urban infrastructure, like the Light Rail tracks, can suffer from problems due to unstable ground and filling materials. Over time, these materials can sink or degrade, causing issues.
  2. Seattle's tideflats were completely filled by the 1920s to create new land, but this fill was often not properly stabilized. This can lead to things like subsidence during events like earthquakes.
  3. Sound Transit had extensive knowledge of the fill conditions before building the Light Rail but still faces criticism for the ongoing issues. People expect more from transit authorities regarding infrastructure stability.

Interview with Carol Coletta: Why Public Space is Fundamental to Democracy

The New Urban Order • 119 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Urban planning
  1. Growing up in Memphis, Carol Coletta's love for urban environments and interaction with diverse communities sparked her interest in city development.
  2. Leadership in city initiatives can come from unexpected places, showing the importance of finding and fostering leadership across different sectors.
  3. The impact of public spaces like parks goes beyond recreation, serving as a crucial platform to promote social connection, equity, and community building.

The fastest, cheapest way to transform your city

Urben Field Notes • 172 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🪑 Design Urban planning
  1. Cities have a lot of unused land that can be quickly turned into parks or plazas with minimal cost. All it takes is some creativity and determination.
  2. Making streets car-free can transform them into vibrant public spaces. This change can help businesses and improve community life.
  3. Successful pedestrian streets need to be designed carefully. They should be narrow and surrounded by lots of people and businesses to create a lively atmosphere.

The Death and Life of Great American Cities

The Jolly Contrarian • 39 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Urban planning
  1. Jane Jacobs challenged 1960s urban planning policies that sought to reorganize communities from the top-down, advocating for a bottom-up approach that respects local knowledge and decision-making.
  2. Jacobs' observations highlighted the importance of streets over buildings, the negative impact of planned parks, the value of mixed-use spaces, and the benefits of incorporating diversity in communities to promote vitality.
  3. She emphasized that the richness and adaptability of a community depend on real diversity, which may conflict with the drive for efficiency and homogenization in modern management and city planning.

Rethinking transit in downtown Montréal

Italian (urban) Letters • 235 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Urban planning
  1. The current bus network in downtown Montréal lacks a coherent organizing principle and needs to be rethought for better connectivity.
  2. A redesign of the downtown bus network should focus on improving last-mile connectivity, creating a high-frequency grid, and making buses a viable option for intra-downtown trips.
  3. Implementing bus priority measures and rethinking traffic management can enhance bus performance and contribute to a more efficient and user-friendly transit system in downtown Montréal.

Britain's weird hate for air conditioning

Odds and Ends of History • 134 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🎭️ Culture Urban planning
  1. Britain has a strange dislike for air conditioning, which affects how people stay cool in hot weather. It seems many prefer to tough it out rather than use AC.
  2. There are ongoing delays in UK projects like HS2, which is causing frustration for those hoping for improvements in transport. People are looking for better public transport options, especially buses.
  3. A recent report suggests building more homes and smaller living spaces could help with housing shortages. It also points out that more air conditioning might make these homes more comfortable.

Thirsty Cities: the Looming Water Crisis

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Urban planning
  1. Many big cities like Kabul, Cape Town, and Mexico City are facing serious water shortages. Their water levels are dropping because of climate change and overuse.
  2. Climate change leads to less rain and higher temperatures, making water evaporate faster. This is a major reason cities are running low on water.
  3. Cities can fight water shortages by saving water and using it wisely. Practices like rainwater harvesting and better irrigation can help them become more water-secure.

E-scooters are good and Britain should legalise them

Odds and Ends of History • 1072 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
💼 Business Urban planning
  1. E-scooters can help reduce car usage and congestion in cities due to their compact design and ability to take up less space.
  2. Legalizing e-scooters can lead to positive downstream consequences, such as reducing car dependence, reshaping urban geography, and creating a more sustainable environment.
  3. Regulating e-scooters through legalization can improve safety standards, encourage responsible riding behavior, and prompt the development of infrastructure to accommodate different modes of transportation.

What if we treated car crashes like plane crashes?

The Charlotte Ledger • 137 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
📰 News Urban planning
  1. When investigating plane crashes, every piece of evidence is examined to prevent future incidents. Car crash investigations should also focus on prevention rather than just assigning blame.
  2. A group of urbanists is analyzing car crashes like plane crashes, suggesting changes to prevent future accidents based on detailed analysis.
  3. Factors like lack of mid-crossing pedestrian refuges, long traffic signal cycles, and high speed limits contribute to car crashes, highlighting the need for changes in infrastructure and traffic management.

Far and Wide

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 13 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Urban planning
  1. Urban sprawl leads to bigger homes but worsens traffic and pollution. As people move away from city centers, commuting becomes longer and driving increases, causing congestion and environmental damage.
  2. The growth of gated communities is driven by a desire for safety and socioeconomic segregation. These neighborhoods often exclude lower-income residents, creating a divide in access to resources and services.
  3. Urban sprawl also drives up housing costs, making it harder for people to afford homes. Stricter zoning laws and lower housing supply contribute to higher prices and reduced economic opportunity for everyone.

How Ozempic Will Change Cities

The New Urban Order • 119 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Urban planning
  1. Nearly 3 out of 4 Americans over 20 years old are either overweight or obese, and as medications like semaglutide become more accessible, it may lead to significant changes in eating habits and society.
  2. While semaglutide can help reduce the obesity epidemic, it won't address the root causes such as predatory marketing of unhealthy foods, poverty, or lack of access to safe places for physical activity.
  3. The impact of medications like semaglutide on reducing obesity and changing eating habits could have far-reaching effects on various aspects of cities, from restaurants and transportation to parks and employment.

Why HS2 is a disaster

Odds and Ends of History • 67 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Urban planning
  1. HS2 has faced serious construction issues, making it a problematic project overall. Many believe it hasn’t turned out the way it was planned.
  2. Autonomous vehicles are getting closer to being a reality in London, but there are many possible effects to consider as they become common.
  3. Tom Forth is working on a project called the National Data Library, which aims to improve data sharing and transparency with the government.

Critique of Kvarteret Backklövern detailed development plan in Solna

The Third Place • 59 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🪑 Design Urban planning
  1. Encouraging diversity in building typology within neighborhoods can foster inclusivity and community integration.
  2. Prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist accessibility in urban planning can lead to sustainable and vibrant communities, like Barcelona's superblocks.
  3. Balancing practicality with cultural enrichment, such as including entertainment or cultural facilities in development plans, is essential for creating thriving and lively communities.

Canton Follow-Up Post

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 126 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban planning
  1. Canton is facing a serious housing issue, with a big decline in new single-family homes being built. This drop is linked to strict zoning laws that make it difficult for families to create more housing options.
  2. Rents in Canton have grown faster than inflation, which is making it hard for residents. Even though buying a home could be cheaper than renting, many people can't get mortgages due to those same zoning restrictions.
  3. The U.S. has a widespread housing crisis, not just in wealthy areas like New York City but everywhere. If cities make it easier to build new homes, they could become more affordable again.