While convenient and staples of the American fast-food experience, drive-thrus can also impede traffic flow and put cyclists and pedestrians at risk. They are unlikely to disappear anytime soon, but as more cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul, or even Atlanta adopt bans and restrictions, drive-thrus may become a little less commonplace along American roadways.

The new SHC office has a variety of amenities and features – a coffee shop, lots of natural light, and . . . a well-placed bike rack. Bike parking can sometimes be difficult to find, but it’s a small and cost-effective way to encourage and support cyclists.

The past year has been full of change, challenges, and new opportunities. So, it seemed like the perfect time to pump up the chaos and move into a new office space!

This weekend, the City of St. Paul held its 38th annual Citywide Spring Cleanup. The event calls on volunteers to pick up litter in the City’s parks and streets to celebrate Earth Day and to tidy up before the warmer weather ahead. Volunteers gathered at 25 different sites around the City and were equipped with bags, gloves, and coffee before heading out.

Cities in the path of Monday’s total solar eclipse experienced approximately four minutes of darkness as the moon stepped in front of the sun. It was a momentary and brief celestial event; however, the economic impact of the eclipse will likely linger in cities and towns across North America for months to come.

In 2008, the City of Houston prohibited the installation inflatable tube men along with other “attention getting devices.” Supporters of the ban argued that inflatable tube men were not only distracting, but also tacky and adversely impacted the city’s image. Whether you find them unsightly, distracting, or just plain silly, inflatable tube men are here to stay.

For some, the Magic Roundabout in Swindon, England, represents traffic mitigation at its finest – for others, the five-swirl roundabout is an absolute terror.

Pickleball is America’s fastest growing sport. Cities across the country are scrambling to meet this surge in demand for court space, and they’re finding it in an unlikely place: Shopping malls.

Peatlands play a crucial role in regulating the climate, despite covering only around 3% of the Earth's land surface. As a result of their unique composition, peatlands act as vast carbon sinks and have the capacity to store significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.

Last week, the City of Minneapolis announced that it will be accepting applications for parklets and street cafes for the 2024 season. The program seeks to activate community corridors with engaging and fun public spaces that support local businesses.

The City of Phoenix saw 133 days of triple-digit high temperatures last year. That’s about three weeks more than average. While the desert city is no stranger to heat, extreme temperatures can pose a tremendous health risk. In an effort to mitigate extreme summer temperatures, Phoenix is implementing an unbe-leaf-ably powerful strategy: That’s right - They’re planting trees.

Putting a padlock with your sweetheart on a bridge railing might seem harmless enough; however, it has the potential severely damage existing infrastructure. So, is it a cute tradition? Absolutely. But we’re still on the fence about it.

The American Planning Association (APA) recently released its annual trend report for 2024. In it, are themes and predictions pertinent to the planning field, along with recommendations for how professionals can prepare for whatever lies ahead. Here’s a brief overview of the trends to look out for!

As remote work continues to grow in popularity and as our work spaces change in the years ahead, cities will have to grapple with what to do with vacant office buildings. Converting them into other uses is just one solution that could change the feel and function of many urban centers.

Improved bus stops with shelters and designated seating areas have the potential to transform public transportation from a mere functional necessity to an attractive and user-friendly mode of travel. Small improvements, such as adding a bench, can boost the rider experience and help make transit a more accessible option for all.

The number 13 might be Taylor Swift’s favorite number, but for most, it still carries superstitious and unlucky connotations. Take a look at the elevator buttons in a tall building, and you might notice a peculiar absence: the 13th floor.

The Journal of the American Planning Association recommended four books for Urban Planners in 2024. Whether you’re interested in housing, sanctuary cities, or the rewilding of urban centers, the list has insights and stories to bring into the new year.

This Thursday marks the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. The Twin Cities will experience only about eight hours and forty-six minutes of daylight. After that point, sunlight will linger just a little longer each day, bringing spring and warmer weather with it (eventually).

Daylighting can be a simple and cost-effective way to make intersections safer for all users. The City of Hoboken in New Jersey effectively eliminated traffic deaths largely in part because of their daylighting efforts. Other major cities like San Francisco and Portland have also adopted daylighting initiatives.

Minneapolis boasts the largest contiguous skyway system in the world. This interconnected network of elevated walkways not only shields pedestrians from the elements but also weaves through the City's rich history. Recent years have seen some changes to the Skyway System, but it still presents a unique opportunity for pedestrian-centered travel.