LibGuides: Urban and Regional Planning: Websites

Center for an Urban Future A site all about NYC, that states it is a "catalyst for smart and sustainable policies that reduce inequality, increase economic mobility, and grow the economy in New York City. An independent, nonpartisan policy organization, CUF uses fact-based research to elevate important and often overlooked issues onto the radar of policymakers and advance practical solutions that strengthen New York and help all New Yorkers participate in the city’s rising prosperity."
The CityFix from World Resources Institute and Ross Center
CityLab Focusing on Design, Environment, Transportation, Equity, and Life, this site provides Special Reports and "Solutions," as well as links to similar materials from other websites and publishers.
Strong Towns Also features several different branded podcasts
Inhabitat: Design for a better world "... a weblog devoted to the future of design, tracking the innovations in technology, practices and materials that are pushing architecture and home design towards a smarter and more sustainable future."
ArchDaily Tools, inspiration, and knowledge to help create better cities Over the next 10 years, 18 billion square meters of space will be designed to serve and shelter an additional 1.5 billion people. ArchDaily is the most visited source of tools, inspiration, and knowledge for those who will imagine, design, and build our future world.
Landezine Landscape architecture platform
Project for Public Spaces A "nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people create and sustain public spaces that build strong communities.:

Urban Planning Associations

American Planning Association The American Planning Association provides leadership in the development of vital communities by advocating excellence in community planning, promoting education and citizen empowerment, and providing the tools and support necessary to meet the challenges of growth and change.
American Planning Association (Florida Chapter) APA exists to elevate and unite a diverse planning profession as it helps communities, their leaders and residents anticipate and meet the needs of a changing world. We are laser-focused on our Envisioned Future, and with a clear set of Core Values to guide our decision-making, we are confidently pursuing a strategy that will prioritize equity, reframe the voice of planning, and upskill planners with a digitally relevant approach.
International Association for Urban Planning and Design Since its foundation in 1907 as the Central Office for International Associations, the Union of International Associations (UIA) has focused on documenting the nature and evolution of international civil society. UIA is a non-profit, independent research institute, a repository for current and historical information on the work of international associations. UIA documents the work of International Nongovernmental Organizations (INGOs) and Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) and promotes the public awareness of their activities. UIA’s focus today is on promoting the internationality of these organizations and in representing the collective views of international bodies. UIA collects, hosts and provides up-to-date, reliable information on global civil society and maintains the most comprehensive source of information on international associations, their activities and concerns, and their meetings activities.
International Society of City and Regional Planners Our mission is to mobilise professional urban and regional planners to co-implement the vision enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda by: creating a global network of practitioners fostering planning research, training, and education encouraging the professional exchange of knowledge promoting the planning profession and excellence in practice in all its forms developing and maintaining altruistic relations between members enhancing public awareness and understanding of major planning issues at the global level supporting and protecting planning interest and professional planners
National League of Cities The National League of Cities is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. NLC is a resource and advocate for more than 1,600 member cities and the 49 state municipal leagues, representing 19,000 cities and towns and more than 218 million Americans.
PlannersWeb the Planning Commissioners Journal is the nation's principal publication designed for citizen planners, including (but certainly not limited to) members of local planning commissions and zoning boards.
Planning Society @ FAU We are a registered student organization open to all FAU students. Members share an interest in urban design, community, urban and regional planning. The Planning Society is an active group that seeks to discuss relevant topics, explore interests, and unite students with alumni and professionals in the planning and design field in South Florida. The Planning Society hosts several events during the year including networking events, socials, planning and design workshops, lecture series, alumni involvement activities, waterway cleanups, as well as planning related events and lectures throughout South Florida.
Urban Institute The Urban Institute gathers data, conducts research, evaluates programs, offers technical assistance overseas, and educates Americans on social and economic issues — to foster sound public policy and effective government.

Florida Urban Sources

Governmental and N.G.O. resources for the hardcore Urban Planner are focused on the mother lode of planning: the comprehensive plan. Our links will focus on Florida sites. Other state information can be accessed using any search engine with the terms (name of governmental/NGO unit ) and comprehensive plan. They can also be reached at any state's Planning/Community Affairs office.

American Planning Association (Florida Chapter) APA exists to elevate and unite a diverse planning profession as it helps communities, their leaders and residents anticipate and meet the needs of a changing world.
Broward Next 2.0 What is Broward Next? Working with you and our 31 municipalities we updated Broward County’s Land Use and Comprehensive Plans to make sure they reflect our current and anticipated growth and priorities. These priorities address a wide range of issues including transportation, affordable housing, climate change and economic development. Over 250 comments were received on the first draft of the Comprehensive Plan. The plan was adopted at a public hearing before the Broward County Board of County Commissioners on March 28, 2019. The new plan became effective May 12, 2019. Thank you for your continued participation!
Cyburbia / Urban Planning Community Cyburbia is a friendly big tent, where we share our experiences and thoughts about urban planning practice, the built environment, planning adjacent topics, and anything else that comes to mind. No ads, no spam, and it's free. It's easy to join!
Division of Community Planning, Development and Services (State of Florida) Overview of the planning process in Florida.
Florida Cities (Department of State Division of Library and Information Services) Links to all of Florida's cities. All. with some tweaking, have access to plans/planning process.
Florida Counties (Department of State Division of Library and Information Services) Link to the official sites of Florida's counties. All, with some tweaking, have links to their plans.
Florida Regional Planning Councils Websites of Florida's 11 regional planning groups.
Ft. Lauderdale Comprehensive Plan The Advance Fort Lauderdale Comprehensive Plan provides the blueprint for orderly and sustainable land development over the next decade and beyond. It provides the City with long-term direction through goals, objectives, and policies for future land use and serves as the basis for the City’s zoning and land development regulations. The City’s future land use map along with the Comprehensive Plan goals, objectives and policies guide the designation of proposed future land use distribution, location, and intensity, while meeting social, economic and environmental needs, providing for adequate services and facilities, and ensuring compatibility of land uses. An important component of the Fort Lauderdale Comprehensive Plan is identifying the infrastructure and growth demands needed to support existing needs and future growth. The Comprehensive Plan contains elements that address future land use, housing, transportation, infrastructure, water supply, coastal management, community health and safety, conservation, parks and recreation, historic preservation, public school facilities, intergovernmental coordination, and capital improvements, and includes objectives and policies formulated to preserve and enhance community character.
Indian River County Comprehensive Plan Each local government in the state must periodically assess the success or failure of its comprehensive plan, address changing conditions, and update its plan to reflect changes in state policy on planning and growth management. To assess its comprehensive plan, a local government must prepare an Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR). As part of its EAR, each local government must identify major unresolved issues in its jurisdiction. Based on its EAR assessment, a local government's comprehensive plan must then be updated and revised to ensure that the plan continues to provide sufficient guidance for the local government to make appropriate land development decisions.
Miami-Dade County Government
Palm Beach County Comprehensive Plan
South Florida Water Mangement District

Codes and Standards

Here are links to organizations that produce standards pertinent to your research. While some standards may be accessible directly on the website, others may require purchase.

ADA Standards Accessibility standards issued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) apply to places of public accommodation, commercial facilities, and state and local government facilities in new construction, alterations, and additions. The ADA Standards are based on minimum guidelines set by the Access Board. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) issue the ADA Standards. DOJ’s ADA Standards apply to all facilities except public transportation facilities, which are subject to DOT’s ADA Standards. This version of the ADA Standards combines both documents and notes unique provisions in the DOJ Standards and the DOT Standards. The Access Board is responsible for providing technical assistance and training on these Standards.
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) AASHTO is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association representing highway and transportation departments in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. It represents all transportation modes: air, highways, public transportation, active transportation, rail, and water. Its primary goal is to foster the development, operation, and maintenance of an integrated national transportation system. AASHTO works to educate the public and key decision-makers about the critical role that transportation plays in securing a good quality of life and sound economy for our nation. AASHTO serves as a liaison between state departments of transportation and the Federal government. AASHTO is an international leader in setting technical standards for all phases of highway system development. Standards are issued for design, construction of highways and bridges, materials, and many other technical areas. AASHTO serves as a catalyst for excellence in transportation by offering: Smart solutions and promising practices; Critical information, training and data; Direct technical assistance to states; and Unchallenged expertise.
American Gas Association (AGA) The American Gas Association (AGA) represents more than 200 energy companies that provide natural gas service to 180 million Americans. Founded in 1918, the American Gas Association (AGA) educates the public about the importance of natural gas, supports natural gas utilities in their efforts to make their operations safer, more efficient and more environmentally-friendly, and serves as a resource for local, state and federal policymakers when it comes to regulating the natural gas industry.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Who We Are API represents all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry, which supports more than 11 million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. Our nearly 600 members produce, process and distribute the majority of the nation’s energy, and participate in API Energy Excellence®, which is accelerating environmental and safety progress by fostering new technologies and transparent reporting. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and has developed more than 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability. Although our focus is primarily domestic, in recent years our work has expanded to include a growing international dimension, and today API is recognized around the world for its broad range of programs: Mission API’s mission is to promote safety across the industry globally and to influence public policy in support of a strong, viable U.S. oil and natural gas industry. Advocacy We speak for the oil and natural gas industry to the public, Congress and the Executive Branch, state governments and the media. We negotiate with regulatory agencies, represent the industry in legal proceedings, participate in coalitions and work in partnership with other associations to achieve our members’ public policy goals.
American Water Works Association (AWWA) The American Water Works Association is an international, nonprofit, scientific and educational society dedicated to providing total water solutions assuring the effective management of water. Founded in 1881, the Association is the largest organization of water supply professionals in the world. Our membership includes over 4,300 utilities that supply roughly 80 percent of the nation’s drinking water and treat almost half of the nation’s wastewater. Our 51,000 total members represent the full spectrum of the water community: public water and wastewater systems, environmental advocates, scientists, academicians, and others who hold a genuine interest in water, our most important resource.
Guide to LEED Certification USGBC’s vision, mission, guiding principles, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) vision define who we are and what we do. They create our identity, embody our culture and values, and define the impact we seek to achieve. Vision: The built environment enhances health, equity, resilience, sustainability, and prosperity for all life and all communities. Mission: To transform how buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated to create thriving, healthy, equitable, and resilient places that advance human and environmental wellbeing.
International Code Council (ICC) The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions that include product evaluation, accreditation, technology, training, and certification. The Code Council's codes, standards, and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable, and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide. The International Code Council (ICC) family of solutions includes the ICC Evaluation Service (ICC‑ES), S. K. Ghosh Associates, the International Accreditation Service (IAS), General Code, ICC NTA, ICC Community Development Solutions, Alliance for National & Community Resilience (ANCR), and American Legal Publishing, which are dedicated to the construction of safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. Find out more about each of our individual family of solutions here. For more information about the Code Council, view our overview video, read our annual report, our overview brochure, and our 2025 strategic plan.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Store Practical solutions for real-world problems ISO, the International Organization for Standardization, brings global experts together to agree on the best way of doing things – for anything from making a product to managing a process. As one of the oldest non-governmental international organizations, ISO has enabled trade and cooperation between people and companies the world over since 1946. The International Standards published by ISO serve to make lives easier, safer and better.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ITU is committed to connecting all the world’s people, wherever they live and whatever their means. Through our work, we protect and support everyone’s right to communicate.
Land Based Classification Standards (LBCS) The Land Based Classification Standards (LBCS) model extends the notion of classifying land uses by refining traditional categories into multiple dimensions, such as activities, functions, building types, site development character, and ownership constraints. Each dimension has its own set of categories and subcategories. These multiple dimensions allow users to have precise control over land-use classifications.
National Fire Protection Agency NFPA codes and standards are developed by subject matter experts from around the globe and serve as the leading resource on fire, electrical, and life safety guidelines and requirements. All standards are consensus based and peer reviewed so you can trust you’re working with the most up to date and thorough requirements in the industry. Learn about the standards development process. Free Access: Select from the list below for detailed standards development information and free online access to any code or standard. More about free access. Technical Questions Service: Select from the list below to ask a technical question.
NSF International Businesses, regulators and consumers look to NSF for the development of public health standards and services that help protect the world’s food, water, consumer products and environment.
Standard Guide (University of Florida) This link will take you to the University of Florida's Standards: Subject Guide. There you will find a larger list of Standards websites, International Bodies, and National Bodies.

Reports, Whitepapers, Statistics, and Other Resources

Institute for Local Government A California-centric site that will encourage you to see what is available in other locations.
National Academies Press Featuring the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine publications. Many publications are available for free download. Search by title, topic, ISBN, or DOI.
National Transportation Library BTS is one of more than a dozen principal federal statistical agencies. Learn about BTS, the federal statistical community, and the policies and methods they use to develop accurate, objective information.
OurEnergyLibrary From OurEnergyPolicy.org, this site features U.S. energy topic resources and is updated weekly.
Smart Cities Council Headquartered in Washington DC, Smart Cities Council, (“SCC”), is the world’s largest and longest-running membership-based Social Impact Organisation for Smart Cities, Smart Buildings, and Technology. With operations in over 20 countries globally, SCC leads policy and advocacy, and through our Task Forces, Events, and Partnerships SCC develops thought leadership, knowledge, playbooks, educational assets and tools that enable the creation of positive, self-sustaining social, environmental and economic benefits.
Urban Footprint Headquartered in Washington DC, Smart Cities Council, (“SCC”), is the world’s largest and longest-running membership-based Social Impact Organisation for Smart Cities, Smart Buildings, and Technology. With operations in over 20 countries globally, SCC leads policy and advocacy, and through our Task Forces, Events, and Partnerships SCC develops thought leadership, knowledge, playbooks, educational assets and tools that enable the creation of positive, self-sustaining social, environmental and economic benefits.

Website Evaluation

Construction

Blue Book Building and Construction What makes us Dodge Construction Network Dodge Construction Network delivers an unmatched offering of data, analytics, and industry-spanning relationships to generate the most powerful source of information, knowledge, insights, and connections in the commercial construction industry. We bring together technologies, capabilities and audiences to help construction professionals streamline the preconstruction process to plan for business growth strategically.
Construction Industry Get to Know Us At LiveAbout, we believe that your free time matters. Time away from the stress of work and responsibilities at home is limited, and we want to help you make the most of those precious hours. That’s why our coverage is a lovable jumble of urban legends, sports history, and esoteric trivia that you can lose yourself in for hours. Our articles discuss everything from fashion advice to UFO sightings, all so you can dive deep down an Internet rabbit hole or bring home the win for your Wednesday night trivia team. You’re welcome.
NREL Building Research (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) At the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), we focus on creative answers to today's energy challenges. From breakthroughs in fundamental science to new clean technologies to integrated energy systems that power our lives, NREL researchers are transforming the way the nation and the world use energy.

Bridges Websites

Archived Deficient Bridges by State and Highway System Archived: Deficient Bridges by Highway System for the years of 1992-2017
Bridge Condition by Highway System (DOT/FHA) Data from 2009 - 2023
Office of Bridge Technology (DOT/FHA) Bridges and structures are key components of the nation's roadway network that provide transportation connectivity to safely cross features such as waterways, railways, roadways, and other obstacles. The FHWA Office of Bridges and Structures provides national policy and technical guidance related to the design, construction, inspection, evaluation, management, and preservation of the nation's inventory of highway bridges, tunnels, culverts, walls, and other ancillary structures. This is done through regulations published in the Code of Federal Regulations and in supporting policy documents such as memos and technical advisories. The Office of Bridges and Structures provides a technical function to support the safety, stewardship and oversight of over 610,000 highway bridges, more than 500 tunnels, and numerous other structures across the entire USA. Under the Federal-Aid Highway Program, FHWA annually distributes funding of approximately $7 billion to assist transportation agencies plan, design, build, repair, rehabilitate, and inspect such bridges and structures. The Office also performs key activities that support the national advancement of tools and technology in engineering. The staff actively serves on key committees to identify the emerging issues and develop innovative solutions and strategies to address the needs of the industry. Research is executed and implemented through national standards and specifications to improve the safety and performance of infrastructure. Training is provided to meet the needs of the DOTs and the industry at large. The Office of Bridges and Structures has four engineering teams: Structural Engineering (including specialists in steel, concrete, tunnels, seismic, security, and load rating), Hydraulics and Geotechnical Engineering (including hydrology, hydraulics, scour, coastal, climate change, foundations, slopes, embankments, and soil materials), Bridge and Tunnel Safety Inspection (bridge and tunnel safety inspections), and Structures Management and Preservation (structures asset management, preservation, funding, and bridge and tunnel national inventories).
SC Solutions Bridge Engineering
The Structural Engineer

Environmental Engineering Web Sites

Center for Sustainable Systems (University of Michigan) The University of Michigan’s Center for Sustainable Systems at the School for Environment and Sustainability creates systems analysis methods, models, and metrics for advancing sustainable futures. We engage with diverse stakeholders in interdisciplinary research, education, and outreach to achieve measurable outcomes with the greatest impact. Our expertise spans life cycle assessment, sustainable supply chains, circular economies, emerging technologies, the nexus of systems, and social and economic impacts. Our work with stakeholders catalyzes the transformation of systems (energy, urban and built environment, mobility, food, and water) to enhance sustainability. We measure success by our research innovations, the accomplishments of the student leaders and change agents we train, the designs and technologies that we improve, the policies that we help shape and ultimately the systems that we help transform.
Ecosustainable Hub Massive list of links, resources, and tools on ecology, environment, and sustainability; available to visitors and researchers without charge.
Envirolink EnviroLink is a non-profit organization… a grassroots online community that unites hundreds of organizations and volunteers around the world with millions of people in almost every country in the world. EnviroLink is dedicated to providing comprehensive, up-to-date environmental information and news. At EnviroLink we’re committed to promoting a just and sustainable society by connecting individuals and organizations through communications technologies. We recognize that our technologies are just tools, and that the solutions to our ecological challenges lie within our communities and their connection to the Earth itself. EnviroLink does not take any positions on any specific environmental issues; it exists solely to act as a clearinghouse on the Internet for the environmental community, which is incredibly diverse in its views. EnviroLink is run by dedicated volunteers.
National Environmental Publications Information System (NEPIS) The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment. EPA works to ensure that: Americans have clean air, land and water; National efforts to reduce environmental risks are based on the best available scientific information; Federal laws protecting human health and the environment are administered and enforced fairly, effectively and as Congress intended; Environmental stewardship is integral to U.S. policies concerning natural resources, human health, economic growth, energy, transportation, agriculture, industry, and international trade, and these factors are similarly considered in establishing environmental policy; All parts of society--communities, individuals, businesses, and state, local and tribal governments--have access to accurate information sufficient to effectively participate in managing human health and environmental risks; Contaminated lands and toxic sites are cleaned up by potentially responsible parties and revitalized; and Chemicals in the marketplace are reviewed for safety.
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) NOAA is an agency that enriches life through science. Our reach goes from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor as we work to keep citizens informed of the changing environment around them. From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration and supporting marine commerce, NOAA’s products and services support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of America’s gross domestic product. NOAA’s dedicated scientists use cutting-edge research and high-tech instrumentation to provide citizens, planners, emergency managers and other decision makers with reliable information they need when they need it.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment. EPA works to ensure that: Americans have clean air, land and water; National efforts to reduce environmental risks are based on the best available scientific information; Federal laws protecting human health and the environment are administered and enforced fairly, effectively and as Congress intended; Environmental stewardship is integral to U.S. policies concerning natural resources, human health, economic growth, energy, transportation, agriculture, industry, and international trade, and these factors are similarly considered in establishing environmental policy; All parts of society--communities, individuals, businesses, and state, local and tribal governments--have access to accurate information sufficient to effectively participate in managing human health and environmental risks; Contaminated lands and toxic sites are cleaned up by potentially responsible parties and revitalized; and Chemicals in the marketplace are reviewed for safety.
U.S. Green Building Council Major sustainability group and creator of LEED certified construction.
Institute for Water Resources (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Institute for Water Resources (IWR) was established to provide forward-looking analysis, cutting-edge methodologies, and innovative tools to aid USACE’s Civil Works program. IWR strives to improve the performance of the USACE water resources program through analysis of emerging water resources trends and issues; development, distribution, and training in the use of state-of-the-art methods and models in the areas of planning, operations, and civil engineering; and national data management of results-oriented program and project information across Civil Works business lines. In addition to implementing this vision throughout core mission areas, IWR oversees seven Centers that provide targeted technical expertise and support.
SPARROW (U.S. Geological Society) SPARROW (SPAtially Referenced Regression On Watershed attributes) models estimate the amount of a contaminant transported from inland watersheds to larger water bodies by linking monitoring data with information on watershed characteristics and contaminant sources. Interactive, online SPARROW mapping tools allow for easy access to explore relations between human activities, natural processes, and contaminant transport.

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Last updated on Jul 1, 2025 2:19 PM