Course Library
Browse our library of planning courses
Introduction to Planning: The Comprehensive Plan
In this course we will discuss the comprehensive plan, sometimes called a “master plan” or a “general plan.”
Regulatory Implications of Tiny Homes
In this course we will define a tiny home and explore the history and appeal of this seemingly recent movement. The course touches on challenges associated with the legal development and regulation of this alternative residential option.
Exploring the Regulation of Short-Term Rentals
This course will provide an overview of recent short-term rental trends, the impact of short-term rentals on local and national housing markets, the potential effects of short-term rentals on neighborhoods and adjacent properties, and the zoning and licensing requirements, emerging as a means of regulating short-term rentals.
Regional Planning Workflows in the UrbanSim Cloud Platform
This course reviews the basic land use forecasting workflows that can be completed using the UrbanSim Cloud Platform, as illustrated by a set of case studies.
Introduction to the UrbanSim Cloud Platform
At the end of this course, participants will be acquainted with the UrbanSim forecasting methodology, understanding the features available in the UrbanSim Cloud Platform and the basics of an UrbanSim model at the Census block level.
Missing Middle Housing: Meeting the Growing Demand for Walkable Urbanism
Learn about Missing Middle Housing and how to integrate these types into existing neighborhoods.
The American City, Part 2: The Invention of a New Scale
Understand how the physical characteristics of block size and street length distinguish American cities from earlier models of urbanism, and the implications of these physical characteristics for sustainability in the 21st century.
Legal Issues in Sign Codes
This course provides basic knowledge of the legal issues involved in sign codes, focusing on constitutionally-compliant sign codes in the aftermath of U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision in Reed v Town of Gilbert.
Economic Impact Analysis in Land Use Planning
This course examines how input-output models contribute to economic impact analyses and presents examples of how economic impact analysis can be applied in a wide range of planning projects.
Creating a Low-Carbon, Resilient City
This course introduces strategies for achieving low-carbon, resilient communities.
Regulating Electronic Message Centers
This course provides practical, solution-focused guidance for regulations that leverage digital sign technology while protecting community aesthetic values and safety concerns. This course is available for free.
Introduction to Climate Action Planning
This course provides an overview of the purpose, process, and potential of climate action planning.
More Sustainability Appraisal Tools and Future Prospects
Learn about the Envision infrastructure rating system, other notable tool options for evaluating community and neighborhood sustainability, and trends and prospects affecting future appraisal tools.
Land Use Planning to Support Economic Development
This course provides a general understanding of macro level socio-economic and related business and industry trends likely to influence economic development plans and associated land use policies over the next twenty years.
Urban Sustainability Appraisal Tools for Planned Neighborhoods and Landscapes
This course is the third in a four-part series on urban sustainability appraisal tools as collaboration platforms and sustainability accelerators for communities.
Urban Sustainability Appraisal Tools for Communities and Existing Neighborhoods
This course is the second in a four-part series on how urban sustainability appraisal tools can serve as collaboration platforms and sustainability accelerators for communities.
Introduction to Urban Sustainability Appraisal Tools
This course is the first in a four-part series on how urban sustainability appraisal tools serve as collaborative platforms and sustainability accelerators for communities.
Form-Based Codes 101: Citywide and Countywide Code Updates
The final course in the "Form-Based Codes 101" series explores citywide form-based coding—the assessment of an entire city to determine where form-based code application should occur.
Form-Based Codes 101: Legal Aspects
This course explores the legal issues of creating and using a form-based code.
Form-Based Codes 101: Preparing a Form-Based Code
This course explores basic questions and decisions to consider when preparing a form-based code. It also covers the different approaches to regulating urban form and provides guidance for selecting an organizing principle for your form-based code. Finally, the course explains the visioning and creating of a plan, followed by drafting, testing, and assembling your code.