Government / Politics
The Critical Role of Down-Ballot Races in State Transportation Funding
The overwhelming majority of states that increased gas taxes last year were Republican-controlled. In states where the legislature is split, it's more difficult to approve transportation funding legislation. Down-ballot races may prove decisive.
Are States Too Active or Not Active Enough? Yes.
State governments like to limit local taxing authority but not local zoning—maybe they should do the exact opposite.
Surprisingly Few People Make a Lot of Airport Noise Complaints
A new study has found that just a handful of people are responsible for the majority of noise complaints directed toward airports.
'The World's Urban Planner': UN-Habitat's Joan Clos
The phrase "everything on the street" captures UN-Habitat head Joan Clos's approach to urbanization. In the wake of Habitat III, who is the man behind the conference's "New Urban Agenda"?
A Transportation Benefit District That Also Benefits the Police Department
The city of Woodland, Washington, offers a case study in government funding. Voters there will consider a sales tax as part of its transportation benefit district, but the benefit could extend to the police department as well.
Good Political News for California High-Speed Rail
One of the major critics of the $64 billion project that would link Los Angeles and San Francisco just became a supporter, and that's really good news considering the project's major booster, Gov. Jerry Brown, will be leaving office in two years.
Los Angeles Hires New 'Homelessness Coordinator'
The new position will keep the city on track in its comprehensive strategy to aid the nearly 40,000 homeless people in Los Angeles.
Measuring Up to HUD's New Fair Housing Rules
After beefing up the 1968 Fair Housing Act, the feds are guiding cities to compliance.
Getting it Right on U.S Energy Independence
During the second presidential debate Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton claimed that the "U.S. was energy independent." Some in the media, including Politifact, were quick to report that claim as "false." And the news just got worse.
The Most Important Environmental Measure on the Ballot Next Month
If climate change is among the world's most pressing environmental issues, then Initiative 732 in Washington state should be watched by all concerned with the future of the planet. PBS NewsHour explores why the initiative is so controversial.
Cities See the Light at the End of the Fiscal Tunnel
The "City Fiscal Conditions 2016" report by the National League of Cities is willing to allow new levels of optimism.
Historic Missouri-Illinois Bridge Completes Rehabilitation Funded by Recovery Act
Remember President Obama's 2009 economic stimulus program? Add another completed project to the program's successes: the restoration of the multi-modal 1874 iconic Eads Bridge connecting St. Louis and East St. Louis, Ill. over the Mississippi River.
Pittsburgh Devotes New Department to Transportation Planning
The Department of Mobility and Infrastructure will be up and running by 2017.
Gov. Jerry Brown Condemns State School Bond Measure for Promoting Sprawl
Ten newspapers have joined California Gov. Jerry Brown in opposing Proposition 51, a $9 billion bond ballot measure endorsed by both Democrats, including the lieutenant governor, and Republicans.
Global Agreement Reached to Limit 'Super Greenhouse Gas Emissions'
An historic agreement reached by 170 global leaders in Kigali, Rwanda on October 15 to limit hydrofluorocarbons could have more of an impact on reducing climate change than the carbon emission agreement reached in Paris ten days earlier.
New Tool for Measuring Progress of Sustainability in Austin
Austin Office of Sustainability upgrades transparency with a new online resource.
Why the Disconnect on Climate Change and Urban Density?
Actor Leonardo DiCaprio is also a committed climate change activist. His documentary on the topic airs Oct. 30 on the National Geographic channel. At the U.N., he asked leaders to take bold action. Yet, as an Angeleno, he opposes increased density.
The Recent Decline of New Jersey Transit's Commuter Rail Operations
The New York Times looks into the decline of New Jersey Transit commuter railroad, rated as outstanding only nine years ago. Much of the decline can be traced to decisions by the Christie administration beginning in 2010.
San Francisco's Anti-Homeless Camping Proposition Has Tech Billionaires' Backing
San Francisco's Proposition Q, up for vote this November, would place additional limits on homeless camping in the city.
Bridgegate Probe Widens to Include Gov. Chris Christie
While the U.S. District Attorney has stated that he would not target Christie, that hasn't stopped other courts from probing. The Bergen County Municipal Court has issued a summons for Christie relating to the closure of GW Bridge access lanes.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
