Government / Politics
How Gabe Klein Steered Chicago Towards More Sustainable Transportation
Late last week, Chicago Department of Transportation head Gabe Klein announced that he would be resigning to return to the private sector. During his two and a half years on the job, the city made impressive gains in sustainable transportation.
Fracking Bans Fare Well in Colorado Elections
Fracking bans passed overwhelmingly in the Front Range cities of Boulder, Fort Collins and Lafayette but appeared to be losing by a mere 248 votes in Broomfield as of 11 p.m. on election night.
Mixed Results for Urbanism in Yesterday's Elections
Sustainable transportation in Seattle, a streetcar in Cincinnati and an Astrodome in Houston were among the policies and projects at stake in local elections across the U.S. yesterday. Here are some of the winners and losers.
Will Mayor Garcetti Be Able to Maintain L.A.'s Multimodal Momentum?
Antonio Villaraigosa’s successes earned him a reputation as L.A.'s transportation mayor. Can Mayor Garcetti weave together high-profile projects with back to basics governance to integrate L.A.'s neighborhood development and transportation planning?
NYC: 7 Things at Risk, Post-Bloomberg
As Mayor Bloomberg gets set to leave office in New York, here are 7 things that may dramatically change under a new administration.
What to Watch for in Today's Elections
Off-year elections rarely generate much interest from voters. But at a time when those in D.C. can't seem to get much done, local elections are, in many ways, deciding the direction of the U.S. Mike Riggs examines some of compelling storylines.
Tappan Zee Scores Largest Ever TIFIA Loan, But How Will It Be Repaid?
New York State received good news on Oct. 31: A $1.6 billion loan has been approved toward the $4 billion replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge. The remainder will be borrowed from the private sector. A commission will offer ways to repay the loans.
Did Republicans Orchestrate a National High-Speed Derailment?
Was the demise of plans for high-speed rail in several states run by Republican governors the result of fiscal prudence or a case of political collusion? A new report in the Tampa Tribune suggests the latter.
10 Traits of 'Globally Fluent' Cities
City leaders are constantly told technology is making the world smaller, and they need to make sure their city competes on a world stage, but how? Here are 10 traits cities must have in order to be "globally fluent."
The Urban Election Onstage in Seattle
Chuck Wolfe comments on this week's mayoral election in Seattle, suggesting the pending populist model for New York City is already on display.
Coal Plants Go Low-Tech to Meet Green Goals
Motivated in part by the E.P.A.'s proposed rules to reduce power plant emissions, Minn. Power is burning a greener variety of coal by adding wood to the fuel, helping to meet its renewable power goal and reduce conventional air pollutants and CO2.
Tolls are not Taxes, Rules Virginia's Supreme Court
They are fees, ruled the court on Oct. 31, overturning a May 1, Portsmouth circuit judge ruling in a major victory for both tolling and public-private partnerships. It allows tolls to fund the Elizabeth River Crossings, VDOT's P3 tunnels project.
A Problem Statement about Problem Statements
Do you really want to solve the Big Problem in your city? If so, maybe the best way is to stop thinking about it.
Obama Signs Resilience Order
In an acknowledgement that significant climate change is a real and growing threat (and unlikely to be averted), President Obama will direct federal agencies to make it easier for localities plan for, and adapt to, a warming planet.
The Scary State of U.S. Municipal Finances
Analysis by The Wall Street Journal shows that even as other sectors of the economy fight their way back from the Great Recession, municipal finances lag far behind.
At West Coast Climate Pact Signing, Brown Justifies His Support for Fracking
Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown has made climate protection a centerpiece of his policy agenda, yet he has also embraced the controversial technology of fracking to tap his state's huge shale oil reserves by signing SB 4. He explains his position here.
Let the Sadik-Khan to the City of __ Rumors Begin
This week, vacancies opened at the top of transportation departments in America's second and third largest cities. Meanwhile, one of the most influential and well respected transportation leaders may soon be out of a job. Let the courtship begin!
Will Rob Ford Take Toronto Down With Him?
With the news this week that Toronto police have in their possession the video that allegedly shows him smoking crack, Mayor Rob Ford has been thoroughly disgraced. Marcus Gee argues the scandal threatens "the success of Canada’s biggest city."
Bloomberg's Legacy: Freedom-Hating Nanny or Public Health Visionary?
To his critics, Mayor Bloomberg's initiatives aimed at decreasing smoking, increasing active lifestyles, and tackling obesity add up to the creation of a "Nanny State". A new article challenges the critics by framing him as a public health pioneer.
L.A.'s Top Transportation Official to Resign Following Staff Criticism
Jaime De La Vega, the General Manager of L.A.'s Department of Transportation announced his resignation yesterday effective Dec. 1st. During his two years on the job, the department shifted away from an auto-centric focus to embrace alternative modes.
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
