Government / Politics
Where are the Black Urbanists?
Urbanism tends to be an interest of a small group: the young, the male, and the pale, according to Kristen E. Jeffers who wants to see more groups and more people of color engaged.
Livable Communities Act Faces Uncertain Future
The mid-term elections have created even more uncertainty for the Livable Communities Act, which has stalled in the House and has yet to be taken up by the full Senate. Critics worry about government spending and housing affordability.
Tolls Incite San Francisco Peninsula Border War
The mere possibility that a SF County Transportation Authority study could result in a 'border' charge (congestion toll) to drive into SF from San Mateo County has the latter floating their own competing toll for motorists entering San Mateo County.
How Does A Gas Tax Reduce The Deficit?
The deficit commission has proposed a 15-cent gas tax, which would fund the Highway Trust Fund for needed infrastructure projects as opposed to deficit reduction. Brooking's Robert Puentes explains why it was included.
The Best Laid Plans
Planning students at the University of British Columbia unveiled bold new plans for Vancouver for the next 40 years, but as planning director Brent Toderian put it, the plans are "the easy part."
Bridge Tolls Critical Missing Part Of NY Transit Funding Package
The Post's transit reporter looks at the substantial MTA budget shortfall resulting in major service reductions and fare increases, but one MTA board member regrets the state senate's refusal to do away with the 'free ride' to Manhattan.
Ugly L.A. Deserves a Makeover
Los Angeles is ugly. But it doesn't have to be, argues Sam Lubell.
Defining a National Infrastructure Bank
The idea of creating a national infrastructure bank is gathering support amongst politicians and officials at the federal level. But what is it?
The Impact of D.C.'s Outgoing Transportation Head
As Washington D.C. transportation Gabe Klein prepares to leave his post, columnist Robert Thomson looks at the impact of his short legacy.
Do Rainforests Grow on Money?
In an effort to halt the destruction of rainforests, increasing amounts of money are being offered to countries for preservation efforts. But some wonder whether throwing money at the problem will yield a solution.
HUD With an Emphasis on the 'UD'
The federal government is attempting to pay closer attention to urban issues, and its Department of Housing and Urban Development is leading the way.
Bing on Detroit, 18 Months into Office
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing has been in office for a year and a half. Some progress in the troubled city has been made, but much work remains, as is revealed in this interview.
LaHood Announces New HSR Winners & Losers
The loser list is short and no surprise: The governor-elects of OH and WI had campaigned against HSR projects in their states-they got their wish. The recipients of the redirected $1.2 billion were the surprise,with CA, FL, and WA being the happiest.
Predictions for California Planning in 2011
Paul Shigley of the California Planning and Development Report offers three predictions on what the state can expect to see in 2011 in terms of urban planning and development.
Fort Worth Kills Streetcar Plan
City officials in Fort Worth, Texas, have backed out of plans to build a streetcar downtown.
Opening Government Easier Said Than Done
Federal government entities are supposed to be "opening" their data, publishing it online for any and all to see. While the goal is good, the reality of meeting the requirement is creating problems.
Adios Automobile!
TheCityFix looks at the future of the automobile in cities and the possibilities of moving people in to alternative modes in times when car ownership rates are still exploding.
U.S. Court Of Appeals Rules 'Sprawl Fee' Lawful
A U.S. Court of Appeals has upheld a 2008 District Court ruling allowing a regional air quality district to manage land use for the improvement of air quality. CA's Central Valley Air Dist. now has a lawful Indirect Source Review or sprawl fee rule.
Park Funding Problems? Privatize
More parks in the U.S. should fight funding issues through privatization, writes John Stossel.
Rio's Slums to See Massive Redesign
Ahead of the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, officials in Rio de Janeiro are taking on a massive upgrade project in the city's slums.
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
