Government / Politics
Daley's Success As Chicago's 20-Year Mayor
Neal Pierce argues that retiring Mayor Daley's achievements in Chicago "stand out as beacons for mayors, American and worldwide, to emulate." He attributes some of his success to sheer political skill, but also examines seven effective policy shifts.
Turning Cars into the Last Resort in San Francisco
As San Francisco update its strategic plan, the rhetoric in the boardroom is increasingly about reducing car traffic and use in the city.
Who Killed the Streetcar?
It's an article of faith among many that GM, Firestone, and Standard Oil destroyed the streetcar networks of the early 20th century. Stephen Smith suggests that Progressive Era and New Deal planners and politicians should shoulder more of the blame.
Bell, CA Leaders Arrested for Outrageous Salaries
Bell residents were outraged to discover that their poor community was going broke paying extravagant salaries to city leaders. Eight staffers have now been arrested for misappropriating funds.
California Set To Adopt Emissions Targets From VMT Reduction
The fruition of a lengthy state planning process required by SB 375 may come as early as Sept. 23 when the CA Air Resources Board may adopt targets for 18 metropolitan regions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing vehicle miles traveled.
The American Parks Database
A new report from the Trust for Public Lands provides detailed and comprehensive data on city park systems in the U.S.
Irrigation Project Spurs Protests in Peru
A proposed irrigation project near the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru that would divert water away from small villages has sparked violent protests.
Light at End of Tunnel for Southern States' Water Fight
The tri-state fight over water in Alabama, Georgia and Florida is still raging, but some believe a negotiated settlement is not far off. However, there is potential for the fight to go all the way to the Supreme Court.
Ownership Undecided on California Naval Base Redevelopment
A decommissioned naval base in Concord, California, is moving steadily towards redevelopment as a mixed use community. But who will own the redeveloped base is still undecided.
Why the Infrastructure Bank is Right On
Columnist Neal Peirce throws his weight behind the Obama Infrastructure Bank proposal.
Community Says 'No' to In-N-Out
Locals in Walnut Creek are up in arms over a proposed In-N-Out Burger. Columnist Tom Barnidge says that while "provincialism often is the catalyst for complaint," there is reason to protest in this case.
After Urban Renewal, Learning From New York City
Mary Newsom reviews a new book on New York City by Roberta Brandez Gratz, and finds lessons that cross borders even into her very different city of Charlotte.
The Top 10 Most Global Cities
Emily Peck counts down the top ten most global cities now that more than half the world's population is urbanized. The 21st century will be dominated by the city, writes Parag Khanna. “The age of nations is over. The new urban age has begun.”
Friday Funny: Man Encourages Neighborhood to Secede
Jim Massey of East Pennsboro Township, Pennsylvania is unhappy about plans to build a new apartment complex in his neighborhood, so he's encouraging his neighbors to secede from East Pennsboro and join a nearby town.
"Hometown Democracy" Amendment Pending, Florida Cities Scramble
A controversial ballot measure in November could put all Florida general plan changes to a public vote. The St. Petersburg City Council is attempting some sleight-of-hand with their land use map to avoid facing the voters.
No Progress in Program to Convert Luxury Condos to Affordable Housing
A year-old program in New York City intended to convert stalled condo projects into completed affordable housing has yet to make any progress.
North Jersey jitneys take off
Small, private bus-like jitneys have taken off in cities across North Jersey, operating more frequently and at lower cost than NJ Transit. Their reckless driving and skirting of regulations, however, present problems for transit planners.
Note to New Orleans: Get Involved.
The proposed design for a New Orleans medical complex is being directed from state offices, and is out of place from local planning principles, according to findings.
Stimulus is Out There, But Construction Jobs Slow to Follow
Despite some accusations that the federal stimulus funding has not been filtering down to actual transportation projects, work is being done. But the influx of money hasn't been able to revive a flagging construction industry.
Stopping Development to Protect a View
A cemetery on a high hill in Brooklyn is hoping to convince the city of the importance of its views -- a move that could have a big impact on future large developments in the area.
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
