Government / Politics
Of Felonies, the First Amendment, and Franks
A successful small business in Chicago has ruffled some feathers in a neighborhood grappling with crime and poverty. Why? Because Felony Franks is too unsavory a name, even for a hot dog stand that employs ex-convicts.
El Paso to Walk the Walk
Citing a recent study that demonstrates higher home values in walkable neighborhoods, officials in El Paso say it's time to change the way their city grows.
First Fast Food, Now South L.A. Looks to Ban Convenience Stores
Community activists are calling for a ban on new convenience stores in South Los Angeles, a lower income part of town that saw a ban on new fast food restaurants last year.
Tax District Forming for D.C. Metro Extension
A group of landowners has been assembled that can now establish a special tax assessment district to raise money for the extension of the Washington D.C. area Metro system to Dulles International Airport.
Transportation Experts Offer Ideas for Promoting Livable Communities
National Journal asks its panel of transportation experts how planners should promote livable communities.
Real Work to Begin on Rio's Olympic Plans
Rio de Janeiro has been named the host of the 2016 Summer Olympics. Now, the city has to start making its Olympic promises come true.
Fast Food Ban Doesn't Trim the Fat
A ban on new fast food restaurants in South Los Angeles which was put in place last year has been found to play little role in reducing obesity in the area, according to a new report from the Rand Corporation.
Vancouver Reevaluating its Skyline
In a series of open houses to debate whether its building height restrictions should be changed, former Vancouver city planner Larry Beasley debated with architect Richard Henriquez.
Despite Intimidation and Violence, Officials Vow to Complete South Africa BRT
Amid recnt violence thought to be related to the country's plans to implement a bus rapid transit system, South Africa's national transport minister has vowed that the transportation project will move ahead.
Rail Safety Improvements Years Away
Head-on train collisions can be avoided by simply keeping one train per track. There's a plan to make that happen, but it's years from implementation.
Bush DOT Secretary Gives Her Two Cents
Mary Peters, Secretary of Transportation from 2006-2008, gives her opinion on where transportation funding should go. Better technology is high on her list.
A Backyard Battle: Trials of a Garden-Variety NIMBY
Nandita Godbole advocates for parks and greenspaces around Atlanta. But when faced with a struggle over keeping her own quarter-acre backyard open and free, she found she was powerless.
Immigration Detention Hotels?
Homeland Security is looking to change the way the detention of nonviolent undocumented immigrants is handled. Among the ideas for a more appropriate detention system: converting hotels and nursing homes to hold people who are not accused of crimes.
Fighting the Invasive Species of the Galapagos: Humans
Drawn to the Galapagos Islands by their booming tourism industry, thousands of poor Ecuadorians are being booted from the sensitive ecosystem to counteract the negative impact of the rising human population.
One Planner Left Standing
With the layoff of City Planner John 'Rusty' Lewis, Natchez, Mississippi is left with only one employee in its planning department - and she retires next week.
The Frustration Behind Miami's Push for a Bike Plan
This audio report form WLRN in Florida looks at the frustrated bicycling community that mobilized to create the city's bicycling master plan, up for approval this week.
Anti-Graffiti Coating To Be Required on L.A. Buildings
The Los Angeles City Council has unanimously approved a measure that will require an anti-graffiti coating on all new buildings in the city.
Intercity Rail Rides Again in Virginia
Intercity rail service has begun operations in Virginia, connecting Lynchburg and Washington D.C.
Ban on Biking and Walking to School May Be Lifted
A 15-year-old ban on biking and walking to school in Saratoga Springs, New York may be lifted, after one bike-friendly parent challenged the policy.
Kids Tackling Planning Issues
The Municipal Art Society of New York talks with four young people who are actively involved in addressing the planning challenges facing their communities.
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
