Government / Politics
Possible $349 Millon Cut from Affordable Housing in CA
Proposals from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and legislative Republicans to close the state's $15 billion budget deficit would to take away hundreds of millions of dollars from local redevelopment agencies.
Term Limits Affecting Long-Range City Planning
Elected city officials in dozens of cities want to overturn term limits, saying current ones keep them from being able to tackle long-range projects.
As Ice Melts, New Laws Needed in in the North
This week international legal experts are meeting in Iceland to debate whether or not the world needs new international laws concerning the polar regions in the face of climate change.
Do Cities Deserve More Hotel Taxes?
Atlanta and other cities in the U.S. are fighting for a greater share of hotel taxes paid as a result of bookings through online sites.
Congress Considering More Funding for Public Transportation
New funds have already been allocated to public transit agencies, but unexpected increases in ridership have called for even more. The funds come as part of a new energy bill intended to reduce foreign oil dependence.
Can Good Urbanism Transcend Politics?
At a recent bipartisan panel on public transportation and energy policy sponsored by the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis, panelists made the Conservative case for urban density and public transit investments.
Huge Taxpayer Bailout Of Highway Fund
Taxpayers, not transit users, will bail out motorists to keep the highway trust fund solvent. The administration had initially proposed to use transit funds and veto using general funds, but with the fund scheduled to go bust in Oct., they relented.
The Presidency and America's Addiciton to Prisons and Drugs
Neal Pierce looks at America's addiction to incarceration and drug prohibition and wonders what -- if anything -- the presidential candidates would do to change the country's course.
Chickens Approved in Fort Collins
Urban chickens have been approved in Fort Collins, Colorado. Some, including one vocal city council member, are not happy about it.
Is There a Future in Politics for Urban-Minded Bloggers?
The "creative class" is using the Internet and the blog world to drum up new ideas for combating sprawl and placelessness. This article argues it's only a matter of time before these urban thinkers go from blogging to local politics.
Red/Blue = Rural/Urban?
The discourse in the current presidential election appears to be pitting rural -- and presumably conservative -- Americans against urban liberals.
Garbage Day Never Comes for Naples
Corrupt and inconsistent mob-controlled garbage collection in Naples, Italy, has left the city swimming in uncollected trash and with little hope of a resolution.
CA Senate Approves HOT Lane Legislation
The CA Senate voted to approve the HOT lane/transit investment plan of the LA MTA for two freeways, making LA eligible for $210 million in federal congestion pricing funds if the governor signs the bill.
The Middle East's 'Urban Prison'
In this article from Progressive Planning, Tom Angotti looks at Gaza and the land use regulations that have imposed an "urban apartheid".
Instant Cities in the Persian Gulf
Rami Khouri of the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs notes the unprecedented phenomenon of the "instant" cities of the Persian Gulf which, for all their wealth, lack civil societies.
How America Fails Its Infrastructure and How Things Can Change
America's infrastructure is in trouble, and according to author Barry B. LePatner, the flawed systems meant to alleviate these problems should take most of the blame. He offers some possible solutions.
Former London Mayor to Advise Caracas
In an agreement with fellow socialist Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, former London Mayor Ken Livingstone has accepted a position in Caracas to advise the city on improving its transportation and crime issues.
Louisianans Flee Coast As Hurricane Hits Land
With Hurricane Gustav reaching land Monday, nearly 2 million people have been evacuated from coastal Louisiana. The evacuation is being hailed as a vast improvement from the effort three years ago during Hurricane Katrina, but some residents remain.
California Thinks About Pay-As-You-Drive Insurance Plans
The State of California is considering a plan to allow pay-as-you-drive car insurance plans. Many hope the move will encourage less driving.
Cities Seek To Reclaim Streets
American cities are increasingly making moves to reclaim their streets. In this column, Neal Peirce looks into the trend.
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
