Government / Politics
Denver Prepares For Democrats
Denver is generally ready for the Democratic National Convention, but city officials have taken heat for security preparations.
Golden Gate Bridge Congestion Pricing Replaced With Parking Pricing Plan
The Feds won't agree to a $1 congestion peak bridge toll, so SF planners have proposed peak hour parking fees on corridors leading to the Golden Gate Bridge to satisfy the Urban Partnership Agreement terms to retain the $158 million grant.
Electronic Signs May Need Different Rules
Officials in Abilene, Texas, are trying to pass an electronic sign ordinance "proactively" but are facing great resistance, as has been the case for other cities.
All Roads Lead to Rome: The Theme Park
Faced with a significant decline in tourism, Rome's mayor dreams of building a theme park right next to the real thing depicting life in ancient Rome.
L.A.'s Fast Food Ban Boosts Health and Healthy Businesses
A moratorium on new fast food restaurants in Los Angeles is seen as a way to encourage better public health, but also a way to encourage healthier businesses.
'Wood Waste' Power Plant Raises Questions in Texas
The city of Austin considers a multi-billion dollar investment in a "biomass" power plant, burning wood waste in East Texas as a carbon-neutral, renewable energy source.
Boise Looks to Streetcars for Urban Renewal
Boise considers resurrecting their streetcar system after an 80 year absence.
Plans Vary for Foreclosure Relief Funds
Foreclosure-stricken cities and states are looking forward to receiving federal relief funding. Their plans for using the funding vary.
Troubles for D.C.'s Building Repair Program
A Washington D.C. project to clean up and repair dilapidated buildings in the city is coming under scrutiny for shoddy work and millions of dollars in public money that are virtually unaccounted for.
Rome's Battle With Contemporary Architecture
The only modern building in Rome's historic center, a Richard Meier designed museum, is considered offensive enough that it may not last in its current form.
Rare Show Of Unity on Growth Legislation in CA
An unusual coalition of environmentalists, builders,and city leaders announced their support for a controversial land use and transportation bill that aims to involve the CA Air Resources Board in setting reduction targets.
Did Enviros Misjudge The Effect Of High Gas Prices?
The public has relegated global warming well behind other issues, including high energy prices. This article examines the role of environmental groups in this backslide as the public warms to more drilling to reduce gas prices.
NYC Planning Director Walks the East Side with a Tape Measure
New York City planning chief Burden took the Daily News on one of her many walks. She showed how zoning can work to preserve the way of life on the storied Lower East Side and East Village, where she has worked diligently with the community on a plan to encourage affordable housing, ignite positive reinvestment, and prevent out-of-character high structures from impacting the neighborhood again.
Hurting Economy Could Expand Privatization of Infrastructure
As the economy continues to struggle, many expect governments to increasingly look at privatizing roads and other infrastructure.
Honolulu Rail Moves Closer to Ballot
Officials in Honolulu recently approved a measure that will allow voters to decide whether to build a long-planned $4 billion rail system.
A Struggle Between Security and Civil Rights at Beijing's Olympics
Security is a major concern during large public events like the Olympics. The Chinese government is making preparations for a safe event, but could they go too far?
NYC Congestion Pricing Isn't Dead Yet
The prospect of a looming MTA deficit and rising transit fares is prompting a second look at congestion pricing in Manhattan, a project defeated by the state Assembly in April, notwithstanding a federal grant for $360 million.
Infrastructure Bank Needs More Than a 'Drop in the Bucket'
This commentary from Reason looks at the prospect of a national infrastructure bank and argues that much more needs to be done.
Broad Green Building Law Passed in San Francisco
San Francisco has passed some of the strictest green building requirements in the nation, for new construction and renovations.
NIMBYism Strikes as Residents Fight Senior Housing
Citizens in Weston, Massachusetts, one of America's toniest suburbs, continue to block a local college's effort to build senior housing, raise its endowment and provide scholarships for low-income students.
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
