Government / Politics
Why Planning is Like the Judicial System, and Why it Shouldn't Be
Planning has become too much like a court case, with two sides and one winner. According to columnist Christopher Hume, this adversarial nature must be changed.
Planning System Needs to Look at the 'Big Picture'
Officials in Melbourne, Australia, are so frustrated with the city's lackluster planning process that they are pushing for the creation of a new planning authority -- one they hope will look at the "big picture".
Mission Possible?
Despite naysayers, Masdar City is moving forward. The goal: to be the world's first modern-day carbon-free city.
It's Not 'Zoning', But It's Zoning
This commentary argues that, though it may not be called "zoning", Houston has plenty of land use restrictions and guidelines.
A Micro Approach to A Macro Problem
This article from The Washington Post looks at what local municipalities are doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
New London Mayor Outlines Traffic and Transit Ideas
In this interview from last year, the now newly-elected mayor of London, Boris Johnson, talks about the importance of biking in the city, improving public transportation, and abolishing the city's congestion pricing system.
Hollywood High?
Developers and politicians in L.A. are stealthily moving forward with plans to build a skyscraper in the heart of Hollywood -- a 40-story project that would tower high over existing development in the area.
The Ongoing Saga Of The Seattle Viaduct
With elections coming up, local politicians are peddling various plans for the replacement of the Alaska Way Viaduct -- though there is increasing consensus around removing the freeway and creating a waterfront boulevard.
Eminent Domain Back On The Ballot In California
Two ballot measures -- one sponsored by property owners, the other by local government groups and businesses -- seek to tighten the rules around eminent domain, and potentially end rent control in the state.
Green Incentives Don't Help Small Businesses
While cities are eager to encourage businesses to go green, many government incentive programs are not designed with small businesses in mind.
City Explores Ways To Provide Access To Healthy Food
Seattle's new local food initiative will try to help provide access to health, fresh food in neighborhoods that are a long walk or bus ride from a supermarket.
Smart Growth's Role In The Housing Crisis
The housing markets most affected by the subprime mortgage fallout are those with the toughest land use regulations, argues Wendell Cox.
'Gas Tax Holiday' Won't Help Americans
New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman holds no punches in expressing his displeasure in the 'gas tax holiday' proposal now that presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has joined presumptive Republican nominee John McCain in endorsing it.
Questioning The Value Of Stadium Subsidies
Taxpayers typically contribute more than 50 percent of the cost of a new stadium or arena these days, but what are they getting for their money?
Should Toronto Put the Bus Stop Up For Sale?
A transportation official in Toronto is hoping to convince colleagues that the system should allow advertisers to buy naming rights for transit stops in the city as a way of increasing revenue, but many remain opposed.
Boston's Cruise Boat Terminal Faces Uncertain Future
Once supported by the Mayor and Massachusetts Port Authority, plans to enhance Boston's Black Falcon cruise boat terminal are now up in the air.
Strenghtening The Center City Is Not Enough
Harald Bodenschatz calls for a radical shift in the urban planning discourse when he claims for a revitalization not only of the downtown, but of the district centers and of suburbia itself, which should be made denser and more valuable.
Broad Road Tolling Plan Eyed As Seattle Traffic Solution
A recent report argues that tolls could provide the solution to Seattle's traffic congestion, but they would have to be very high, and very widely used.
New Maps Show Broad Range of Earthquake Risk in U.S.
New earthquake hazard maps from the U.S. Geological Survey show increased earthquake risk areas beyond typical hotspots like California. Geologists say planners and local officials should react to the maps by updating building codes.
Solving Civic Problems in a Post-Fact Society
How does a rapidly changing news media affect big city planning? Badly, according to this post from Next American City.
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
