Government / Politics
L.A. Offered Funding, With Toll Road Ultimatum
The federal government is tempting officials in Los Angeles County with more than $200 million in transportation funding -- but only if the county converts some highway lanes to congestion pricing toll lanes.
Plans for World's Largest Hydroelectric Dam Moving Forward in Africa
The dam project is being proposed on the Congo river, and could produce more than twice the amount of energy generated by China's Three Gorges Dam, currently the world's largest. If approved the dam could be operating by 2022.
Relocation of Sports Team Could Benefit Light Rail Plans
Officials in Oklahoma is hoping to woo the Seattle Supersonics to relocate in Oklahoma City by offering tax incentives. One politician is hoping to advance plans for a light rail transit system by planting the idea with team officials.
What Happened To Good Old Fashioned Taxes?
Congestion pricing is really just a regressive tax thats hurt the poor, argues one New York Assemblyman. If government wants to improve transit and the environment, it should simply tax wealthy Americans more to do it.
Will Congress Finally Raise The Gas Tax?
With the nation's infrastructure in dire need of investment, a debate over the need to raise the federal gas tax is brewing in Washington, D.C.
Salt Lake City Takes Steps To Fix Dysfunctional Planning Department
After a recent audit revealed that long-time problems that have plagued the city's planning division, local leaders are taking action to remedy the situation.
San Francisco's Bay Area Growth May Change With Climate
Officials forecast need to adapt development model: to retreat from some areas, build in others, and reduce reliance on cars.
City Hires Developer To Lead Planning Department
Winnipeg, Manitoba has selected a local developer to fill the city's top planning job, with some left wondering what direction the city's growth will take under the new director.
Questioning New York City's Sustinability Plan
With Mayor Bloomberg's congestion pricing plan defeated, can the city's vision for long-term sustainability be achieved?
Gray Gold: Housing The Baby Boomers
A recent working paper considers the implications of housing the nation's aging population.
Do Houston Residents Want Zoning?
With planning likely to become a major issue in next year's mayoral campaign, a recent survey shows that most residents would support new rules -- including possibly land use zoning -- to manage the region's sprawling development.
To Save Detroit, Plan For A Smaller City
A recent editorial argues that Detroit must look for ways to concentrate its dwindling population in a smaller, more compact city if it is to survive.
Cash-Strapped Transit Agency Needs Funding Plan
Forget major rail expansion. The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority hopes a new bill will first allow it to afford office space and hire an executive director.
New HUD Chief Named
President George W. Bush is expected to announce his nomination of Steve Preston, head of the Small Business Association, as the new chief of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
How Drugs Kill Forests
Drug traffickers, growers and drug law enforcement agents are wreaking havok on the forests of Central America, where large plots of forest are clear-cut for drug crop growing and sprayed to eliminate illicit substances.
American Mayors and Bottom-Up Environmental Planning
The environmental leadership of mayors in the U.S. offers much hope for the future of the country, according to this article from Metropolis.
'Fully Contained Communities' Spark Comprehensive Plan Debate
Officials and residents in Snohomish County, Washington, are grappling over proposed changes to their comprehensive plan. A major point of contention is whether "fully contained communities" should be allowed.
States Take Action on Foreclosures While Federal Government Stumbles
Without a clear federal plan to counteract the swath of foreclosures sweeping across the country, state governments are finding ways to reduce the local impacts.
The Fight for $1 Homes
A HUD plan that allows municipalities to buy up foreclosed homes for just $1 is causing controversy in Wayne County, Michigan, where cities and counties are fighting over who is best suited to take over abandoned homes.
Los Angeles Taco Trucks in Trouble
Mobile taco trucks in Los Angeles may face tougher fines for parking in any one place for too long if proposed restrictions are passed by the county.
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
