Government / Politics
Parking Violations Could Generate $100 Million for San Francisco
San Francisco is considering a plan to boost its fees for parking violations -- a move that could end up bringing in a total of $100 million in revenues from the pockets of illegal parkers.
Looking at Houston from Vancouver
A Canadian's perspective on the "planner-free" city of Houston, America's fourth most populous city.
Another Year Later, New Orleans Still Waiting
With little evidence of progress in the city's 17 designated recovery areas, residents grow ever more frustrated with local officials.
A Look at L.A.'s Density Bonus
This segment from Which Way, L.A.? discusses Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's density bonus plans.
Cities Are Forgotten In Presidential Race
Urban issues and metropolitan policy are noticeably absent from the platforms of the three main presidential candidates.
Who Will Senate's Housing Crisis Plan Help?
A new plan in the Senate looks to help the country deal with the backlash of the housing crisis by offering tax breaks and credit. But will it help people whose homes have been foreclosed?
Cuba Ends Tourism Apartheid
Six weeks after taking office, Raul Castro has lifted the ban on Cubans staying in local hotels.
London To Transform Congestion Charge Into Climate Change Fee
Owners of gas-guzzling SUVs would pay $50 to drive into the central city, while drivers of low emission vehicles would now be exempt from the $16 congestion charge.
Sales Tax for Transit Catching on in Twin Cities
Five counties in metropolitan Minneapolis have approved the creation of a new quarter-cent sales tax that will be dedicated to funding transit projects.
Border Fencing Plan Dodges Environmental Rules
Federal and state environmental guidelines have been waived by the Federal government to fast-track construction of nearly 700 miles of fencing along the U.S. Mexico Border.
Using Fees On Motorists To Fund Public Transit
A bill introduced in Sacramento could pave the way for Los Angeles County to raise $400 million dollars a year for public transit from motorists -- who'd pay more for gas or vehicle registration.
Less Government, But More Roads Please
Conservatives and libertarians who admonish government spending and transit subsides still support new road and highway construction, and the state power and funding they typically require.
Chavez Seeks Shangri-La with 'Socialist Cities'
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is pushing plans to create "21st century socialist cities" -- communities based on public participation and cooperation -- juxtaposed next to fiercely capitalist developments in the rest of the country.
Cities Putting Officials in Charge of Sustainability
As cities get serious about addressing climate change, a new city position -- the sustainability director -- is taking office all over the country.
Long Island Considers Plan to Become 51st State
In an effort to highlight the disparity between generated revenue and received state funding, officials in Long Island have proposed a six-months study to weigh the benefits of seceding from New York to become the nation's 51st state.
HUD Secretary Resigns
Alphonso Jackson, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, announced his resignation Monday, effective April 18.
Los Angeles' Brawl With Sprawl
Officials in Los Angeles were successful in implementing high-density growth policies to curb sprawl. However, a disconnect between culture, transportation policy, and the real estate market may have disastrous consequences.
Federal Disaster Response Plan Revised
The federal government has issued an updated strategy plan for responding to natural and man-made disasters.
Regional Approach Lauded as Key Stretegy for Economic Development
The greater Toledo area needs to think harder about creating regional development if it wants to compete in the globalizing economy, according to this editorial.
Funding Bureaucracy Highlights L.A.'s Parks Deficit
The city of Los Angeles is currently sitting on more than $130 million dollars intended to build parks. But those funds are tied to council districts high in development, leaving districts with little development high and dry.
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
