Government / Politics
Uproar Over Bond Funds Benefiting Railroads
When California voters approved the $20 billion transportation bond in Nov., 2006 they supported the expenditure of over $2 billion for 'goods movement' stemming from the state's busy ports. However, some local officials object to rail projects.
First City to Address Energy and Climate Problems Jointly
Many cities are working toward addressing climate change. Some are establishing task forces to figure out how to prepare for peak oil. Spokane, Washington, is the first city to do both together, with a strategic planning effort launched last week.
Ambitious Plans Unlikely, But Noble
This editorial argues that Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser's plans for a regional light rail system are ambitious and not likely to succeed, but they are a powerful example of the froward-thinking mindset more cities need.
Resort Towns Rethink Housing Subsidies
Resort towns in Wyoming are trying to preserve middle class populations and public servants by offering housing subsidies to relatively well-off families.
Attack of the Public Art 'Monsters'
Prominent museum heads in the United Kingdom are calling for greater discretion in the commissioning of public art pieces. They say the latest batch of sculptures are "monsters".
L.A. Light Rail Changes Sought Due to Safety Concerns
Citing safety concerns, a grassroots organizer in Los Angeles is lobbying the city to rethink plans for a light rail line that passes by a school. He says the entire line should be built underground.
Indiana Approves Movie Incentive Plan
Lawmakers in Indiana have approved an incentive program that seeks to attract filmmakers to the state, a move that overrides a veto by Governor Mitch Daniels.
Chicago Mayor Demands Better Transit
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley has posed a challenge to the city's transit agency to revamp its system to be cleaner and faster, and also to emphasize the creation of retail shops in train stations.
New Mexico Critics Say Transportation Projects Suffer as Rail Runs
Criticism of New Mexico's commuter rail system heats up as officials claim Rail Runner starves other transportation projects of funding.
The Greeenest Cities in America
Popular Science has released a list of the 50 greenest cities in America.
Abandoned Houses and Vacancies Cause Cities Pain
Cities across the country scramble to deal with abandoned properties as they drive down local economies.
Marine Protection Zone Proposed in California
California officials are proposing a broad swath of protected marine areas -- a plan that aims to reduce fishing and allow marine populations to flourish longer before being caught for consumption.
Video: Amtrak Ridership Soars
This CBS News video interviews passengers, as they are working, aboard Amtrak's Acela between NYC and Washington DC. New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg who has proposed legislation, and Amtrak CEO Alexander Kummant are also interviewed.
Increasing Affordable Housing Requirement Sparks Debate in San Francisco
Planners in San Francisco are battling with city supervisors over plans to increase the affordable housing requirements for a new development -- a proposal that some planners say might scare off developers.
Europe's Next Great Bicycling City
London is planning a new "superhighway" bicycle network that will help transform it into one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world.
As D.C.-Dulles Rail Plans Stumble, BRT Advocates Jump In
As federal funding for the Washington D.C.-Dulles rail line teeters on the edge, proponents of bus rapid transit are taking the opportunity to tout BRT as the wiser and more affordable transit solution.
New York Parks Will Be On Camera
Surveillance cameras are expected to be installed in the public parks of New York City.
Georgia Water Restrictions May Be Loosened
Lawmakers in Georgia are looking to loosen water restrictions, enabling people to fill their swimming pools and water their plants despite a statewide drought.
Chicago's Pay-to-Play Zoning Redux
A continuation of the series of articles from the Chicago Tribune that look at zoning and the politics that shape the city's land use.
The Coming Debate On Reducing 'Vehicle Miles Traveled'
The Wall Street Journal's "Eyes on the Road" columnist, Joseph B. White, ponders the "next big debate over the role of the automobile in America" now that fuel efficiency was raised, and the direction he points to is most surprising.
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
