Government / Politics
High Speed Rail May Have Hidden Costs
With nearly $10 billion in bonds going up for a vote in 2008 to fund high speed rail in California, residents should consider the history of public works projects that have greatly exceeded their initial low cost estimates, writes Adam B. Summers.
Imagining A Better City? Try The SmartCode
Consultants are advocating for the use of the "SmartCode" to help Hamden, Connecticut, bolster economic development and improve its urban form.
Toll Opposition May Strand State's Transportation Infrastructure
Opposition to a plan to increase fees on a Virginia tollroad may result in a pullout by private interests, leaving the state with the burden of paying for its transportation infrastructure -- a task that may be impossible, according to this article.
San Jose Encouraged To Bend Rules For Soccer Stadium
This editorial calls on the city of San Jose, California, to bend recently-passed planning process rules to keep hopes alive for a mixed-use soccer stadium project.
Are Embassies Obsolete?
The American embassy under construction in Baghdad will be the largest, most heavily fortified and most expensive such facility in the world. And probably the most unnecessary, writes William Langewiesche.
Planning For Megafires and Drought
Experts say smarter land-use planning is needed as risk from wildfires and droughts caused by global warming increases.
What It Looks Like When Bikes Are Part of the Transit System
Bogotá, Colombia has made significant efforts to integrate bicycling facilities into its TransMilenio Bus Rapid Transit system. The New York City Streets Renaissance team was there to learn more and take a look.
Increasing Funding And Making Infrastructure 'Sexy'
The Canadian government has recently announced a plan to improve spending on transit, but with a shortfall of more than $60 billion, many are calling on the government to focus on other less "sexy" infrastructure projects.
Cottages, Not Trailers, Set For Louisiana's Jackson Barracks
Already lagging behind Mississippi, Louisiana has finally approved the construction of 75 "Louisiana Cottages" (AKA Katrina Cottages) as an alternative to FEMA's temporary trailers, long thought to be a sub-standard and undignified form of housing.
Feds To LA: Try Congestion Pricing On Freeways
In a clear message to L.A.’s transportation leaders, a U.S. Department of Transportation representative told the city's transit agency to consider congestion pricing as a method to both reduce congestion and show ‘the true costs’ of freeway driving.
Another Fire, Yet Still More Homes
With two major fires in four years, San Diego County officials are trying to evaluate their options. Though many acknowledge that the battle against forest fires is a losing one, there are no proposals to restrict home building in fire prone areas.
Survey Reveals Americans Preference For Transit Development
A new survey from Smart Growth America notes that three-fourths of Americans think improving public transportation is a better long term solution than building roads.
Berkeley Reveals Solar Vision
In an effort to curb its energy use, the city of Berkeley, California, is considering a plan that would subsidize the installation of solar panels on homes in the city.
Energy Efficiency Grants Under Scrutiny
Government programs that subsidize energy-efficiency improvements in houses are being reconsidered as some claim the effort isn't worth the benefit.
CA High Speed Rail Receives 'Vote Of Confidence'
The California Transportation Commission allocated $15.5 million to the state's High-Speed Rail Authority for environmental, engineering and design work on short, designated corridors for the 700-mile, $40 billion rail system.
Earth Headed For Environmental 'Tipping Point'
A recent 540-page report from the United Nations outlines the mega-problem of climate change, warning that failure to act may cause irreversible damage.
What Canada Can Learn From U.S. Cities
An urban renaissance is underway in many American cities, one fueled by the "common sense" of focusing on fundamentals. Canadian cities are looking south to pick up some good ideas.
Urban Renewal For Whom?
Urban renewal projects intended to help the poor in struggling neighborhoods really do the opposite, writes Timothy B. Lee.
Are Toll Roads The Solution?
More and more states are looking to private investors to own and operate their roads and bridges as tollways, but some wonder if the government should really take such a hands-off approach.
More Ways To Make The City Move
To supplement recently announced plans to install directional decals on the sidewalks outside of subways, The New York Times offers three ideas for improving mobility in the 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
