Government / Politics
DIY Gray Water Recycling
This report from NPR looks at a homeowner who has transformed her house's plumping to reuse its "gray water" -- non-potable water from sinks that can be rerouted into gardens and toilets. Some lawmakers are discouraging this method.
Vegas May Be Too Bright
Home to the bright lights and elaborate signage of Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada, may revise an ordinance to more effectively regulate the bright signs and displays that illuminate the Las Vegas Strip and other parts of the county.
How Ireland Became A Leader In Immigration
By increasing the amount of migrant work permits and political rights, Ireland has beckoned immigrants from all over the world, becoming one of Europe's immigration leaders.
Closely Connected Northwest Cities Need To Plan Together
This editorial calls on the governments of Portland, Oregon, and its intimately-connected neighbor, Vancouver, Washington, to expand the reach of the metropolitan planning agency whose jurisdiction ends at the border between the two cities.
Suburbs Support New City Creation For Political Leverage
Small city public officials in the Sacramento area are using public money to support a bid to turn an unincorporated plot of land into a new city -- a move they hope will help to distribute regional planning power more equitably to smaller towns.
Senator Opposes Plan To Convert Interstates To Toll Roads
A U.S. Senator from Texas has vowed to oppose a state-supported plan to convert existing interstate highways into tollraods.
Has Smart Growth Made A Difference In Maryland?
Though former Governor Perris Glendening lead the charge for smart growth in Maryland, its hard to tell if the state's policies have curbed sprawl significantly.
Texas Wants To Buy Back Interstate, Convert To Toll Roads
Transit officials in Texas are looking to convince Congress to let the state buy back sections of interstate highway for conversion into revenue-generating toll roads.
Developer's Sway Reroutes Rail, Upsets Residents
Salt Lake City residents are upset over a developer using his powerful clout to reroute a planned light rail line so it would not interfere with access points to his shopping mall.
Can Britain Go Carbon-Neutral?
This article from the Guardian looks at the feasibility of putting in place a recently-announced proposal to make Britain carbon-neutral by 2050.
City Opposed As Struggling Neighbor Seeks Merger
Facing the possibility of not being able to afford service by county sheriffs, the city of West Park, Florida, is hoping to forfeit its cityhood and join up with neighboring Pembroke Park. But Pembroke Park is less than enthusiastic about a merger.
Bill Seeks To Limit Tax Deductions For McMansions
Climate change legislation that is expected to be introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives next month includes a provision that eliminates a tax deduction for any home over 3,000 square feet.
Transportation Is Biggest Loser In New California Budget
California's 52-day delayed budget was just signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger and the biggest loser is transportation -- to the tune of $1.3 billion. Public transit agencies will be taking the biggest hit of all.
Lawsuit Over General Plan Ignoring Global Warming Settled
A widely watched lawsuit by California's attorney general against the state's fastest growing county over the issue of inventorying and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the update of a county general plan has been settled.
Disneyland Takes Rezoning To Ballot
The housing saga continues in Anaheim, California, as the Disney Corporation has pushed a referendum into next June's city ballot that will let voters decide if housing should be allowed in the Disneyland-adjacent "Resort District".
After Brief Pause, Naked Time Will Resume
Despite thousands of signatures in its support, a proposed law that would have banned public nudity in the city of Brattleboro, Vermont, was voted down recently. A temporary ban will end next month.
The Manhattanization Of L.A.
In this piece from the Los Angeles Times, Joel Kotkin writes about how L.A. politicians are blindly following the lead of developers in densifying the city without adequately debating the consequences.
Wal-Mart Town Center Project Is Missing The Town Center
In North Lauderdale, Florida, a Wal-Mart-anchored town center is struggling to live up to its promises.
Good Management The Secret To Successful Communities
Cerritos, California, has become one of the more successful suburbs of Los Angeles by applying superb management techniques.
California Publishes New Hazard Mitigation Draft Plan
The California Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP) is the state's plan for reshaping and strengthening the built environment to significantly reduce disaster losses created by natural and human-caused hazards.
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
