Government / Politics

Chicago Transit Authority Plans For Possible Budget Shortfall

Facing the prospect of not receiving crucial state funding, the Chicago Transit Authority has released a "doomsday" plan to guide the system's reaction to the budget shortfall. Some services would have to be cut, but not as many as expected earlier.

August 8, 2007 - The Chicago Tribune

Can The Corps Correct Its Mistakes?

Looking back over the two years since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, the Army Corps of Engineers' continuing work has been closely scrutinized. But will they be able to prepare New Orleans for an even bigger storm?

August 8, 2007 - Time

Annexation Called Unnecessary

The city of Jeffersonville, Indiana, has approved the annexation of more than 7,800 acres of nearby land -- a move that will increase the population by more than a third. Many of the people to be annexed are calling the move a land and money grab.

August 8, 2007 - The Courier-Journal

Veto Of Infrastructure Proposals May Be Right Choice

This article from Time looks at the shortcomings of the nearly 1,000 Army Corps of Engineers projects facing Senate approval and a Presidential veto, saying the proposals will harm an already broken infrastructure system.

August 7, 2007 - Time

Tax On Flights Could Fund Rail Projects

Politicians in England are proposing a tax on flights and freight haulers to help fund rail initiatives.

August 7, 2007 - BBC

Planning And Financing A Comprehensive Transit System: The Denver Model

With its voter approved, tax-financed public works campaign called FasTracks, Denver is blazing a trail for regions that are serious about expanding transit options.

August 7, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

More Parking Or Transit?

Voters in San Francisco will have to choose between two ballot measures -- one increasing parking in the city, the other funding more transit -- during this fall's election.

August 6, 2007 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Cleveland Region Focuses On Municipal Cooperation

Cleveland and its suburbs are trying to remove some of the regional competition between cities by sharing revenues and resources.

August 5, 2007 - The Cleveland Plain Dealer

Drinking The 'Downtown Revitalization' Kool-Aid

Boosters like to sell downtown revitalization as crucial to a region's economic interest -- but for most cities, that's rarely the case.

August 4, 2007 - East Valley Tribune

The Left-Leaning NIMBY

In Marin County and other wealthy, liberal enclaves, many residents are vocally supportive of affordable housing and other causes -- unless its in their neighborhood.

August 3, 2007 - Mother Jones

Idaho's Governor Proposes State Workers Stay Home And Telecommute

As roads become more congested, one congestion mitigation proposal would encourage state workers to telecommute.

August 3, 2007 - The Idaho Statesman

Federal Infrastructure Bank Proposed In Congress

With the nation's crumbling infrastructure having grabbed headlines lately, two U.S. senators are supported the concept of a national infrastructure bank to evaluate and finance major public works.

August 2, 2007 - Reuters

The Subway Mayor (Sort Of)

Though New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has earned kudos by taking public transit to work, reporters for the New York Times note his commute -- which involves a 22 block ride in a chauffeured Chevy Suburban -- isn't your average subway ride.

August 2, 2007 - The New York Times

A Black City Planned By Whites?

African-Americans are the majority of residents in Richmond, Virginia, but a new master planning effort has been criticized for attracting little participation from non-whites.

August 2, 2007 - Style Weekly

Salt Lake Sky Bridge Becomes Political Hot Button

The controversy over the proposed sky bridge in downtown Salt Lake City has worked its way into the race for mayor.

August 2, 2007 - Salt Lake City Weekly

Kansas City Behind In Light Rail

Even with a voter approved plan, the Kansas City metro region is only beginning to talk about light rail construction -- to its determent, argues one columnist.

July 31, 2007 - The Kansas City Star

Corruption At The Los Angeles City Housing Authority

A Los Angeles Times investigation reveals a highly-paid manager for the Los Angeles City Housing Authority rigging bids worth nearly $1 million over four years.

July 30, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

NYC Transit Fares And Tolls May Rise In 2008

Even with a $1 billion surplus this year, mouting debt payments for MTA may force an increase in the $2 bus and subway fare next year to keep the budget in the black.

July 30, 2007 - The New York Times

Lamenting Sprawl In Kansas City

"Progress" and developers are carelessly expanding the reach of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area.

July 30, 2007 - The Kansas City Star

A Look At The Miami Housing Agency Debacle

An investigative report airing on PBS stations chronicles the corruption and mismanagement uncovered at the Miami-Dade Housing Agency over the past year.

July 29, 2007 - PBS

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.