Government / Politics
All Disaster Planning Now Under Control of the White House?
In the case of a national emergency such as a Katrina-type storm or an act of terrorism, the White House will assume control over the other branches of government, according to a new Presidential Directive.
Why The Coal-To-Liquid Fuel Alternative Is 'Unacceptable'
Not all energy alternatives are created equal. In fact, some are twice as bad as gasoline from a global warming perspective. This editorial points the finger at coal-to-liquid as the worst of them and cautions Congress not to subsidize the technology
The World's Largest Embassy
Tom Engelhardt explores the architectural and political significance of the mammoth US embassy construction project in Baghdad.
Stricter Recycling Guidelines Upset Some In Portland
Portland, Oregon, is pushing stricter regulations on the city's waste, mandating that residents and businesses recycle 75% of their waste by 2015. Many businesspeople are upset about the costs that would be associated with compliance.
Questioning Road Expansion In Kansas City Metro Area
On the Kansas side of Metro area, officials still include thinks it needs more roads to ease sprawl created congestion.
Venezuela's Community Councils
In Venezuela, small community councils funded by oil money are popping up all over the country, taking control over local decisions such as public education, infrastructure, and building plans.
City And School At Odds Over Massive North San Jose Redevelopment Plan
North San Jose's redevelopment plan calls for 32,000 apartments and 7 million sq.ft of industry along the light rail line, but demand for the latter has dropped. Now the school district wants 4 new schools while the city insists only 1 is necessary.
Running A Better Public Meeting
If public participation is a goal, local government should work harder to make public hearings more user-friendly.
Vancouver To Atlanta: 'Congestion Is Our Friend'
In their annual trip to cities that work better than theirs does, Atlanta leaders visit Vancouver to see first-hand the benefits of density, transit and regional planning.
Climate Protection & Land Use: California Begins To Address The Connection
Land use is finally being addressed in California as an intrinsic part of the state's global warming reduction strategy, thanks to passage of the Global Warming Solutions Act and a recent lawsuit by the attorney general against a sprawling county.
Sending Toronto's Mayor To The Chicago School
Toronto, Canada's largest city, could learn a lot by looking at Chicago, writes Margaret Wente.
Carbon Tax Vs. Carbon Trading
L.A. Times editorial compares carbon taxes and carbon trading schemes and argues that carbon taxes are the best way to combat global warming.
Berkeley's Green Blueprint
Strict guidelines have been proposed in Berkeley, California, that would require local residents and businesses to make broad energy efficiency improvements and to make other environmentally-conscious lifestyle changes.
Should A Katrina Memorial Be Built?
The Unified New Orleans Plan calls for a $3.5 million monument to pay tribute to the victims of Katrina and the celebrate the city's rebuilding -- but some are wondering if such a project should be a priority, or is even a good idea.
England Moves Forward On Pay-As-You-Drive Program
The British government has approved rules that lay the foundation for pay-as-you-go road pricing pilot programs. Critics worry the rules preface national control over the controversial systems.
Stagnant Federal Gas Tax Lies At Heart Of Transportation Funding Crisis
Congress' reluctance to raise the gas tax, as well as the President's refusal to approve an increase, lies at the heart of the transportation funding crisis, affecting both roads and transit.
Major Planning System Reorganization Proposed In England
Officials in England propose a massive reorganization of the country's planning system, including the creation of an independent commission that would be charged with approving major infrastructure projects.
Is Chicago Serious About Ending Homelessness?
With little progress having been made on Mayor Richard Daley's campaign pledge to end homelessness by 2012, some are wondering if the promise is just a pipe dream, or worse, a political stunt.
Funding Transit With Proceeds From Road Privatization
A proposed long-term lease of the Pennsylvania Turnpike could provide close to $1.7 billion a year -- funding the state's transit and road needs without the need for additional taxes.
Fairfax County Moves To Limit Big-Box Retail
Fairfax County Supervisors have approved a new measure to restrict the development of stores larger than 80,000 square feet, against the protests of the business community.
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
