Government / Politics
Transit Officials Struggle To Convince State For Funding
With little interest from the governor, Illinois transit officials are predicting that budget cuts will dramatically reduce transit service, especially in the suburban Chicago area. They have been unsuccessful in rallying lawmakers to boost funding.
Federal Grant Programs Struggling To Meet Demand In New Orleans
Federally-funded home rebuilding programs in New Orleans are having trouble keeping up with the demand of grant applicants, and the governor has cautioned that the budget shortfall may be in the billions.
Pro-Property Rights Movement Here To Stay
By and large, Americans support the rights of property owners -- leaving planners with the challenge of creating regulation that protects the public without infringing on private interests.
Walling The World
From fears over immigration to the pursuit of control over territory, countries and cities around the world are increasingly turning to the oldest form of defense: the wall.
Locals Oppose Towers Along Border
This report from NPR details local opposition to a Department of Homeland Security plan to erect watch towers along the Arizona-Mexico border.
Arguing The Merits Of A Consolidated Road Agency
City leaders eager for more control have renewed a debate over Boise's consolidated countywide highway district -- which supporters argue provide better service and saves taxpayers money.
Builders, Environmentalists, Housing Advocates Unite To Protect Transfer Fees
In a truly unusual array of political forces, developers have joined with environmentalists and housing advocates to oppose a bill sponsored by realtors that would eliminate the use of transfer fees to finance open space and affordable housing.
Big Brother Is Watching ... And Listening ... And Talking
Citing the popularity and success of closed-circuit television cameras that have been installed in many public places for crime-fighting purposes, politicians in the UK are considering attaching microphones and even loudspeakers to these cameras.
Transport Privatization: Full Speed Ahead
Investors are lining up to bid on American's transportation infrastructure, with many public sector managers happy to solve their budget woes.
Mexican President Proposes Road Privatization
Despite a crumbling toll road that many call a failure, Mexican President Felipe Calderón is pushing measures that would create numerous toll roads in the country. With little money to invest in infrastructure, his plans rely on privatization.
Minimizing The Effects Of The Kelo Decision
While many local governments have been utilizing the eminent domain powers granted to them by the Kelo case, the American Planning Association hasn't been successful in finding ways to limit the decision's negative effects. But as Richard May, FAICP explains, there are many ways to reduce any damage done.
Miami Moves Closer To Metrorail Expansion
Though funding is not ensured, the Miami-Dade Transit Authority has received permission from the federal government to start acquiring land for its 9.5 mile Metrorail line expansion.
The Political Evolution of San Francisco's Bicycling Community
From monthly 'Critical Mass' bike rides to growing influence on city policy, SF cyclists recount their numerous victories and recent setbacks.
Will Miami Become The Next Great Walkable City?
Through the use of a city-wide form-based code, the City of Miami and Duany Plater-Zyberk and Company are teaming up to create a more walkable, transit-oriented city.
No More Mandatory Retirement For British Columbia
With Baby Boomers moving into their 60s and a significantly smaller population of younger workers, officials in British Columbia have passed a bill that will do away with the province's mandatory retirement age of 65.
Plan To Increase Prison Capacity Meets Criticism
Under pressure from federal judges, California has approved plans to build 53,000 new prison and jail beds as part of a $7.3 billion construction effort. Critics say increasing capacity does not address the reasons why prisons are overcrowded.
New York City Considers Congestion Charges
New York City mayor Michael R. Bloomberg unveils ambitious sustainability plans.
Mayors Want Regional Cooperation In Suburban Cleveland
A group of suburban mayors in the Cleveland area have proposed combining many of their cities' services to create a regional government structure they say will improve the area's economy and community planning.
Lawmakers Won't Let Go Of Commuter Rail Option
Legislators in Texas are proposing the creation of a commuter rail line running throughout the fast-growing border region near the Rio Grande River. Though the proposal was voted out of the state senate in early April, proponents are pushing forward.
Subsidizing Corporate Chains May Cause Sprawl
Many have criticized city subsidies to lure corporate employers as a wasteful use of taxpayer money, but new evidence has also correlated the subsidies to urban sprawl. Neal Peirce discusses the evidence.
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
