Government / Politics

Reforming Toward Prosperity: 2006 In Review

The Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program provides a review of its work in 2006, along with a list of the ten most noteworthy trends.

December 28, 2006 - The Brookings Institution

Amtrak's Future Looking Bright - For A Change!

Amtrak is riding high after reporting the highest revenue of any month for November, with 2006 revenue up 11 percent. The costly, long-distance routes appear to be safe from possible dismantling, according to Amtrak's new president.

December 26, 2006 - The New York Times

The Agony Of New Orleans

With federal aid money wasted or tied up in the bureaucracy, and post-Katrina recovery promises left unkept, New Orleans remains an "open wound" and many of its residents are suffering from homelessness and a lack of basic services.

December 26, 2006 - Truthout (from New York Times)

City Bouts With COG Over Housing Allocation

The Southern California city of Simi Valley is opposing recommendations from a regional association of governments that suggest the city should increase its housing stock. The city council sees the increase as unrealistic, citing a lack of land.

December 25, 2006 - Simi Valley Acorn

Ohio Tax-Sharing Program Looks To Boost Regional Economy

Representatives from seven Northeast Ohio counties are looking to form a regional partnership that would include tax-sharing, comprehensive regional planning and an equitable distribution of service and affordable housing.

December 22, 2006 - The Plain Dealer

Legislating A Safer Bike Ride In California

The tragic death of a tri-athlete student while bicycling in southern California has sparked a bill to create a three-foot buffer for any vehicle passing a cyclist – but will it create more problems than it attempts to solve?

December 22, 2006 - The Sacramento Bee

Honolulu Transit Routes Debated

In Oahu, lawmakers are having trouble agreeing on the best path for a proposed light rail line. The Honolulu mayor wants a different path than that approved by the city council. But it is not even certain if the proposed line will be rail or bus.

December 22, 2006 - Honolulu Star Bulletin

New York City Rail Projects Win Huge Federal Funding Awards

The LIRR connection to Grand Central has been awarded the largest Federal funding allotment ever committed to mass transit. The new Second Ave. Subway was also awarded substantial funds from the U.S. Dept of Transportation.

December 21, 2006 - The New York Times

$250 Million In Reduced Property Values Claimed In Portland

Claims worth more than $250 million have been filed in Portland, Oregon, where a law passed in 2004 allows property owners to file for compensation from the city when regulations reduce the value of their property.

December 20, 2006 - The Portland Tribune

NIMBYism Comes To China

Middle class residents of Shenzhen successful opposed plans for a new freeway, signaling a potential backlash to the country's rapid growth.

December 20, 2006 - The New York Times

U.S. Congress Prepares For Tough Fight Over Green Laws

As environmentalists draft a wish-list for a Democratic-controlled Congress, industry groups prepare to fight back.

December 19, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

The Demise Of Miami's Public Housing Czar

Rene Rodriguez, the once highly lauded director of the Miami-Dade Housing Agency, stands accused of taking from the poor to serve developer interests, as well as his own.

December 19, 2006 - The Miami Herald

Botswanan Bush People Regain Rights To Ancestral Lands

Bushmen have won a long court case against the Botswanan government for illegally removing them from their ancestral lands. The ruling is expected to set a standard for other indigenous people in the protection of their ancestral lands.

December 18, 2006 - BBC

Measuring Detroit's Vital Signs

Model D uses the new CEO's For Cities report to analyze Detroit's strengths (more than you might think) and its weaknesses.

December 17, 2006 - Model D

The Battle Over Funding For Regional Rail In Texas

A regional rail system is being planned for the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but lawmakers can't agree on how the project will be funded.

December 15, 2006 - Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Taking Homes For Parking? Think Again!

A back door plan to use eminent domain to provide additional parking for a main street shopping district creates outrage in a Chicago area community.

December 15, 2006 - The Chicago Tribune

An Air Quality Version Of An Economic Enterprise Zone?

In a bold, creative attempt to bring more federal and state funds to solve the air pollution problem in California's Central Valley, local leaders hope to declare the region an "air quality empowerment zone".

December 14, 2006 - The Sacramento Bee

Avoiding The 'Local Trap'

With "localism" being trumpeted by all sides of the political spectrum, maybe it's time to ask if local needs are better served by nation states, writes Doug Saunders.

December 13, 2006 - The Globe & Mail

National Drought Policy Bill Heads To Bush For Approval

The U.S. Senate recently approved legislation seeking to create a national drought policy to improve drought preparedness, mitigation and response efforts. It is estimated that drought conditions have a $6 billion economic impact annually.

December 10, 2006 - New Mexico Business Weekly

Baltimore Officials Debate Inclusionary Zoning Proposals

The city's planning director, along with several other department heads, challenge a proposal from the city council to require developers to set aside affordable units.

December 10, 2006 - The Baltimore Sun

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.