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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
$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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
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
