Government / Politics
Through The FEMA Looking Glass
Doug Giuliano recounts his adventures in the FEMA wonderland after heading to the Gulf Coast to help with hurricane recovery. What started as noble intentions ended mired in the muck of bureaucracy.
Another Plan For Combating Climate Change
Responding to a report by British economist Nicholas Stern, a recent article in the Guardian outlines a 10 point plan for taking action on climate change without "bringing civilization crashing down."
Eminent Domain And Property Owner Compensation Up To Idaho Voters
Idaho's Proposition 2 asks voters to decide whether the state should compensate property owners when land-use laws reduce their property values. The voters must also decide if they want their state to prohibit the use of eminent domain.
Cities Hesitant To Extend Planning Boundary
Two North Carolina communities are grappling over whether they should extend their county's planning boundary to include both jurisdictions. Some residents are opposed due to fears of conforming to undesired development standards.
Environmental And Public Health Advocates Join Sprawl Fee Litigation
In an unusual twist in California's sprawling Central Valley, environmental and public health advocates have joined forces with the local air quality district - an agency they have sued in the past for not doing enough to clean the air.
Growing Pains For Davie, Florida
With 90,000 residents and growing, Davie, Florida is struggling to move beyond its rural roots.
Legislation To Impose Master Plan Meets Opposition
Supervisors in San Francisco have called on the city to impose the affordable housing standards included in the master plan, a move many in the city's planning department fear will bring development in the city's eastern areas to a halt.
New Poll Shows Londoners In Favor Of Increased Mayoral Planning Powers
A new poll of Londoners shows the majority backing a proposal to grant the city's mayor increased power to intervene in the planning process.
Time For Something Lighter: Obesity, Transportation and Energy Use
Steven E. Polzin presents some lighthearted observations on Americans' heavyset figures, while examining the relationship between our increasing waistlines and the nation's demand for energy.
Philadelphia To Retain Zoning Control Over Casinos
City government in Philadelphia has successfully retained control over the planning and zoning process which will allow slots-casino establishments to develop along the Delaware River.
Los Angeles Transit 'Consent Decree' Expires
Court oversight of the LAMTA, part of a ten year old settlement of a landmark civil rights lawsuit, will be will end after a federal judge rules that the agency, which has spent more than $1 billion to improve bus service, had complied with the agreement.
Mexico Furious Over Border Fence
President Bush approves plans for a 700km border fence between the United States and Mexico, to the dismay of the Mexican government and immigrant advocates.
To Build Or Not To Build?
The City of Portland, Maine, continues to struggle with the decision of whether or not to renovate or rebuild the 28 year old Cumberland County Civic Center.
Pennsylvania Takes Over Casino Zoning From Cities
Pittsburgh leaders who had spent more than a year creating standards for everything from how a casino should look to where it could be located are furious about a bill enacted by the State House that removes zoning authority from cities.
San Diego's Financial Trouble Hidden For Stadium Deal
Consultants find that city officials held back a glaring report detailing the city's failing finances to clear the way for municipal bond sales for a new downtown baseball stadium.
Seven Reasons For A $1 Gas Tax Increase
Harvard Professor Gregory Mankiw lists seven reasons why he would like to see Congress incrementally increase the gas tax by $1 per gallon over the next decade.
San Diego Hopes To Shed Its Military Town Image
With a diverse economy no longer dependent on military spending, the city is trying to lessen Uncle Sam's influence in its affairs and exert more control over its own destiny.
Detroit's Water Wars
The City of Detroit and its suburbs continue to battle over one of the nation's largest water and sewer systems.
Storm Survivors Face Foreclosure Over Special Assessments
Condo owners and members of homeowner associations, who are already struggling to pay repairs on uninhabitable storm-damaged units and fighting with their insurance companies for compensation and temporary housing, now face possible foreclosure.
Time For A Department of Sustainable Development
Federal governments everywhere are not structured to recognize -- much less address -- the serious environmental pressures they face, and as a result end up responding militarily. The alternative? Ministries and Departments of Sustainable Development.
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
