Government / Politics

India's Special Economic Zones Plan Runs Into Opposition

Shenzhen and Pudong (near Hong Kong and Shanghai respectively) were developed as Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Now India's plans to fast-tract and focus such development into designated areas have run into opposition from diverse sectors like India's left.

October 10, 2006 - BBC News

'Is God Green?': Evangelicals And The Environment

Legendary journalist Bill Moyers on the growing environmental consciousness of conservative evangelical Christians.

October 10, 2006 - Grist Magazine

11 States To Vote On Challenging Kelo

Eleven states have initiatives on their ballots this fall that could go against 2005's Supreme Court eminent domain decision in the case of Kelo v. New London.

October 9, 2006 - USA Today

Columnist Wants Honesty From Planners, Not A T-Shirt

Urbanism critic Trevor Boddy of Toronto's Globe and Mail is upset with the city planners who significantly changed their plans for his neighborhood without public input. He says the town hall meeting before the decision was all fluff.

October 8, 2006 - The Globe and Mail

US Cities, Architects Promote Green Development

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and cities such as Chicago are undertaking innovative initiatives to reduce energy use and combat global warming.

October 4, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

The Long Planning Process On The Gulf Coast

This article from Governing Magazine looks at the planning process along the Gulf Coast as cities and towns look to rebuild, but struggle to decide what to rebuild into.

October 4, 2006 - Governing Magazine

Will U.S. Support Widescale Congestion Pricing?

Is congestion pricing at a tipping point in the US? Should we begin converting HOV lanes to toll lanes? Dr. Peter Gordon and Bumsoo Lee review recent research on the topic and offer their views.

October 3, 2006 - Dr. Peter Gordon, University of Southern California

Journal Says White House Censored Hurricane Report

The journal Nature alleges that the Bush administration tried to block a report that linked global warming is contributing to the stronger hurricanes.

October 3, 2006 - Forbes

Prince's Foundation Going To Work In Jamaica

The Prince of Wales and the Jamaican government are set to announce a major redevelopment plan for Trench Town, one of Kingston's most troubled neighborhoods.

October 3, 2006 - Jamaica Gleaner

Ballots Reflect Eminent Domain Backlash

After the Supreme Court's "Kelo" decisions, ballot referendums seek to restrict local governments' power.

October 3, 2006 - ABC News

Establishing Land Rights For The Poor?

Establishing land rights for the poor in developing nations was a mostly-ignored issue until the second annual Clinton Global Initiative in Manhattan in late September, 2006.

October 2, 2006 - The Wall Street Journal

Second Homes In Tahoe Basin Force Out Local Workforce

As more wealthy Bay Area residents purchase second homes to vacation in the Tahoe basin, long-time residents and workers find themselves priced-out, moving to less expensive, rural Nevada and commuting long distances, or out of the area entirely.

October 2, 2006 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Environmental Role Reversal In California Politics

In an unusual role reversal, Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger has Democrat Phil Angelides on the defensive on environmental issues. Republicans in other states are also using the environment to appeal to voters.

October 2, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Toronto's Regional Transportation Woes

Fractured transportation plans from different Toronto area municipalities make regional transit planning a challenge.

October 1, 2006 - The Toronto Star

Tip-Toeing Towards Tolls

A recent editorial encourages the Washington State legislature to take the first step towards highway congestion pricing.

September 29, 2006 - The Seattle Times

Londoners Oppose Increasing Mayor's Planning Powers

The majority of London residents oppose a proposal to grant increased power to the city's mayor to more tightly control the planning process.

September 29, 2006 - eGov Monitor

California Enacts America's First Cap On Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Gov. Schwarzenegger, flanked by New York Gov. Pataki, and British Prime Minister Tony Blair by telecast, signed the landmark global warming emissions bill, AB 32, making California the first state to place a cap on greenhouse gas emissions.

September 28, 2006 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Scotland Looks To Reform Planning Practices

Scotland may be on the cusp of overhauling its planning practices, which are now seen as cumbersome, exclusive, and outdated.

September 28, 2006 - Mike Lydon

Planning Bodies To Oversee Indian Metro Areas

Three major metropolitan areas in India will soon have Metropolitan Planning Committees, a move expected to greatly improve coordination of local planning agencies and developers. The committees will also give a greater voice to local residents.

September 28, 2006 - Mumbai Newsline

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.