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.
'Is God Green?': Evangelicals And The Environment
Legendary journalist Bill Moyers on the growing environmental consciousness of conservative evangelical Christians.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ballots Reflect Eminent Domain Backlash
After the Supreme Court's "Kelo" decisions, ballot referendums seek to restrict local governments' power.
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.
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.
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.
Toronto's Regional Transportation Woes
Fractured transportation plans from different Toronto area municipalities make regional transit planning a challenge.
Tip-Toeing Towards Tolls
A recent editorial encourages the Washington State legislature to take the first step towards highway congestion pricing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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