Government / Politics
When Farm Subsidies Go Bad
The Washington Post finds that the government has paid over $1.3 billion in agricultural subsidies to non-farmers, under a decades-old policy intended to eliminate subsidies. The policies are changing land use patterns in the Farm Belt.
Kelo Home To Be Relocated In Eminent Domain Settlement
The house of Susette Kelo, the plaintiff in the landmark eminent domain lawsuit will be relocated as part of an undisclosed settlement.
Germany Loosens Its Carbon Emission Restrictions
Germany is straying from the European Union's stated goals of compliance with the Kyoto Protocol by postponing emission reduction requirements for some of the country's largest and most polluting industries.
Californians To Vote On Property Rights Initiative In November
"Kelo" comes to California on Nov. 7 when voters will consider the "Protect Our Homes" initiative. Having qualified for the ballot, the initiative may sharply restrict local government's ability to regulate land use, similar to Oregon's Measure 37.
Eminent Domain Backlashes 'Aren't Strong Enough'
"Community rights" do not exist, and since legislators and much of the public have "gone squishy" over individual property rights, more action is needed to restrict eminent domain powers, according to this op-ed.
First New U.S. Nuclear Facility In 30 Years Could Open In 2009
The $1.5 billion National Enrichment Facility in New Mexico just received its license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The facility will produce the enriched uranium that powers nuclear energy plants. Construction may begin in August.
U.S. Transportation Chief Resigns
Longest serving member of the Bush cabinet, Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta has resigned.
Environmental Law Halts Bike Plan In San Francisco
A 1970 environmental law, the California Environmental Quality Act, was used to temporarily halt San Francisco's bike plan from being implemented. The law ensures environmental review of projects that plaintiff's felt was inadequate for the plan.
Georgia County Battles Breakaway City Over Parkland
The Fulton County commission's decision to sell park land in one of the Southeast's wealthiest counties could set a precedent that would have far-reaching consequences for other government entities looking for solutions to a financial crisis.
Poor State of U.S. Cities' Disaster Planning of 'Significant National Concern'
A new report from the Department of Homeland Security shows that, despite 9/11 and recent natural disasters, most U.S. city and state governments have not implemented adequate disaster plans.
City Council Approves Dallas Comprehensive Plan
The plan seeks to expand the city's mixed use development and improve transit options. An alternative version of the plan, recommended by the City Plan Commission, was voted down as the city council opted for the original, slightly amended plan.
Is Sprawl Good For Montreal?
Wendell Cox argues for the "upside of sprawl", or "suburbanization" as he prefers to call it, in Montreal.
Louisiana Island Has That Sinking Feeling
A small Louisiana island community faces the inevitability of losing their homes to the ocean, while the federal government plans a levee system that will exclude them.
Miami's Metro Rail Expansion May Be Foiled By Local University
Even with projections that call for a large increase in students, faculty, and therefore congestion, officials at Florida International University are rejecting the Miami-Dade Transit Authority's best laid plans for alleviating traffic.
Older, Close-In Suburbs Could Make Difference In Mid-Term Elections
The midterm elections to take control of the House may hinge on "close-in" suburbs, once seen as strictly the domain of Republicans. These older suburbs may now give the Democrats a slight advantage due to changing demographics.
'Murky' Supreme Court Decision Limits Clean Water Act
Major environmental decision by the U.S. Supreme Court could limit the federal government's protection of wetlands.
World Urban Forum Comes To Vancouver
The U.N.'s biennial forum on planning issues covers clean air and water, sanitation, pollution, safety, housing, poverty, alternative transportation and energy sources, and the increasing inequity between developing and developed countries.
Vietnam's WTO Bid Will Bring Corporate Market
As the small South Asian country prepares to enter the World Trade Organization, economists predict a drastic change of pace in the locally-driven economy as corporate retail is bound to take over.
Massachusetts Policy Spurs Transit Oriented Development
With the help of the Romney administration, transit oriented development is taking off in eastern Massachusetts.
Sign Police Invade Boston's Back Bay
The City of Boston combed Newbury Street yesterday to penalize two dozen stores who were in violation of its strict sidewalk signage code.
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
