Government / Politics
A Disturbing Insider's Look At New York City's 'Rentocrats'
Nora Ephron breaks the "code of silence" of Manhattan's exclusive rent-regulated tenants when she publishes an account in The New Yorker of bribing her way into an eight-room apartment for $1,500 a month.
Reframing New Jersey's Competitive Challenge
New research by the Brookings Institution ties New Jersey's troubling economic position to multiple forces, including rising housing costs, persistent race, class and place disparities, and unbalanced development patterns.
'Smart Card' Technology Proving Troublesome To Bay Area Transit Operators
Once hailed the transit-pay mechanism of the future, the cards have become one of Bay Area transit's biggest flops. Yet the money keeps flowing while the costs keep rising.
The Selling Of A Failing State Toll Road
Indiana's governor explains how he solved his state's transportation budget gap using private capital rather than public funds -- by leasing the 157-mile Indiana Toll Road for $3.8 billion to a foreign consortium.
Friday Funny: The Committee To Save Big Ugly Things
Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels has produced a spoof political ad to mock the preservation of the city's controversial Alaskan Way Viaduct, although he may run into ethics violations for using a City Hall production crew.
Problems With Water Privatization
Water privatization brings a flood of problems in U.S. cities. Is this a preview of a global issue?
Should Illinois Sell Its State Tollway?
Chicago Sun-Times columnist Ralph Martire says that the project warrants careful analysis before the state decides to sell-off a profit-making asset to reduce deficit.
Governor Pataki Gets Tough On New York's Coal-Fired Power Plants
Pataki plans to require drastic cuts in mercury emissions from the state's power plants, going further than Bush's new standards, and angering the business community, which fears the tough standards may force coal-burning plants to close.
The Slippery Slope Of Public Space Memorials
Fearing that one memorial may lead to many more in the wake of the Big Dig, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino is not supporting the placement of an Armenian-American memorial on the yet to be completed Rose Kennedy Greenway.
The Public Reacts To Miami 21
After the much anticipated unveiling of the first quadrant in the Miami 21 project on May 13th, the public is now taking the opportunity to react to the City's most ambitious urban planning effort to date.
Who Is To Blame For High Gas Prices?
Don't blame just the oil companies writes Rosa Brooks.
Study Finds Local Ordinances Create Sprawl
A new study shows that Adequate Public Finance Ordinances (APFOs)in the National Capital Region may counter state's efforts at managing growth effectively.
New York City Losing Affordable Housing
Two studies confirm that NYC is loosing its affordable housing stock at an increasingly rapid pace notwithstanding Mayor Blumberg's to both preserve existing stock and add substantially to it. Section 8 and Mitchell-Lama programs were studied.
FL County Approves Huge Rural Development Conflicting With Comprehensive Plan
Despite working with rural property owners for seven years to develop a 'sector plan' directing growth in rural areas, Palm Beach County voted to send a proposed plan amendment allowing 10,000 homes to the State for review. Area residents object.
Detroit-Canada Bridge Could Link City To Profits
Although some community members oppose the laborious and expensive physical construction process, many realize that the economic development benefits will be important.
Government Buildings Are Getting Nicer
Security, workforce, and sustainability concerns are causing federal, state and local governments to build and lease Class-A space.
Developers Demand JFK Rail Link
A web of politics, lobbying, and profit motives have developers scrambling in support of a rail link that could have a significant impact on the economy of New York City and state.
Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance Ruled Unconstitutional In San Diego
A judge has ruled the City of San Diego's 10 percent inclusionary zoning ordinance unconstitutional. Building industry officials are pleased, although the decision "could bankrupt the affordable housing fund".
Why Al Gore's Film Succeeds
Al Gore's new documentary "An Inconvennient Truth" uses a personal narrative to drive home the urgency of the global warming problem.
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
