Government / Politics
L.A. Planning Passes Torch from Winogrond to Goldberg
While L.A. searched for a new planning director to help implement Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's vision of a new L.A., one based on smart growth and higher densities, longtime area planner Mark Winogrond did more than keep the seat warm as City Planning director.
Master of His Own Eminent Domain?
A citizens' group, angered over the Supreme Court's recent controversial eminent domain decision, is seeking to use the new law to evict Supreme Court Justice David Souter from his own home.
Sierra Club Wins Farmland Preservation Fee
Successful litigation by a Sierra Club chapter in California's Central Valley results in $17.5 million to purchase conservation easements in San Joaquin County, as well as the establishment of a farmland preservation fee in the City of Stockton.
Gambling Away A Community's Future?
Philadelphia's Civic Coalition on Slots hopes not, seeking to force future casinos in the neighborhood to pay for millions of dollars worth of community improvements.
Weakening Eminent Domain Could Undermine Redevelopment
Across the nation, developers and city officials warn that weakening eminent domain could undermine rehabilitation of cities.
Fixing The 1,000 Mile Pothole
State governors are risking their political capital on mega-fix-it projects at the statewide level, from the "Trans-Texas Corridor" to a $222 billion California infrastructure improvement plan.
New York City Lacking Adequate General Plan?
Stephen A. Hammer argues that Bloomberg should take cues from the London Spatial Development Strategy, which creates a "coherent, long-term vision" for the city.
Los Angeles Undergoes Transformation To Central, Public City
Harold Meyerson argues that thanks to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, transportation and land use in the City of Angels now focuses on the public sector, not the private realm, as the Mayor takes on a strong central identity heretofore lacking.
Wal-Mart Forced To Increase Health Benefits In Maryland
A new state bill, opposed by the governor, will apply only to the corporate giant.
New Jersey: 'We're More Than A Turnpike'
No, this was not the new state slogan selected after close to 12,000 votes among five finalists.
Not All Buying In To New Orleans Master Plan
New Orleans residents are challenging the plans for rebuilding.
Public Parks More Important Than Schools?
Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne decides to use a budget surplus on expanding the state park system, when many expected more educational funding.
Not Even Chump Change For D.C. Residents In MLB Deal
A mysterious figure is waging a lone campaign to revamp the city's arrangement with professional baseball on the Washington National's new stadium.
Judge Rules On Parade Case, Right To Assemble
The New York City law restricting "parading without a permit" is ruled unconstitutional, with implications for bikers and other organized groups.
Congestion Charges Begin In Stockholm, Met With Disfavor
Europe's second congestion pricing program has been put into effect. Unlike London's (a plan promoted by mayor-to-be Ken Livingston), the Stockholm program was initiated by the city's Green Party, though with the support of Social Democrats.
New Orleans' Plan For Rebuilding To Be Released
New Orleans' official plan for rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina is expected to be released Wednesday, and may conflict with recommendations in the state plan.
Unlikely Representative Brings Louisiana Recovery Plan To the Forefront
The relatively unknown State Representative Richard H. Baker (R) of Baton Rouge has outlined a massive government plan to help Katrina battered Louisiana rebuild.
Funds Run Out for 'Reconstructing' Iraq
The Bush Administration is not going to renew reconstruction dollars for Iraq once the present funding ends in June 2007.
Illinois Wrestles With Eminent Domain
This January Illinois lawmakers and citizens are set to do battle over the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that upheld the use of eminent domain for private economic development.
Clean Air, Cheap Energy, Or Jobs?
Closing a massive coal-fired power planet will result in cleaner air, more expensive energy, and a massive job and royalty income loss for the Hopi Tribe and Navajo Nations.
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
