Infrastructure

Might Virginia's New Governor Halt a Controversial Highway Project?

Depending on who you're asking, Virginia's proposed Bi-County Parkway is either critical to supporting the state's growth or a sprawl-inducing gift to developers. With a key milestone in limbo, Governor Terry McAuliffe will have a chance to weigh in.

January 16, 2014 - WAMU

Accounting for the Port Authority’s Failures

The recent George Washington Bridge lane closure controversy, clouded by the presidential aspirations of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, is only the most recent failure of management by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

January 16, 2014 - Next American City

L.A. Developing Big Plans to Prepare for the "Big One"

Nearing the 20th anniversary of the last large earthquake to strike the L.A. region, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced a year-long effort to identify ways to protect the city's vulnerable buildings and critical infrastructure from the next rumbler.

January 15, 2014 - Los Angeles Times

Revising Urban History: the Interstate Highway Road Not Taken

From Denver to Syracuse, U.S. cities are looking to heal neighborhoods torn apart by the construction of the Interstate Highway System. Could an alternative way of envisioning and financing such a system provide lessons for the developing world?

January 15, 2014 - The Atlantic Cities

Ray LaHood Takes on New Role

From Republican congressman from Ill. to President Obama's first Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood now takes on a new role as a co-chair of the bipartisan coalition, Building America's Future, to advocate for increased infrastructure investment.

January 15, 2014 - AASHTO Journal

Long Grove road and bridge

A Chicago Suburb Seeks to Disown its Roads, Will Others Follow?

Facing a shortfall of more than $1 million to maintain its roads, the Chicago suburb of Long Grove is looking to privatize nearly half of them by asking residents to pick up the tab. Residents are unhappy about the plan, but see few alternatives.

January 14, 2014 - Chicago Tribune

Sidewalk Survey is First Step Towards a More Walkable San Diego

Before San Diego can begin to fix its "busted sidewalks and busted sidewalk policies," the city is embarking on a high-tech $1 million effort to assess the quality of its pedestrian infrastructure.

January 13, 2014 - Voice of San Diego

Chemical Spill Fouls West Virginia Water, Federal Emergency Declared

Three hundred thousand residents in nine counties in W.Va, including the state capital have gone without tap water since Thursday due to a massive chemical spill into the Elk River. All uses except flushing are off-limits. How much longer is unknown.

January 13, 2014 - The New York Times

Miami’s First Tunnel Making Progress; Opening in May

The city of Miami is constructing its first tunnel, which will ease traffic congestion in the area, at a price of $1 billion.

January 12, 2014 - The 305

Learning from Lagos: How Cities Can Help Save Countries

Improvements in governance and quality of life in Lagos stand in sharp contrast to the political squabbling and mismanagement that plague the rest of Nigeria. Seth D. Kaplan argues that Lagos can provide a model for other fragile states.

January 12, 2014 - The New York Times

Rescuing Cities Fraught with Freight Conflicts

Big trucks and big cities just don't mix. But a federal panel that's developing a strategic plan for national freight transportation is reportedly paying little attention to the conflict. Tanya Snyder explains why that may not be a bad thing.

January 10, 2014 - DC.Streetsblog

White House Makes $500 Million Promise to Lift L.A. Out of Poverty

One of the Obama administration's most promising anti-poverty initiatives will marshal federal grants and expertise from numerous agencies to improve infrastructure, services and opportunities across a wide swath of Los Angeles.

January 9, 2014 - Los Angeles Times

L.A. Leaders Play Politics with Pedestrian Infrastructure

A $3-billion street repair bond measure being drafted for the November ballot reflects L.A.'s traditional preference for automobiles over other modes of transport. Pedestrian advocates are fighting to fund sidewalk repairs. Will the pols listen?

January 8, 2014 - Los Angeles Times

Seattle Light Rail Construction

North America Will Invest More Than $80 Billion in New Transit in 2014

Yonah Freemark assembles his annual review of the year ahead in transit expansion by analyzing the dozens of projects that will start, continue, or complete construction this year in North America. Nearly every metro region is investing in transit.

January 6, 2014 - the transport politic

Portland Bike Safety Signage

The Number One Reason Why Portland is a Bike-Friendly City

In one word: safety. And, as Sarah Laskow explains, the more folks take to riding, the safer the streets become, so it builds on itself. Critical to road safety is bike infrastructure, like protected bike lanes, bike boxes and bike traffic signals.

January 6, 2014 - Grist

View of Portland, Oregon from Pittock Mansion

Portland Provides a Lesson in the Dangers of Densification

The Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood of Portland, OR has seen a wave of new development over the past two decades. But without the expansion of basic services and amenities, the area is struggling to integrate newcomers. Is poor planning to blame?

January 2, 2014 - The Oregonian

Renderings Released for Elevated Cycling Superhighway in London

Sir Norman Foster has put forth plans for a 135-mile network of elevated cycle pathways dubbed "SkyCycle". In addition to its enormous price tag, the scheme faces practical concerns from cycling advocates.

January 2, 2014 - Daily Mail

What Can Toledo Teach Other Cities About Attracting Investment?

As Chinese companies increase their direct investments in the United States, one midwestern city is reaping the rewards of close relationships with its foreign counterparts. What can Toledo teach the many cities seeking Chinese investment?

January 2, 2014 - The New York Times

Planetizen's Most Popular Pieces of 2013

We're looking forward to another stimulating year of news, commentary, and professional development. But before the calendar turns to 2014, we wanted to take a look back at our most popular blog posts, exclusive articles, and news items from 2013.

December 30, 2013 - Jonathan Nettler

Washington Post Endorses Blumenauer's Gas Tax Hike and Mileage Fee Study Bills

The Washington Post editorial pulled no punches. The Highway Trust Fund must be fully funded, meaning that gas taxes must increase in the short term. Furthermore, a transition to a road usage fee is needed, and Rep. Earl Blumenauer's 2 bills do both.

December 30, 2013 - The Washington Post - Editorial

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.

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An annual review of books related to planning.

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The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

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The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

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A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.