Santa Monica, CA is succeeding where other larger cities have failed, creating a public WiFi system that actually makes money.
"It's a sunny day on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California. The popular outdoor shopping area is packed with musicians, skateboarders and shoppers, and everywhere you look, people are on their laptops.
The city offers free Internet access here. Law student Bud Jerke says that's why he came.
Bud Jerke: Yeah, I'm doing e-mailing, g-chatting with friends, instant messaging...
This was supposed to be the scene in cities like Philadelphia, San Francisco and Portland. They all teamed up with private companies to blanket their cities with Wi-Fi. The idea was to give low-income residents free access to the Internet and attract businesses. One after another, the projects failed."
FULL STORY: Municipal Wi-Fi isn't dead yet
The Internet vs. the City
Will digital communications make cities obsolete, or can online connections actually complement the face-to-face interactions and the cities that support them?
Private Telcos More Expensive Than Municipal Broadband 85% of the Time
A Harvard study found that, in 27 communities and cities with both private and city owned internet, the municipal broadband was almost always cheaper.
Mobile Apps Provide the Ultimate Guide to Los Angeles
Get this guide for 21 apps and services for enjoying the city of Los Angeles to its fullest, whether you're a resident or a visitor.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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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Planetizen
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Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service