A bill that would allow exurban development before adequate transportation infrastructure is in place has caused a stir in Florida, where environmental groups are lobbying the governor for a veto.
"The bill would promote urban sprawl, cause traffic congestion and contribute to climate change, said Charles Pattison, president of the environmental group, 1000 Friends of Florida, in a letter to Crist.
The bill, CS/CS/SB 360, would exempt many outlying as well as urban areas from a requirement to have adequate roads and other transportation necessities in place before development can occur."
"...The measure 'was botched up in the House of Representatives' and sports 'a giant loophole' that is contrary to smart-growth principles, according to Charles Lee, director of advocacy for the nonprofit environmental organization, Audubon of Florida.
Bennett, who worked closely on the bill's text with state growth management officials, originally had the support of many environmentalists. But once the measure got a workover on its trip through the House, it earned the enmity of some of its original backers."
FULL STORY: Crist urged to veto growth management bill

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.
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