Social / Demographics
Bio-Diesel As A Rural Development Strategy
Having become the world leader in ethanol production, Brazil turns to bio-diesel, with a policy that is intended to benefit small, family farms so as to keep them on their land, and benefit President Luiz da Silva in his reelection bid.
Anti-Sprawl Law Revised To Encourage Sprawl
Revision to a Maryland state homebuying assistance program is catching some resistance from smart growth advocates as changed language seems to go against the original anti-sprawl intent.
Community Voices Heard in L.A.
Neighborhood Councils in Los Angeles have stopped the city's elected Council from using a misleading title for a ballot initiative facing voters in November. The volunteer groups are moving closer to providing a voice for the community at City Hall.
Understanding First Ring Suburbs
A presentation from a recent meeting of city officials in New Jersey offers information about the direction of first-ring suburbs, many of which find themselves in the crossfire of the urban-suburban divide.
Sprawl: History Or Myth?
A critical review of Robert Bruegmann's book 'Sprawl: A Compact History' asserts that Bruegmann's work exemplifies several common myths about sprawl.
Go, West? Not So Fast
The Rocky Mountain West, an area where people were content to let others do what they pleased with their land, is moving towards increasing growth controls as the region's population explodes.
Megacities And The Future Of Architecture
An exhibition challenges stereotypes and explores the role architects will play in shaping the megacities of tomorrow.
City Indicators For Success
CEOs for Cities editorial writer interviews economist Joe Cortwright on what makes cities successful. Hint: Don't copy other cities.
In Search Of Architecture And Its Meaning
The bleak emphasis on the world's urban problems at the 10th International Architecture Exhibition at the Venice Biennale overwhelms any architectural aspirations.
Voters Won't Create Appointed Zoning Board
Alabama residents voted down a proposition to create a zoning and planning district in the community of Fowl River over fears that the appointed 7-member board would have too much power to shape the town.
New Study Connects Longevity To Geography
According to a recent study in the online journal PLoS Medicine, longevity varies by ethnicity and location.
Spanish Beach Resorts Swallowed By Warming
Global warming and rising sea levels are posing a threat to the livelihood of Southern Spain's bustling beach resorts. Some resort owners are already bringing in their own sand to counteract the receding beach space.
So Exactly Who Is Moving Downtown?
South Carolina's capital city, Columbia, is experiencing an unprecedented downtown condo boom. A wide array of people are readily snatching them up, from baby boomers to young professionals.
Developers Reign in Bucharest
Development in Bucharest, Romania, is completely at the will of developers. Can city officials regain control? The Diplomat Bucharest asks the experts.
Signs Of History
Urban sign heritage is being neglected and endangered in Montreal.
Mid-Decade Census Numbers Fuel Confusion And Doubt
California cities are getting a look at the results of the U. S. Census Bureau's first American Community Survey of medium-sized cities; some officials grouse at the 'funny numbers'--they just don’t add up.
Private Golf Course Almost Goes Public Through Eminent Domain
Spurred by a desire to increase a wealthy New York village's worth and appeal, a string of politicians spent over 10 years trying to use the power of eminent domain to acquire a private golf course and make it public. Despite Kelo, the push failed.
Taking Extreme Commuting To The Next Level
"Sleepover commuters" are travelling across state lines, even several time zones, to get to work.
D.C. Weighs Requiring More Residential Parking
Fairfax County planning officials in Washington D.C. are considering raising the amount of parking required in new residential housing developments, while other county officials are seeking a reduction.
Melbourne Evicts Artists, Raises Rent
Artists in Melbourne, Australia, have been evicted as the city seeks to turn their studios into condos. The city likes the artist culture, but the artists cannot provide the higher rents the gentrifying city requires.
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
