District of Columbia
D.C.'s Convention Center Falls Short Of Booming Predictions
In Washington, D.C., a publicly-financed convention center that was promoted four years ago by local officials as a shot in the arm for the city's economy has turned out to be less than successful. But the city has a plan to revive the dream.
Comparing Subways Around The World
Washington Post Columnist John Kelley offers comments from subway riders who share their experiences riding other systems around the globe.
Washington D.C. Needs To Grow 'Up'
Some developers and land use experts have once again called for the city to reconsider its long time height limitations to allow for the development of office high rises.
Should Amtrak De-Nationalize?
This report from National Public Radio discusses ideas for placing control of federally-funded Amtrak into the hands of a federal-state partnership. Many feel funding for rail should be de-nationalized and governed by regional bodies.
New Vision For D.C. Avenue Down On Its Luck
A wave of new development has finally come to gritty Georgia Avenue, and though many are pleased with the sorely needed investment, gentrification worries abound.
D.C. To Revive Trolley System
Transit officials in Washington D.C. have announced plans to build a new trolley car system beginning in 2007. Many in the city hope the new project will ease congestion in what is ranked the third most congested city in America.
'Nuclear Blast-Zone' Ring Development
Over security concerns, the U.S. government has moved some of its federal offices outside the "nuclear blast-zone" of Washington D.C. The move of offices about 75-miles from the D.C. ground zero is bringing an economic boom to the area's small towns.
D.C. Area To Experiment With Congestion Pricing On Subways
In an effort to reduce crowding on D.C.-area subways, Metro is considering increasing rates at peak times and a 35-cent rush-hour surcharge for those who travel through 19 heavily-used downtown stations.
Smart Growth Success In Metro D.C.
Arlington, Virginia, and Silver Spring, Maryland, are two cities in the rapidly growing Washington D.C. metro area that are bucking the trend of handling growth by sprawl and moving towards Smart Growth policies.
Is The U.S. Government Encouraging Sprawl?
Federal employees are often located in suburban areas away from transit, going against a policy of locating offices in downtown locations.
What's A Guy Gotta Do To Run A Strip Club In This City?
As industrial areas convert to condos and a new baseball stadium eats up a large chunk of their former stomping grounds, it's getting harder and harder for strip clubs to find a place to operate in Washington D.C.
D.C. Gets New Transit Head
John Catoe, a Washingtion D.C. native who won praise as second in command at the Los Angeles MTA, was tapped to run the capital's transit agency -- a job that comes with both major headaches and perks.
Nation's Capital Wants To Lead The Nation On Green Building
A new proposal would make Washington D.C. the first major city in the country to require most large scale construction to follow green building standards.
Zoning Exemption For Religious Groups Converts 'Apostles' of Animal House
In Georgetown, a student party house seeks recognition as a religious organization to get around zoning restrictions.
Environmental Groups Sue To Block Highway Construction
Environmental Defense and the Maryland chapter of the Sierra Club say they plan to file a lawsuit to prevent the construction of an 18-mile segment of highway which they claim will violate clean-air standards.
New Locations For Federal Offices Create Sprawl
De facto master planning by Federal Government creates more sprawl in the Washington, D.C. region. For example, the FBI field office is moving from Tyson's Corner to Manassas, farther from the Alexandria courts where federal cases are heard.
Maglev Is A Hard Sale In California
A California developer is pushing proposals for high-speed magnetic levitation trains. He's hoping private enterprise will help make the costly venture more attractive to state and regional governments.
Waterfront Renewal Plan Chosen For D.C.
A developer has been chosen to transform Washington D.C.'s Southwest Waterfront. The chosen firm has high hopes for making the waterfront into a world-class attraction, but also protecting the interests of the local community.
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.
D.C. Developments Are Successfully Bland
Large housing developments popping up in Washington D.C. are gaining praise from the city's leadership for reinvigorating a once desolate area. But the developments are also garnering criticism for failing to weave residents in with the city.
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
