Illinois
The Surreal Thing: Chicago's Broken Landmarking Process
Even as it celebrates the 40th anniversary of the city's landmarks ordinance, the Commission on Chicago Landmarks not only continues to leave many essential buildings unprotected, it's upending the very definition of what a landmark is.
Chicago Mayor Demands Better Transit
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley has posed a challenge to the city's transit agency to revamp its system to be cleaner and faster, and also to emphasize the creation of retail shops in train stations.
Chicago's Pay-to-Play Zoning Redux
A continuation of the series of articles from the Chicago Tribune that look at zoning and the politics that shape the city's land use.
Improving Bike Safety By Raising Fines
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley is looking to make his city's streets safer for cyclists by raising fines for reckless drivers who endanger bikers.
Chicago's Pay-to-Play Zoning
A series of articles from the Chicago Tribune that look at zoning and the politics that shape the city's land use.
Chicago Transit Cuts Averted By Tax Raise
After more than a year with its funding in limbo and its future questionable, the Chicago Transit Authority has been saved from fare hikes and service cuts by an increase in county sales taxes.
Chicago Suburb Removes Pedestrian Mall
The Chicago suburb Village of Oak Park opens the Marion Street Mall to automobile traffic again for the first time since 1974.
Wind Power Goes Small Scale
A wind turbine installed in one weekend is saving homeowners about 80% on their electricity bills.
Chicken Ban Considered in Chicago
Chicago city officials have proposed a ban that would forbid residents from keeping chickens.
Bankrupt Developer Leaves Chicago Exurban Area Desolate
The first new residents of the Clublands subdivision were promised a neighborhood. Instead they live among half-finished homes, unpaved roads, and darkened street lights as the community's developer wrestles with bankruptcy.
Illinois Politics Delaying Chicago Transit Bailout
The governor of Illinois and legislators outside of Chicago are fighting over transportation funding, which is delaying the bailout for Chicago transit.
The Suburbs Keep On Growing
Even with increased awareness of global warning and more focus on urban living, the process of outward development continues in cities across America -- driven by homebuyers' continuing desire to own a piece of the American Dream.
Chicago Takes Sustainability To The Back Alley
The city of Chicago has announced plans to green its 2,000 miles of alleyways by installing permeable ground coverings that will allow rainwater to seep back into the ground and replenish groundwater supplies.
Combatting 'Food Deserts'
Chicago struggles to overcome its battle with "food deserts" -- areas in the city with little or now access to groceries.
Congress To Look At Chicago's Olympic Bid And Transit Needs
At a time when funding is a major concern, a congressional hearing later this month will look at the transportation needs of Chicago as it tries to win hosting duties for the 2016 Olympics.
Chicago Launches Pay-By-Phone Parking Meters
The new program allows motorist to add time to their parking meter by dialing a toll free number.
Looking For Creative Solutions To Chicago's Congestion
Congestion problems are becoming more acute in Chicago, and local planners and policymakers are urging the city to get creative in the way they address the issues.
Chicago Transit Authority Blasted For Derailment As Fare Hikes Loom
The report couldn't have come at a worse time, as Chicago prepares for fare hikes and transit cuts to make up for budget shortfalls.
Historic Preservation Meets American Idol
A high-profile advertising campaign/contest is looking to bank on the coolness of historic preservation by inviting Chicago residents to vote for their favorite crumbling landmarks. The winner of the contest will receive $1 million in rehab funds.
Chicago's Northwest Suburbs Working To Promote TODs
Leaders of suburban cities and villages in northeastern Illinois are coming together to promote transit oriented development around commuter rail lines leading into Chicago.
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
