Illinois
Chicago Transit Authority Plans For Possible Budget Shortfall
Facing the prospect of not receiving crucial state funding, the Chicago Transit Authority has released a "doomsday" plan to guide the system's reaction to the budget shortfall. Some services would have to be cut, but not as many as expected earlier.
Chicago Misses Out On Congestion Pricing Funding
Though officials proposed several promising schemes, a lack of quickly executable plans knocked the region from contention for federal funds.
Controversy Over Public Housing Rehab In Chicago
Chicago has plans to replace more than 50 high-rise public housing buildings, a renovation project that is expected to cost more than $1 billion. The plan has elicited criticism from housing advocates who argue that many residents will be displaced.
Suburb And City Battle Over Airport Expansion
With expansion of nearby O'Hare Airport planned and moving forward, the suburban Chicago community of Bensenville is being slowly drained of residents and buildings to make way for the project. But some residents aren't going without a fight.
From Parking To Parks
The city of Chicago has leased four parking garages to generate more than $122 million for improvements to the city's parks.
Looking For New Sources Of Funding For Transit
As transit agencies in Chicago and other metro areas deal with major budget deficits, a recent report evaluates other possible revenue sources to fund public transportation.
Creating Market Incentives For Wetlands Restoration
By creating market incentives for wetlands restoration, the Wetlands Initiative project aims to clean water, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce greenhouse gases.
Is Regulating Housing Facades A Civil Rights Issue?
Several communities have used ordinances to favor masonry over vinyl siding, but the practice is being challenged by a lawsuit arguing that the added cost prices out low-income minorities.
Chicago's Green Plans Falling Short
Despite big plans to make the city a national example for environmental friendliness, some say Chicago Mayor Richard Daley's measures have failed to produce the intended results.
What Toronto Could Learn From Chicago
Margaret Wente lists Chicago's strengths and criticizes Toronto's mayor for the city's problems.
Big Box Stores Fuel Chicago Retail Boom
Despite efforts to limit big box retailers in the city, Chicago is riding a new wave of retail spending at the likes of Target and Wal-Mart -- though smaller local retailers are also sharing in the boom.
Affordable Housing Planned For Depressed Suburb
In the depressed Chicago suburb of Robbins, developers have joined forces to provide 800 affordably-priced houses over the next 5 years.
Pedestrians And Bicyclists Vie For Sidewalk Space
Chicago officials are renewing an ordinance to discourage cyclists from riding on some of the city's sidewalks, while bike advocates argue the city isn't doing enough to make the streets safe for both pedestrians and bike riders.
Two Titans For Evanston?
The Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois is considering two competing proposals for new skyscrapers in its downtown.
Fare Hikes And Service Cuts For Bus Riders In Chicago
Facing large budget deficits, the Chicago Transit Authority has announced plans to raise fares and cut service.
High-Tech Approaches To Keeping Beaches Clean
Solar-powered, high-tech garbage cans are to be installed on the lakeshore in Chicago, which the city hopes will help reduce the amount of garbage that collects on the beaches in summertime.
Is Chicago Serious About Ending Homelessness?
With little progress having been made on Mayor Richard Daley's campaign pledge to end homelessness by 2012, some are wondering if the promise is just a pipe dream, or worse, a political stunt.
Farmers Not Always Supportive Of Farmland Protection
Planners in Illinois are learning that farmers don't necessarily want their land protected from development -- as many are counting on cashing out the value of their land at some point.
Rethinking Chicago's Water Treatment System
As Chicago nears completion of the Deep Tunnel project, two local architects have proposed a new eco-friendly water plan for the city.
Affordable Housing Plan Approved In Chicago
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley's plan to require developers to set aside part of new projects as affordable housing passed by a vote of 44-2.
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
