New Mexico

Western States Trying to Get on the High Speed Rail Bandwagon

Officials in New Mexico, Colorado and Texas are pooling efforts to try to secure federal funding for a high speed rail link between their urban areas.

July 13, 2009 - The Houston Chronicle

Rainwater Collection Rules Evolving in the West

Two new laws in Colorado make legal the formerly prohibited act of collecting rainwater. Other states aren't so lenient.

June 30, 2009 - The New York Times

Are Form-Based Codes 'Green Zoning'?

Albuquerque's new "form-based codes" could offer city planners another model for denser, more pedestrian-friendly growth.

September 11, 2008 - The New Mexico Independent

Megapolitans Rise in the Mountains

This column from Neal Peirce looks at the new megapolitan stronghold of the Intermountain West.

August 12, 2008 - Citiwire

Preservation Efforts Move Slowly on Route 66

Restoration and preservation of historic sites along Route 66 are slow going in Albuquerque.

February 22, 2008 - The Albuquerque Tribune

New Mexico Critics Say Transportation Projects Suffer as Rail Runs

Criticism of New Mexico's commuter rail system heats up as officials claim Rail Runner starves other transportation projects of funding.

February 15, 2008 - Associated Press

Sky Islands of North America: A Globally Unique and Threatened Inland Archipelago

"Sky islands" are a globally unique convergence — the north-south overlap of two major cordilleras spanning the temperate and subtropical latitudes, covering some 40 distinct mountain ranges in the southwestern U.S. But they are at risk.

January 15, 2008 - Terrain.org: A Journal of the Built & Natural Environments

States Dependent On Colorado River Water Agree On Plan

The seven western states dependent on the Colorado River for their water are on the verge of coming to an agreement on a management plan to ensure a steady supply of water from the increasingly stressed source. But some say the plan won't do enough.

December 10, 2007 - The Arizona Republic

Rail Project Takes Precedence In New Mexico Budget

A commuter rail project in Sante Fe is stressing New Mexico's state transportation budget, causing officials to announce delays on many road and highway projects. But many are upset that the rail plans will move ahead unhindered.

October 5, 2007 - The Albuquerque Tribune

Albuquerque Set To Join The Millionaire's Club

Rapid development is expected to bring the population of Albuquerque, New Mexico, over the 1 million mark within 15 years.

September 18, 2007 - The Albuquerque Tribune

The Most Endangered River In The Nation

The Sante Fe River in New Mexico has been rated the most endangered river in the nation by the environmental group American Rivers.

April 17, 2007 - NPR

New Mexico's New Rail Line Gradually Gaining Riders

After a lull in ridership, more people are now riding metropolitan Albuquerque's commuter rail line, thanks to the opening of new stations. The rail line is less than one year old and now counts more than 2,000 riders per day.

April 13, 2007 - The Albuquerque Tribune

Supportive Housing Is Key To Dealing With Homelessness

A recent article urges New Mexicans to support the idea of permanent housing linked to services as a solution to homelessness -- citing the cost savings and demonstrated success of such facilities.

March 22, 2007 - The Albuquerque Tribune

Friday Funny: Albuquerque's New Castle

A local businesswoman is building her 8,000 square foot dream home, modeled after a European castle, in the midsts of the city's downtown.

January 12, 2007 - The Albuquerque Tribune

The Modern Streetcar 'Hoax'?

Plans for modern streetcars are becoming more popular across the U.S. as one component of a revitalization plan. Randal O'Toole argues that the connection between streetcars and economic development is a hoax.

December 18, 2006 - The Thoreau Institute

Creating A Spirit Of Place

During its short history, the University of New Mexico at Taos has developed a campus spirit that reflects and complements its surrounding community and environment.

September 22, 2006 - Terrain.org: A Journal of the Built & Natural Environments

Albuquerque's New Approach To The Old Parking Meter

The city will gain new revenue from its attempt to stop employees from parking in front of downtown storefronts.

July 18, 2006 - New Mexico Business Weekly

First New U.S. Nuclear Facility In 30 Years Could Open In 2009

The $1.5 billion National Enrichment Facility in New Mexico just received its license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The facility will produce the enriched uranium that powers nuclear energy plants. Construction may begin in August.

June 27, 2006 - Associated Press via San Francisco Chronicle

Twin Energy, Real Estate Booms In West Cause Conflict

In the Rockies, developers and oil and natural gas companies are vying for access to the same land -- but what could be the consequences for local communities?

March 19, 2006 - The Chicago Tribune

Rio Rancho: Watching A Suburban Transformation

Rio Rancho, a suburb of Albuquerque, is changing sleepy suburb into an urban center that could one day rival Albuquerque in size. This in-depth, multi-part series focuses on the town's potential and growing pains.

December 13, 2005 - The Albuquerque Tribune

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.