The Sorted Nation: A Discussion with Authors Bill Bishop and Richard Florida – Part One

12 May 2008 - 9:00am

18:15 minutes (7.36 MB)

Authors Bill Bishop and Richard Florida talk with Planetizen about the increasing trend of people sorting themselves into particular cities and communities based on their personality types, professional interests and voting preferences.

The Planetizen News Brief

8 May 2008 - 5:00am

4:40 minutes (4.33 MB)

A weekly rundown of some of the most interesting and important news and issues, airing every week on the nationally-syndicated radio program "Smart City". In this week's News Brief, the greening of a tornado-devastated town, the creation of "community living rooms", and the free bike rack that got denied.

How To Justify Economic Development Subsides

14 May 2008 - 2:00pm
New Brunswick Business Journal

Quebec is notorious for its lavish subsides designed to lure business. But with transparent accounting and a cost-benefit ratio of 3.74 to 1, the province's economic development agency makes sure taxpayers know what they are getting for their money.

Fears Over Immigrants Stymie Accessory Unit Ordinance

14 May 2008 - 1:00pm
Washington Post

Planners in Arlington, Virginia want to allow rental units in single family neighborhoods, but residents are strongly opposed to the proposal, many of them worried that the units will attract low-income immigrants.

Swapping A Sports Arena For More Vibrant Streetscape

14 May 2008 - 12:00pm
Baltimore Sun

Architects in Baltimore are arguing that the city should build its new arena near its other sports facilities, freeing up the old location for redevelopment that can help revitalize its downtown.

By Necessity, City Becomes Leader In Energy Conservation

14 May 2008 - 11:00am
The New York Times

After an avalanche drastically cut the supply of electricity, residents the Alaskan capital of Juneau cut their power consumption by almost 40 percent in a few weeks. Now the city is gaining attention as a leader in energy conservation.

Agrarian Past Drives South Atlantic Sprawl

14 May 2008 - 10:00am
California Planning & Development Report

North Carolina bills itself as the "good growth state." But as North Carolina's population heads toward 10 million, the state's low-density pattern of development is straining the infrastructure.

Oregonians Driving Less, Riding Transit More

14 May 2008 - 9:00am
The Oregonian

Rising gas prices are pushing more and more Oregon drivers out of their cars. High public transit ridership figures and a reduction in vehicle-miles traveled suggest former drivers are now using transit instead of driving.

Phoenix Takes a Green Turn

14 May 2008 - 8:00am
Grist

This article from Grist looks at the city of Phoenix as it teams with Arizona State University to shift the city's direction from endless sprawl to a smarter, more environmentally-conscious growth pattern.

The City, the College and the Hospital

14 May 2008 - 7:00am
Governing

This article from Governing looks at the role of higher education and medical facilities in keeping urban areas alive.

Omaha to Create Bike Lanes

14 May 2008 - 6:00am
KETV

The city of Omaha, Nebraska, has announced plans to build a network of bike lanes throughout the city, boosted by private contributions of more than $600,000.

Homeowner Associations Feel Impact Of Forclosure Crisis

14 May 2008 - 5:00am
Wall Street Journal

With high foreclosure rates and growing numbers of residents delinquent with their dues, many homeowners associations are having a hard time paying for repairs and amenities.

Will Nissan Revive The Electric Car?

13 May 2008 - 2:00pm
The New York Times

The automaker has announced plans for a fully-electric vehicle by 2010, and says it wants to lead the industry towards zero-emission vehicles.

When Preservation Trumps Smart Growth

13 May 2008 - 1:00pm
Streetsblog

A New Jersey town along the one of the state's light rail line has rejected a plan for adding new mixed-use residential to its downtown, for fear of new development threatening its main street's historic character.

Has Seattle Become Too Expensive For Its Own Good?

13 May 2008 - 12:00pm
Seattle Times

Celebrated for its livability and character, the city is increasingly unaffordable to the very people who gave Seattle its funky vibe.

The Best Cities For Enjoying The Outdoors

13 May 2008 - 11:00am
Forbes

Plenty of quality parks -- along with good weather to enjoy them -- gives these cities the edge when it comes to outdoor enjoyment. San Francisco, which spends the most per capita on parks, ranks first.

A Champion For Cycling In Boston

13 May 2008 - 10:00am
Boston Globe

After personally taking up cycling and seeing the city's poor reputation among cyclists firsthand, Mayor Thomas Menino is leading a campaign to make Boston a more bicycle-friendly city.

Bankrupt City Could Serve As Model

13 May 2008 - 9:00am
San Francisco Chronicle

The northern California city of Vallejo has declared bankruptcy, becoming one of few cities and the largest in the state to do so. Other struggling cities are watching closely to see if the strategy helps to save the city.

Make Public Art Public

13 May 2008 - 8:00am
Guardian

Pubilc art should be guided by public input, according to this commentary.

Road Building Requirement Lifted For Arizona Homebuilders

13 May 2008 - 7:00am
Arizona Daily Star

Homebuilders have been removed from the language of a transportation funding bill that would have required developers to pay for new roads.