Government / Politics

Smart Growth Vs. Environmentalists (and Other Challenges) in Bay Area

What to do with 200 vacant, industrial acres bordering S.F. Bay in Newark, CA is no easy task for city planners who face activists, including environmentalists, skeptical of any development, let alone one of higher density.

December 29, 2012 - Reuters

Lisa Jackson Leaves Behind Mixed Legacy at EPA

This week Lisa Jackson made public her decision to step down as administrator of the EPA. Despite many hard-fought victories, Jackson's tenure is also associated with a lack of significant action to address climate change.

December 28, 2012 - The New York Times

New York's MTA Seeks New Leader

Joseph Lhota, the chairman and chief executive of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, has announced his resignation at the end of this year. Who will be next to lead the nation's largest public transportation system?

December 27, 2012 - The New York Times

Trainjacking America's Finance Industry

Acela has improved connectivity along the Northeast Corridor, but is that actually a good thing? Aaron M. Renn argues that high-speed rail has actually hurt America by giving the finance industry a stranglehold over fiscal and monetary policies.

December 26, 2012 - New Geography

'Cycle to Work' Scheme Subsidizes Bikes for Brits

Sarah Goodyear reports on how Britain's 'Cycle to Work' scheme has decreased carbon dioxide emissions, and transformed the lives of individuals such as Toby Field.

December 24, 2012 - Atlantic Cities

Despite Sandy, Brooklyn Waterfront Still Primed for Development

“Several new developments are slated for construction in areas damaged by the storm such as Gowanus, Red Hook, and DUMBO,” writes Nicole Anderson, raising concerns about the appropriateness of development there and proper due diligence.

December 24, 2012 - The Architects Newspaper

Marking an 'Exciting Day' for Detroit's Development

This week Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed a series of bills passed during the State Legislature's recent lame-duck session that will have long-term impacts on the revival of Detroit and its suburbs, reports Kathleen Gray.

December 20, 2012 - Detroit Free Press

Twins Logo Sign

The Twin Cities's Worst Planning Mistakes

Tired of all those year end "Best of" lists? This should cleanse your palate. Marlys Harris has gathered a list of the nine worst decisions made by planners in the history of the Twin Cities.

December 20, 2012 - MinnPost

San Francisco Exposes Privately Owned Public Spaces

San Francisco's 1985 downtown plan required large new office and hotel developments to incorporate public spaces, but the city is only now updating the requirements and reinforcing the initial goal of opening up privately owned public spaces (POPOS).

December 20, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

How Big Government Guides All Development

Conservative opponents of Smart Growth often decry the role of government in establishing the regulations and investments that incentivize it. But, as Bradley Heard points out, all development rights, smart or sprawling, depend on big government.

December 20, 2012 - Greater Greater Washington

Should Maine Spend More on its Cities?

70 percent of Maine's economic activity and 90 percent of its population growth over the last decade took place in three metro areas. So why is the state "giving money to ‘well-off’ suburbs at expense of urban areas?" Matthew Stone investigates.

December 19, 2012 - The Bangor Daily News

Chicago for Sale

Mick Dumke dives deep on Mayor Rahm Emanuel's ambitious plans to "exchange public space and public rights for private cash." Has the city learned anything from the parking meter debacle?

December 19, 2012 - Chicago Reader

1987 Tahoe Regional Plan Updated But Environmentalists Displeased

After 25 years, the Tahoe Regional Plan, a land use plan for the Lake Tahoe region encompassing both Nevada and California prepared by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, has been updated and approved by a 12-1-1 vote, though not without controversy.

December 18, 2012 - Tahoe Daily Tribune

In Seattle, Microhousing Provides a Back Door to Added Density

Developers in Seattle have been building ultra-compact apartments to provide alternatives to high housing prices. But these "aPodments," which take advantage of loopholes in codes, could bring negative consequences with the large increase in density.

December 18, 2012 - Grist

D.C. to Push the Envelope of Sustainability With 'Living Building' Project

Already an urban leader in sustainability with one of the most stringent green building laws in the country, Washington D.C. announced last week that it will create the city’s first “living building” as part of the Sustainable D.C. Budget Challenge.

December 17, 2012 - The Washington Post

Design to Support the Homeless

How might planners advance the dialogue with politicians and citizens for design that supports the 633,782 homeless people in the US? Howard Blackson offers some insights for San Diego, the 3rd largest population of homeless among US cities.

December 17, 2012 - PlaceShakers

Under Pressure, EPA Tightens Soot Standard

In what could be viewed as a classic environmentalist vs. business showdown, the EPA tightened by 20% the annual standard for soot over the objection of industry and some in Congress who fear it will dampen economic growth.

December 17, 2012 - The Hill's Energy & Environment Blog

The Top Private Sector Trends Changing Our Cities

Max Nisen discusses how cities like Boston and Edmonton are successfully applying popular trends from the private sector - on topics such as mobility, engagement, big data and innovation - and changing the way we live.

December 17, 2012 - Business Insider

Apps for Hailing Cabs Cause Controversy in NYC

NYC's Taxi and Limousine Commission approved a pilot program for apps that will allow users to request a yellow taxi ride on their smartphones rather than having to “raise [their] arms toward oncoming traffic” the old-fashioned way.

December 15, 2012 - The Wall Street Journal

Municipal Services on the Menu at Boston's Newest Food Truck

Boston City Hall is taking its show on the road. Its new food-truck-inspired 'City Hall To Go' is bringing government to the people.

December 15, 2012 - The Architect's Newspaper Blog

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

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