Government / Politics

L.A. Supergraphics Ban Upheld

A federal judge has allowed a citywide ban on new digital billboards and building-sized supergraphics to continue.

30 September 2009 - 5:00am

Los Angeles Times

Public Art Flourishing in Northwest

New public art projects are popping up across the Pacific Northwest. Some of Seattle’s traffic signal boxes are getting a makeover, as artists add decorative touches to them.

29 September 2009 - 12:00pm

Northwest Hub

Third-Grader Brings Bike Lane to Montana

A third-grader in Missoula, Montana has successfully rallied her city to build a new bike lane near her busy street.

29 September 2009 - 8:00am

The Missoulian

That's what the Maricopa Association of Governments is proposing, to meet the needs of the millions projected to move into the Phoenix metro area by 2050, along with 320 miles of new rail transit. Some are questioning the population projections.

28 September 2009 - 12:00pm

The Arizona Republic

New Jersey Bills Called Threat to Planning and Environmental Protection

Environmental groups in New Jersey have warned that state legislators are planning to bring forth a series of bills that could negatively affect local planning powers and state environmental controls.

28 September 2009 - 6:00am

The New Jersey Ledger

Todd Litman

"Dreams From My Father," A Planner's Perspective

Mon, 09/28/2009 - 04:24

I recently read President Obama’s autobiography, “Dreams From My Father.” It is well written and insightful. Obama uses personal stories to explore issues of identity, race, class, politics, power, and what it means to be ‘United Statesian.’ Let me share some observations about transportation and land use planning issues mentioned in the book.

Dreams from my Father

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PlaNYC Charging Ahead

Though its flagship congestion pricing proposal was nixed by the state legislature, New York City's PlaNYC environmental plan is moving forward. Neal Peirce takes a look at its progress.

28 September 2009 - 5:00am

Citiwire

Poltical Courage & Raising The Gas Tax

Another column by New York Times columnist, Thomas Friedman on the need to raise the gas tax - in this one, he compares the U.S. to Europe and concludes that the former are 'wimps' for not having the courage to raise gas or carbon taxes.

27 September 2009 - 11:00am

The New York Times - Opinion

Eight Smart City Innovations

This series of infographics and posts from Good looks at innovations within a variety of world cities that improve city organization and operation -- from traffic to energy production to water conservation.

26 September 2009 - 11:00am

Good

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1 comment

In Pittsburgh, The Spotlight's On

As it prepares to host world leaders for the G-20 summit, Pittsburgh is hoping to show to the world that it's no longer a dying city.

24 September 2009 - 5:00am

Los Angeles Times

A Tale of Two Niagaras

Niagara Falls, NY and Niagara Falls, Ontario are a study in contrasts -- Ontario's a success story of good governance and planning, New York's the complete opposite. Rob Gurwitt has the story.

23 September 2009 - 2:00pm

Governing Magazine

City Selling Itself

Neosho, Missouri, facing a severe budget crisis, is searching its inventory for property it can sell off. Some say the easy properties have already been sold.

22 September 2009 - 9:00am

The Joplin Globe

Oklahoma City Releases Broad New Plan

A broad new plan has been unveiled in Oklahoma City. Included in the plan is a new 70-acre downtown park and a raft of transit improvements.

22 September 2009 - 8:00am

The Oklahoman

Searching for a 21st Century Transportation Bill

Transportation officials are talking more and more about drafting a brand new type of transportation bill, one that diverges from the patterns and old thinking of the past. But that's easier said than done.

21 September 2009 - 6:00am

The New York Times

Randal O'Toole Wants to Abolish the DOT

Barring that, he has some eight proposals for the transportation reauthorization bill, including eliminating long-range transportation planning and clean air mandates.

20 September 2009 - 1:00pm

The Cato Institute

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2 comments

Ads Cleaned Into Streets: 'Reverse Grafitti'?

Planetizen's Nate Berg reports on advertisers in Los Angeles using steam cleaners to put corporate logos into the grimy sidewalk. Advertisers claim, "If anything, we've improved public property. We've cleaned up streets that were normally filthy."

19 September 2009 - 1:00pm

LA Weekly

Friday Funny: German Terrorists Attack Fake California Town

A German filmmaker seeking publicity pulled a hoax on the German news, creating a fake terrorist attack on the fake California City of Bluewater. The elaborate hoax involved creating fake websites for the city and the local TV station.

18 September 2009 - 2:00pm

boingboing.net

Federal Mag-Lev Funding Reignites Debate in Las Vegas

Federal authorities recently announced $45 million in support of plans to construct a magnetic levitation train line between Las Vegas and Southern California, re-igniting a debate over two proposed rail connections.

18 September 2009 - 11:00am

The Las Vegas Sun

Seattle Suburb Has its Eyes on License Plates

In the Seattle suburb of Medina, security cameras are now capturing all vehicle driving into the city, and using license plate recognition software to check cars and drivers for criminal records.

18 September 2009 - 7:00am

The Seattle Times

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