For the first time since the Carter administration, Washington is in the position of paying for seemingly everything. But how will the federal government's spending affect growth in California? Not in the way you might think, says Bill Fulton.
"The $800 billion federal stimulus contains $7 billion for transit capital improvements, money for energy efficiency projects and planning, and increased community development block grant funding. But the biggest chunk of interest to the planning and development community is $30 billion devoted to highways.
Given the fact that the Obama administration wants that money spent within 120 days, there is little reason to believe any sort of "smart growth" criteria will be used. In fact, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger reduced or eliminated environmental review of a number of highway widening projects to make them eligible for federal funding.
'It is much more plausible to see the inside-the-Beltway smart growth crowd winning some successes on the coming transportation and climate change bills, which are much more policy-driven,' Fulton writes."
FULL STORY: Washington Stimulates Old-Style Growth
The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall
The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.
Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities
The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.
The Paradox of American Housing
How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.
Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan
Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.
How to Protect Pedestrians With Disabilities
Public agencies don’t track traffic deaths and injuries involving disabled people, leaving a gap in data to guide safety interventions.
Colorado Town Fills Workforce Housing Need With ‘Dorm-Style’ Housing
Median rent in Steamboat Springs is $4,000 per month.
City of Yakima
City of Auburn
Baylands Development Inc.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Birmingham, Alabama
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
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.