Planning magazine recently (December 2009) published a story on the benefits of economic impact studies for planners. Most professional planners have run across them at one point or another: they are used to evaluate economic impact and the effectives of various types of programs on job creation. Unfortunately, the article did little to also illuminate the pitfalls and weaknesses of these studies.
Economic Stimulus
Metros Miss Out on Stimulus Funding
Metropolitan region's make up a major part of the U.S. in terms of population and economic activity. Accordingly, the Brookings Institution was surprised to see how little of the government's first year stimulus package went to those areas.
The New Republic
Infrastructure Spending Expected to Rise in Stimulus Year Two
About one-third of the federal government's $787 billion economic stimulus has actually been spent over the last year. During the next year, much of the focus of the remainder will be on infrastructure projects.
The Wall Street Journal
The 250-Foot Vertical Garden
Designers in Portland, Oregon are preparing to unveil a vertical garden on a federal building that would climb 250 feet up the side of the building.
MSNBC
Preservation Office Delaying Stimulus Projects in California
California stimulus projects and job creation are being delayed by a state office tasked with reviewing federally-funded construction projects to prevent adverse affects on historic sites, according to a new report.
The Sacramento Bee
Top Planning Issues Of 2009
Over the course of the year, the editors of Planetizen review and post summaries of hundreds of articles, reports, books, studies, and editorials related to planning and urban development. Now, we take a look back at 2009 and the trends and issues that defined the year in urban planning.
How Cities Are Using Stimulus Money
This infographic from GOOD tracks the top recipients of money from the federal stimulus package and how that money is being used.
Good
States Look to Claim Part of $69 Billion in Infrastructure Funds
The Obama Administration is set to announce a new jobs bill and state officials are clamoring to get their hands on some of the $69 billion the federal government is dedicating to the next batch of stimulus-related infrastructure projects.
The Washington Times
Transit Agencies Begin to See Stimulus Funds
The Obama administration has begun awarding grants of millions to transit agencies across the country for everything from bus upgrades to photovoltaic canopies and agency building upgrades. Check out the breakdown by agency here.
SF Streetsblog
Stimulus Spreading Work to Otherwise Barren Field of Architecture
Work has been hard to find for many architects over the last year. But for architects doing federal work, the story is a bit different.
Architectural Record
Biden Says Aid to Cities 'Imperfect'
Speaking to members of the Brookings Institution, Vice President Joe Biden acknowledged that there have been problems with implementing the stimulus package funds at the local level.
Streetsblog
The Planetizen News Brief - 8/27/09
4:45 minutes (4.36 MB)
States reach out for rail money, HUD tightens lending rules, and slum dwellers pin hopes for revival on summer blockbuster -- all on this week's Planetizen News Brief, airing weekly on the nationally-syndicated radio show "Smart City". Read, listen or download.
Regions Cooperating to Make Use of Stimulus Funds
Neal Peirce looks at a few examples where regions have pooled their powers to utilize ARRA stimulus funds to create programs and jumpstart regional efforts.
Citiwire
Stimulus is Funding the Status Quo in California
While high speed rail and smart grid technology were used to sell the idea of the economic stimulus package, the majority of stimulus money in California is being spent on routine projects, according to new figures.
Los Angeles Times
Homes vs. Cars: Which Stimulation Package is Working?
The Center for Public Integrity runs the numbers, and finds that Americans are cashing in on "Cash for Clunkers" at a rate of $77 million a day, vs. $39 million for the first-time homebuyer credit.
Center for Public Integrity
Feds Stimulate Crime-Ridden and Poor Cities
Crime numbers and struggling city budgets have caused the Justice department to issue $1 billion in federal stimulus funds to 1,046 communities to beef up their police forces.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Putting Stimulus Dollars to Work
Economic improvement projects funded by the stimulus are moving full steam ahead -- in France.
The New York Times
Big Cities Call Stimulus Distribution Unfair
Mayors from big cities are feeling shortchanged by the federal government, which they say is disproportionately handing out stimulus money to small and rural areas.
Los Angeles Times
Transit Operating Aid in War Bill
House and Senate negotiators decided a $106 billion war bill, from which 10 percent would be granted to transit operating costs.
la.streetsblog.org
Making 'Smarter' Roads
States are hoping to use federal stimulus money to add technological advancements to their streets and highways to create "smart" roads.
Stateline
Planetizen picks
Contribute
- The Benefits of Creating Hybrid Zoning Codes
- The Appeal of In-Town Big Box
- The Growing Appeal of Drinking From the Toilet
- How and Why Does an Architect Become Famous?
- Could Good Design Have Prevented the Housing Crisis?
- NY Times Defends the Port Authority
- Expanding the Hong Kong Subway, One Blast at a Time
- Can An Electric Bike Replace A Car?
- The Growing Popularity of Women-Only Mass Transit
- Putting the Bloom Back on the Rose Bowl
Information Sources in Planning: Principles -- Michael Dudley
Optimal Transport Policy For An Uncertain Future -- Todd Litman
Faculty Using Web 2.0 to Show Images -- Ann Forsyth
Information Sources in Planning: Introduction -- Michael Dudley
Liveblog: ULI Rose Center Kansas City Study Visit -- Jess Zimbabwe
Volunteerism Plays Critical Role in Reaching World’s Millennium Development Goals
Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, Cleveland State University
Feb 10, 2012
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