For serious transportation policy wonks lately every day is like Christmas. Climate change, bailout, deteriorating infrastructure, reauthorization, aging baby boomers, bailout, stimulus, new administration, economic development, global competition, urban redevelopment, bailout, etc. One has all they can do to just keep up with all the relevant news and positioning say nothing of understanding it. In fact, I don’t understand it.
Infrastructure
Alternative Vehicles Evolve, Infrastructure Still Lags
A group of industry and policy leaders discuss the current state of the technology and infrastructure that will drive change for the auto industry.
The Planning Report
Chicago's Answer to NYC's High Line Will Generate Power & Food
A proposed plan from Gensler and 4240 Architecture would turn an abandoned rail line in Chicago into an energy-generating, food-growing powerhouse. Oh, and a park too.
Fast Company
Parking Garages Fuel Demand for Transit
As demand for parking at transit nodes has increased, developers have looked for ways to make their garages more 'green'.
USA Today
Drought Policy and Flooding Streets in LA
While residents ration water for lawn-watering, Los Angeles has experienced double the breaks in water mains as in previous years. The breaks have destroyed streets and flooded businesses, leaving many looking for answers.
The New York Times
The Planetizen News Brief - 2/19/09
4:05 minutes (3.75 MB)
How the stimulus plan affects transit, energy, infrastructure and the environment, and how Obama plans to save America's housing -- all on this week's Planetizen News Brief, airing every week on the nationally-syndicated radio program "Smart City". Read, listen or download.
Lots to Plan for in the Stimulus?
If the list provided by Business Week is accurate, the Stimulus package includes many tens of billions of dollars for investments in sustainable energy and energy efficiency, infrastructure, rapid transit and the environment.
Business Week
Canada's New Budget to Boost Infrastructure?
With the fate of Canada's conservative government at stake, details are leaking regarding the proposed federal budget, including billions of dollars in new infrastructure spending.
The Globe and Mail
Alternative Energy Grid Vs. Locals and Enviros
PBS' NOW goes to California to look at new state requirements for renewable energy, and the battle over where the new infrastructure will go.
NOW
Podcast: Top Planning Issues of 2008
6:15 minutes (5.78 MB)
2008 is over. Now, we take a look back at the year's top news in the world of urban planning and development to see what trends defined 2008 -- and what's to come in 2009.
3 Plans to Rescue the Economy and the Earth with Public Transportation
Treehugger.com talks to Andy Kunz of urbandesign.org, The Apollo Alliance, and Transportation for America about their proposals to move America forward with expanded public transportation initiatives.
Treehugger.com
Mapping Out More than Land Mass
Cartographer Mark Newman's new book, 'The Atlas of the Real World', includes maps that show more than just 'how many acres there are in a country.' Malaria cases and health care spending per capita are among some of Newman's unconventional maps.
National Public Radio
Building the 'Electranet'
Al Gore did in fact invent the 'electranet', or at least he coined the term to explain the necessity of a new smart grid to transmit electricity from new, green sources like wind and solar. GOOD Magazine reports on the state of the electranet.
GOOD Magazine
Senegal Builds New Airport, Ignores Dakar's Slums
Patrick Smith believes that Senegal's ambitious new airport is not only unnecessary, but in light of the country's massive poverty and environmental problems, actually "obscene."
Salon.com
Congestion Pricing Gains Political Traction
California State Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles) makes the case for a congestion pricing pilot program funded by the federal government.
The Planning Report
Can Washington Rescue Main Street and Wall Street?
Some economists are arguing that the proposed federal bailout of Wall Street will do little for the economy unless it includes provisions to reinvest in infrastructure and refinance mortgages.
The Nation
Public-Private Partnerships at the Crossroads
Wed, 08/27/2008 - 06:27
This year, the future of public-private partnerships is expected to receive heightened attention amid speculations that Congress may attempt to assert oversight over public-private partnerships and place conditions on private toll road concession agreements as part of next year's transportation program reauthorization. Some interest groups, notably the trucking industry and public employe labor unions, are expected to vigorously support efforts to regulate PPPs at the federal level. Meanwhile, PPP proponents believe that the case for greater private sector involvement in infrastructure funding has never been stronger. They want to see this involvement mature free of congressional oversight or federal regulatory controls.
Were Midwest Floods 'Engineered'?
The Mississippi and Missouri rivers were once dramatically wider, but a century of re-engineering has constricted their courses, making "flood magnification" inevitable.
Salon
Can Planning Happen More Quickly?
Members of the British Parliament attempt to speed up the process for planning major projects. But some advocates and observers fear the public's voice will be muted.
BBC
Florida Planner Takes Skills to Iraq
Daniel Reed, former Planning Director of Daytona Beach, is now the primary planner of Sadr City, 12 miles north of Baghdad.
The Bay City Times
