Like many others, I tuned into the CNN/YouTube debate a few weeks ago. As a firm believer in citizen involvement, to the point of recently writing a book* full of case studies of public process in action, I found CNN’s broadcast of real people with real questions in real time to be utterly fascinating. The public taking hold of technology, influencing candidates with their frank questions, and getting answers that sounded less scripted and on message—it was a sight to see. YouTubers’ questions of the nine Democratic candidates were succinct and to the point. And no, I did not hear the other 3,000 submitted questions, but the ones that aired on live TV were brilliant. Anderson Cooper even quipped that it might be the end of newscasters.
Social Equity
Transportation Victory for Social Equity
In the first action of its kind, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has withdrawn $70 million in federal stimulus funds from the proposed Oakland Airport Connector project due to multiple civil rights violations by the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART). Marc Brenman and Richard A. Marcantonio talk about what happened.
Land Use and Comprehensive Development Plan for the Cano Martin Pena Special Planning District
The Plan seeks to resolve critical social, economic, urban, and environmental issues directly affecting the inhabitants of the Cano Martin Pena Special Planning District's eight neighborhoods, living in 500 acres of dense, inadequate conditions along the Cano (channel), next to San Juan's prime financial district. Within the area, more than 3,000 structures lacked a sewer system, environmental degradation and frequent flooding with polluted waters added to the challenge. The plan's long-range vision and phased projects incorporate initiatives for the District's broad, inclusive rehabilitation, integrating the community with the larger San Juan area.
Greensburg Sustainable Comprehensive Plan
Greensburg, KS was hit by an F5 tornado in May 2007, leveling 90% of the town. Greensburg, KS had already been in decline for several decades, but the town made a commitment to rebuild. Their plan shows respect for the land and a vision of a sustainable future. The plan protects social equity and maintains maintains the town's cherished rural character by establishing a framework for affordable, diverse housing. Greensburg City Council enacted a requirement that all publicly funded buildings over 4,000 square feet must be built to the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Platinum certification level.
Is Congestion Pricing Worth The Price?
With Los Angeles now planning to install HOT lanes, a pair of recent articles in the L.A. Times question whether congestion pricing is a way to help the rich at the expense of the poor, or a practical solution to traffic congestion and its ills.
The Los Angeles Times
Is Chicago's 'Transformed' Cabrini-Green 'Too Good for Poor People'?
As a part of Chicago's $1.4 billion "Plan for Transformation," the once massive Cabrini-Green project has been redeveloped into a mix of affordable, public and market housing. But 80% of the former tenants have moved away.
GOOD Magazine
So You Want to Change the World, Part 1: Networking for Students (and Others)
Sat, 06/09/2007 - 07:45
Some people choose to work in planning because they see it as a relatively interesting and stable job. Others have dreams of being the equivalent of an all-powerful SimCity-style mayor. However, many choose planning as a career because they want to make a difference in the world. They want to do good and to help those who are the least advantaged. They are attracted by the potential, if limited, for planning to foster environmental justice and social equity.
