Africa
Challenges for the Emerging Mega-City of Lagos
This analysis from Nigeria's Daily Independent looks at the challenges facing Lagos, the country's biggest city, as it grows into a global mega-city.
Early Days of Johannesburg BRT Highlight Persistent Racial Tensions
The major cities in South Africa are busy building new bus rapid transit systems to improve the way their residents get around. But in Johannesburg, the new system is having a rocky start.
Lagos BRT to Spread Throughout Nigeria
Officials in Lagos, Nigeria, are calling for the city's successful bus rapid transit system to be expanded to other cities throughout the country.
Luring World Cup Tourists with Street Beautification Projects in Johannesburg
Residents in one of Johannesburg's most infamous townships are hoping that a new street beautification project will bring pedestrians out onto their streets and into their shops when the country hosts this year's World Cup.
African 'Statue of Liberty' Angers Senegalese
A new monumental statue being built in the Senegalese capital of Dakar is seen by some as an African Statue of Liberty or Eiffel Tower. But for many of the nation's poor, it is a waste of money and an abuse of presidential power.
Free Electricity for the Poor
Volunteer electricians from the Soweto Electricity Crisis Committee reconnect those who can't afford to pay the bill.
Could a Saharan Forest End Global Warming?
NASA scientists are floating the idea that turning deserts on the equator into lush forests could single-handedly end global warming.
Penalosa Decries Nairobi's Vision of the Future
Nairobi planners are promoting a new vision of the African nation criss-crossed with superhighways. Enrique Penalosa visited Nairobi last week to try to persuade them to reverse course.
Suburbs Sprouting in Cairo Deserts
President Mubarak of Egypt is allowing developers to create American-style suburban developments in dry desert land outside Cairo.
BRT Takes Babysteps in South Africa
This post from The City Fix discusses the new bus rapid transit system that just opened in Johannesburg, South Africa, and why the system was sorely needed.
Despite Intimidation and Violence, Officials Vow to Complete South Africa BRT
Amid recnt violence thought to be related to the country's plans to implement a bus rapid transit system, South Africa's national transport minister has vowed that the transportation project will move ahead.
World Cup Bus System Causes Conflict in Cape Town
Taxi and minibus drivers in Cape Town are concerned that a new Integrated Rapid Transport (IRT) system will put them out of work. The city cites lack of regulation, safety concerns, and standardized work hours as reasons the new system is necessary.
Morocco Seeks to Supplant Slums
In an effort to replace slums with low-cost housing, Morocco is paying developers to create thousands of new apartments. Some slum residents see it as a boon, others say they couldn't afford the rent, even if it were subsidized.
The Road to South Africa's World Cup
South Africa is gearing up to host the 2010 World Cup next June. As it prepares to be the tournament's first African host, the country faces a number of hurdles.
Kenyan High-Speed Rail On Track
Kenya's national railway operator is planning a high speed rail line to transport freight and passengers and could pose a challenge to the South African consortium that currently runs rail services between Kenya and Uganda.
The Dangers of Mega-Events
2010 will bring with it a series of huge international events -- the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the World Cup in South Africa and the World Expo in Shanghai. Though seen as major opportunities for their hosts, these events can also be dangerous.
BRT Gets Rolling in Johannesburg
A new dedicated-lane bus rapid transit system has begun operations in Johannesburg, South Africa. The system is part of a nationwide plan to update public transit facilities as the country prepares to host the 2010 World Cup next June.
Europe's Plan to Turn Sahara into Solar Power Source
Significant interest and investment has descended on a plan to create vast solar power plants in the Sahara Desert to power Europe, but the challenges are great, says Reuters.
Can Sc-Fi Movie Change the Fortunes of Soweto Slum?
The box office hit "District 9" was shot in a real Soweto slum, and now the residents are hoping that the popularity of the film will lead to real improvements to the settlement.
Despite Protests and Strikes, BRT Moves Ahead in Johannesburg
Despite strong opposition from taxi driver associations, a new bus rapid transit system is set to open later this month in Johannesburg, South Africa.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.
