Government / Politics
A Better Way to Compare Cities
An online tool released three weeks ago by the Chicago Federal Reserve allows a more nuanced comparison between peer cities.
Tackling the Design Profession's Gender Equity Problem
With increasing awareness and discussion about the gender gap apparent across most of Corporate America, this article explores how the Architecture and Engineering industry is seeking to close the gap and empower women.
Trump Budget's Devastating Effect on the EPA and Two of America's Greatest Water Resources
President Trump's budget for 2018 has the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency take the steepest hit—31 percent. Funding for two vital programs, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and Chesapeake Bay Program, will have their funds eliminated.
California's Plan to Save the Salton Sea
The Salton Sea is drying up, and California is poised to spend $383 million to keep that from happening. At stake are Colorado River water negotiations between California, Arizona, and Nevada.
HUD: The Basics on an Embattled Agency
HUD has a complicated and controversial history, and it's all coming into play as the Trump Administration proposes funding cuts and installs problematic leadership.
For Fracking's Sake, Another 'Burdensome' Environmental Regulation Repealed
The first and only federal regulation overseeing the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing on federal lands has been withdrawn upon orders issued by Ryan Zinke, the Secretary of the Interior.
Could Immigration Crackdowns Crash the Housing Market?
Immigrants, both documented and undocumented, are a growing factor in the demand for new housing. In the long term (or sooner), the Trump Administration's hard line on newcomers could lead to instability for the rest of us.
Las Vegas Light Rail Plans Take a Big Step Forward
The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada has proven its seriousness about an ambitious proposal to build a light rail connection between McCarran International Airport and the Las Vegas Strip.
Melbourne, Australia Plans Assault on Sprawl With '20-Minute Neighborhoods'
Melbourne's long-range plan for development through 2050 envisions denser neighborhoods, built around the idea of 20-minute neighborhoods.
President Trump's Other Infrastructure Plan—Defunding Grant Programs
The showman captured America's attention with a promise to "make America great again" with a $1 trillion infrastructure plan. Receiving scant attention are the infrastructure grant programs he'll cut in order to fund massive defense spending.
Canadian Prime Minister Wins Award for Being Pro-Oil Sands and Pro-Environment
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is treading a fine line between supporting the economy of oil-sands dependent western Canada and fighting climate change, as impossible as that might sound. His efforts were rewarded by the energy industry.
Crumbling Of Democracy Bodes Ill For Urban Design
Ironically, some of the greatest architecture of the past came from the most nefarious of sources: monarchies and dictatorships. Democratic design, though, can be bland and generic. What of design in our new undemocratic age?
A Proposed Legislative Solution to California's Out-Migration Epidemic
The Sacramento Bee follows-up a revealing report on lower income workers leaving California due largely to exorbitant housing costs with an editorial endorsing legislation by Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco to address the source of the problem.
EPA Administrator Transitions from Climate Change Skeptic to Denier
Perhaps there never really was much difference between 'skepticism' and 'denial'. Scott Pruitt certainly proved that on Thursday when he answered CNBC's Joe Kernen's question if carbon emissions are the primary cause of climate change.
Is Eugene, Oregon's Downtown Dog Ban, a Stealth Ban on Homeless?
The Eugene City Council enacted a 'trial dog ban' in downtown to protect public safety after complaints of aggressive dogs.
Making It Easier to Build Won't Help
Here are some observations that may shed light on the mystery of why—despite creating every incentive that planners can conceive—we are failing to produce affordable housing at the level we need.
Los Angeles' Iconic Angels Flight Railway To Utilize P3 Model
After appearing in the film La La Land, the world-renowned, iconic, 116-year-old Angels Flight will reopen to the public after a three-year modernization process.
Trump Administration's Draft Budget Raises New Concerns About Data Collection
President Trump has made no secret of his disdain for many of the traditional data points used to represent the health and prosperity of the country. The budgetary process offers an opportunity to match words with action.
Electric Vehicle Fees: Where's the Controversy?
Some may find it silly to get worked up over an annual fee of about $100 to pay for road maintenance when electric vehicle purchasers receive a $7,500 federal tax credit, on top of generous state perks, but electric vehicle supporters object to them.
Incentives and Non-Traditional Strategies Solving Common City Problems
Small reminders and suggestions can add up to big changes for cities that "nudge" citizens.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
Eagle County Government
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
