Government / Politics
Developer's Ballot Box Planning Would Allow Suburban Development at Ferry Terminal
A June 7 ballot measure in Richmond, California would permit 59 single family homes to be built on a 5-acre bayfront lot within walking distance to a future ferry landing for San Francisco service. The site is zoned for high-density housing.
How (and Why) to Start a Local Data Intermediary
A new guide helps communities set up groups that can help analyze their neighborhood data and put it to good use.
State Threatens Shutdown of Atlanta Streetcar
The commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation warned Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and MARTA CEO Keith Parker that unless corrective actions are not taken in many areas, e.g., maintenance, safety, he will shut down streetcar service.
Proposed Bill Would Empower Philadelphia Councilmember Prerogative
A Philadelphia councilmember has proposed a seemingly esoteric bill that would amend the city code to give individual councilmembers new power in the planning process.
Proposed $120 Billion Sales Tax Measure Polling Well in L.A. County
A single sales tax measure that would add a new half cent sales tax to fund transportation projects in Los Angeles County for 40 years, and extend an existing half-cent sales tax that terminates in 2039, is supported by at least 68 percent of voters.
In Paris, Tough Talk on Income Segregation
As is so often the case worldwide, many Parisians live in communities distinguished by class. The city government wants to change that by inserting thousands of public housing units in wealthy central districts.
10 Ways to Make Cities Livable for the Elderly
How can the New Urban Agenda respect the elderly—and make cities better for all of us in the process?
Broward County, Florida to Select from Four Sales Tax Options on November Ballot
They could opt for a one percent, 30-year infrastructure tax, a .75 percent, 20-year transportation sales tax, approve both, or reject both. The two competing measures arise from differences between the county's 31 cities and county commissioners.
The Arts District and the 'Missed Opportunity' of Planning in L.A.
Downtown L.A.'s Arts District transformed from an industrial sector to a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood. Now, the community's attempts to protect their vision from haphazard development illuminate Los Angeles's broken planning process.
Talking Point in D.C. Homeless Housing Debate: 'Homeowner Lives Matter'
An already controversial proposal to disperse homeless shelters and service around Washington, D.C. is finding new ways to be controversial.
Huge Drop in California Cap-and-Trade Revenues—Could Market Be Collapsing?
'Huge' is an understatement. Revenues were less than 2 percent of what was forecasted. The uncertainty of the continuance of the program may be responsible. The plummet in revenues to high-speed rail adds to uncertainty of the $64 billion project.
Fresno's Troubled Housing History
The crisis facing many Fresno renters is nothing new. A history of housing in the city shows how, since the late 19th century, poor housing conditions have been "ingrained in Fresno's culture."
Let Smokers Pay for Roads
Missouri has come up with a unique way to pay for roads, and it's even a user fee, though it bears no direct relation to road users other than for those driving to the store to buy their cigarettes. So much for using the tax to address public health.
Op-Ed: Why Uber Wasn't Welcome in Austin
In the spirit of civic self-congratulation, Austin resident Richard Parker writes about how the transportation network company giants canceled service after losing a referendum vote. He ascribes this victory to the city's enduring contrarian streak.
Something Is Rotten in 'Infrastructure Week'
The cause of infrastructure should be easy for people, and planners, to rally behind. But infrastructure's cause, like so many other political issues, invites conflicts of interest.
Equity, Engagement, Community: Empathy Ain't Enough
if a community planning effort is to be judged by the degree to which all voices are heard, then anything short of a big turnout is going to feel like failure. Ben Brown talks equitable engagement, and aligning promises with implementation.
Bringing By-Right Affordable Housing to California
Reviewing Governor Jerry Brown's recent proposed legislation to permit projects that provide affordable housing to be approved as-of-right.
An Interview with the General Manager of the Los Angeles DOT
What's it like to lead the department of transportation in a city trying to overcome decades of car-centric planning? Let LADOT General Manager Seleta Reynolds tell it in her own words.
How Donald Trump Earned His Reputation as a Developer
Perhaps no development is more associated with the presumptive Republican presidential nominee than Trump Towers, which established his reputation as a developer with little regard for historic preservation and revealed his character in business.
California Governor Proposes Streamlined Affordable Housing Process
Rather than devoting more funds for affordable housing, California Governor Jerry Brown is supporting streamlined regulations, mandated by the state and enacted at the local level .
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.
Greater Baltimore Committee
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association
