Government / Politics

Google Bus Opponents Argue Need for CEQA Study in San Francisco Superior Court

On Friday, tech bus opponents took their case to court, arguing that the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency must comply with the California Environmental Quality Act due to impacts including air quality and community displacement.

November 16, 2015 - San Francisco Examiner

East Berlin

Berlin Moves To Protect, Expand Affordable Housing

Berlin's Senate has approved a sweeping reform of the city's housing policy, limiting rents on close to 400,000 public housing units to no more than 30 percent of a household income.

November 16, 2015 - CityLab

US Highway 53 - Wisconsin

Wisconsin Goes Deeper in the Fiscal Hole to Fix Aging Roads

Wisconsin legislators have voted to continue steep borrowing to pay for needed road repairs, while calls to increase the state’s gas tax grow louder.

November 16, 2015 - Urban Milwaukee

New Corporation Formed to Replace Amtrak's Hudson River Rail Tunnels

The Gateway Development Corporation will be formed by Amtrak, the U.S. Department of Transportation, New York, and New Jersey to replace the deteriorating 105-year-old Hudson River rail tunnels, a vital project that could cost $20 billion.

November 13, 2015 - The New York Times

Palo Alto to Protect Single-Story, Eichler-Tract Neighborhood

The Palo Alto city council has approved one neighborhood's request to prevent the construction of two-story homes.

November 13, 2015 - Palo Alto Weekly

DC Pope Visit

How the Pope's Visit Reduced Traffic in Washington, D.C.

Pope Francis' much-publicized visit to the capital in late September saw reductions in congestion and better travel times. Event-specific telecommuting policies and transit route changes appear responsible for the minor miracle.

November 12, 2015 - The Washington Post

Bridge Collapse

The Deadly Costs of Failing Infrastructure

Failing infrastructure is a life and death matter. Decaying roads, bridges, dam, pipelines, water delivery, and railroads lacking safety controls are responsible for the loss of thousands of lives annually, on top of illnesses and injuries.

November 12, 2015 - The New York Times

Denver Union STation TOD

Battling the Ugly: Denver Contemplates an Effective Design Review Process

As Denver booms, planners and architects discuss the good and the bad of imposing design guidelines on new construction.

November 12, 2015 - The Denver Post

Reimagining LA

Are Land Use Policies Mostly Hurting the Poor?

In a new paper, researchers find that land use regulations in cities have effectively created a "zoning tax," which primarily impacts the poor and renting class.

November 12, 2015 - Market Urbanism

Report: Detroit's Property Tax System in Need of Major Overhaul

Detroit's comeback has been well documented, as has its efforts to remove blight and demolish vacant properties. A new report sheds light on another of the city's deepest challenges: how to reform property taxes to achieve fiscal certainty.

November 11, 2015 - At Lincoln House

Oil Drills

Can Climate Change be Addressed by Halting Drilling on Federal Lands?

A production-side approach to tackling climate change is the basis of new legislation by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). The "Keep it in the Ground Act" would prevent new drilling for any fossil fuel on federal lands or renewal of nonproductive leases.

November 11, 2015 - Sen. Jeff Merkley Press Release

New Report Recommends Tough Medicine to Fix Bay Area's Housing Ailments

A new report by the Bay Area Council argues that the regionwide housing crisis demands a regionwide response, i.e., all nine counties and 101 cities need to build more housing, and if they don't, there needs to be consequences.

November 11, 2015 - San Francisco Chronicle

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder to Sign 7.3-cent Gas Tax Hike Today

After years of debate, Republicans from both chambers agreed to a transportation plan raising the gas tax 7.3-cents and registration fees by 20 percent, effective 2017. Democrats objected to the amount of general funds that will be directed to roads.

November 10, 2015 - MLive

Eminent Domain in 2015

The dust is still settling from Kelo v. New London, a 2005 Supreme Court Case allowing for expansive powers of eminent domain. A book released this year chronicles the effects of the landmark court case.

November 9, 2015 - The Federalist

Los Angeles City Council Wants a 'Do-Over' on Mobility Plan 2035

Years of planning and strong political support aren't enough when the city council doesn't follow the letter of the law. Now opponents of L.A.'s Mobility Plan 2035 smell blood in the water.

November 9, 2015 - Los Angeles Times

Ultimate Tech Guide to Boston

Whether you're a lifelong resident of Boston, just moving there, or simply passing through, this guide has 18 apps and services for navigating and enjoying the city life to its fullest.

November 9, 2015 - Netted

Red and Blue States

Where the Candidates Live

Some presidential candidates favor sprawl, but a surprising number live in cities or inner-ring suburbs.

November 9, 2015 - Michael Lewyn

Feds Award nearly $28 Million for Washington to Baltimore Maglev Project

The 105-year old Hudson River Rail Tunnels may desperately need replacement, but the Federal Railroad Administration also has an eye on the future, awarding $27.8 million to prepare a maglev application between Washington and Baltimore.

November 9, 2015 - The Washington Post

Mixed Election Results in Utah on Transportation Sales Tax Proposition

Prop. 1, a quarter-cent sales tax that would benefit public transit in Wasatch Range counties, passed in 10 counties but was defeated in seven, including the populous Salt Lake County where supporters have yet to concede due to the narrow loss.

November 8, 2015 - The Salt Lake Tribune

Empty Lot

Memphis Tells Residents: If You Mow It You Can Own It

Residents who put in the effort of maintaining vacant property will have their hard work rewarded and will be offered the opportunity to purchase the property.

November 7, 2015 - Route Fifty

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.

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA

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