Government / Politics
U.S. Opposition to New Development
New data from the 2015 Saint Index shows what projects provoke the most opposition in the United States when proposed "In your community."
New Faces on the Denver City Council Brings New Skepticism Toward Development
Denver has a reputation for building new residential units to accommodate its rapid growth. But the incoming class of new city councilmembers brings strong anti-development politics.
Questions About Operations of Cincinnati's Streetcar Still Need to Be Answered
The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) has been busy negotiating with bidders regarding the potential operations of the forthcoming Cincinnati streetcar.
The Partisan Transit Divide
It's not quite as simple as Republicans opposing transit and Democrats supporting it. It depends what level of government is discussing it. On the local level, demand for better transit can transcend partisan divides.
House Approves Cuts to Census and American Community Survey—Senate Up Next
The American Planning Association is keeping tabs on a bill making its way through Congress that would cut funding for the U.S. Census Bureau.
Transportation Reauthorization Showdown Likely on Capitol Hill
With the current two-month transportation patch set to expire July 31, Democrat leaders are hankering for a showdown to secure a six-year reauthorization bill. A confrontation may occur with Republicans who prefer another patch.
Québec Institutionalizes Its 'Fight Against Climate Change'
For Québec, climate action is a top priority that transcends party agendas—so the province is partnering with other sub-national entities to bypass national politics in building a cap-and-trade market.
Controversial Bill to Create Transit Corridor Development Authority in Connecticut
Eminent domain is just one of the powers that would be granted the new Transit Corridor Development Authority, per House Bill 6851. The controversial bill is pitting the state's governor against opponents that argue in favor of local power.
San Francisco's Proposed Housing Moratorium Is a Bad Idea
After San Francisco Supervisors reject housing moratorium, proponents vow ballot initiative. But a moratorium is the wrong solution to the problem and would likely lead to continued price increases, condo conversions, and Ellis Act evictions.
Lawsuit Takes Issue With Bond Financing for NFL Stadium Plan in St. Louis
A lawsuit filed by Missouri state legislators finds fault with a plan to extend bond funding from the city's last NFL stadium project to help finance a new $985 million stadium located north of downtown along the city's waterfront.
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee Pushing for Speed Camera Legislation
If Lee has his way, San Francisco will join other cities like New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. by employing speed cameras to issue citations to offending motorists in school zones. But first he needs to find a legislator to draft a bill.
High-Rise Approval Secures $220 Million for Grand Central Terminal Improvements
In exchange for the approval to build One Vanderbilt, a 63-story office tower adjacent to Grand Central Terminal, the developer will give the MTA $220 million for upgrades to entrances of the Metro-North Railroad and the terminal's subway entrances.
Op-Ed: Regulation Has Urban Progressives Confused
According to Aaron M. Renn, left-leaning urbanists chafe against a regulatory culture their ideology supports. Favoring "regulation for thee but not for me," they want to bend the rules, but only for enterprises they like.
Christie's Lack of Infrastructure Funding Costing Him Business Support at Home
Bridges are failing in the Garden State for lack of funds to repair them, No, they are not collapsing, but they are shutting down. Many, including the business community, blame the governor for failing to act.
Street Performers: Nuisance or Necessity?
With its eclectic music scene, Asheville, North Carolina is a popular spot for street musicians. They can bring a vibrancy the town might suffer without. But some residents fear a rise in panhandling and homelessness.
Second Largest Bikeshare in U.S. will be Bay Area's by 2017
Bay Area Bike Share will grow from 700 to 7,000 bikes by 2017 after the expansion proposal was approved by a unanimous vote of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. It is a regional, not a city program, though most usage is in San Francisco.
Proposed Boulder Food Park Faces Zoning Challenges
The proposed Boulder Food Park repurposes a decrepit site into usable space for food truck patrons. Since the site is adjacent to a brick-and-mortar restaurant, a zoning exemption may be required.
Citizen Planning Academies Build Capacity for Local Planning
Citizen Planning Academies build local leadership, increase awareness, and broaden involvement through community education. CommunityMatters highlights examples of citizen academies along with five reasons to start one in your city or town.
Mobilizing Against Threats to American Community Survey
Rep. Ted Poe (R – Texas) has introduced legislation that would gut the reach of the American Community Survey—one of the most useful sources of information for planning research.
Is 2015 the Year California Increases its Gas Tax?
The stars appear to be aligning for a 10-cent gas tax hike, thanks to a $59 billion backlog in bridge and road repairs that has even influenced anti-tax Republicans. It's been 20 years since the gas tax was increased.
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.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
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
