Government / Politics
Poll: What are the Most Important Skills for Planning Staffers?
In the second in a series of posts, PlannersWeb recently posted the results of a poll asking: "What are the skills you’ve found most important in serving on a planning commission?"
Chicago Considers Raising Parking Taxes to Pay for Potholes
In need of 80 additional employees to keep up with the city's pothole repair deficit, Mayor Rah Emanuel is proposing that the city raise taxes parking.
A Comprehensive Accounting of Economic and Environmental Performance: Who's in?
For the last several decades, North American cities have used growth as a primary economic engine. Increasingly less dense new growth is subsidized by the more dense core, but requires a growth rate that is not supportable in the long term.
Philadelphia Mayor Nutter Touts Planning Legacy
Mayor Michael Nutter believes that his administration leaves "a template for how future development unfolds in Philadelphia" as one of its legacies.
Poll: What are the Most Important Skills for Planning Commissioners?
PlannersWeb recently posted the results of a poll asking: "What are the skills you’ve found most important in serving on a planning commission?"
Profile in Success: Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard
When it comes to public transportation, walkable commercial districts, and supporting the arts, Pasadena has some things figured out.
More Evidence that a Fully Funded MAP-21 Reauthorization is Possible
Rep. Bill Shuster, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, is the second powerful congressman to state that a fully funded, five to six year reauthorization bill can be done, acknowledging that funding challenges lie ahead.
Looking at 'Data-Driven Government' from Inside City Hall
"Metrics" has become a buzzword in local government, but how do municipalities actually harness data to improve city services, operations, and accountability?
Creative Placemaking: Preserve, Repair, Intensify
Many cities have long been investing in art and culture, marrying it to placemaking, and generating extraordinary local transformations. Hazel Borys offers up a little inspiration from an art opening this week, and a few pointers for urbanists.
How the Federal Government Can Support Innovation Districts
A new report by Bruce Katz of Brookings Institute discusses the federal government’s role in spurring and aiding the innovation districts found in many cities across the country today.
California Refineries Prepare to Receive Cheaper Crude-by-Rail
The surge in oil production has not benefited California, but that's about to change. Shale oil from North Dakota and other states costs $15 less than imported oil. After transportation costs, California refineries would save $3 per barrel.
Fracking Wastewater Dumped into Protected California Aquifers
According to the Center for Biological Diversity, toxic wastewater from oil industry fracking operations has been illegally injected into Central Valley disposal sites, posing a threat to water supplies of nearby residents.
Survey Illuminates American Mayors' Priorities
A new study conducted by former Boston Mayor Tom Menino and the Initiative on Cities at Boston University surveyed 70 mayors on their challenges, policy agendas, and relationships.
The Best Country in the World to Grow Old
The country most friendly to electric vehicles is also the country most supportive of senior citizens, not that there's a relationship. After Norway, Sweden is the best place to grow old, according to the just released Global AgeWatch Index.
The Koch Brothers vs Transit
Two of the more famous examples of the economic interests of the fossil fuel industry, Charles and David Koch, are battling transit projects, by any means necessary, all over the country.
'History of the Present' Series Examines Profound Urban Transformations
Emerging from a half century of dictatorship, can Myanmar's principal city be a model of sustainable, democratic development?
Political Winds Could End 'Black=Urban'
Pete Saunders examines the urban base of African-American politics since the Civil Rights and how recent trends in urbanization will require a restructuring of political agendas in cities all over the country.
Wyoming Reports Road Improvements From 10-Cent Gas Tax Increase
Wyoming legislators passed its gas tax hike in Feb. 2013, an incredible 71 percent increase when the state then had the second to lowest tax. AASHTO reports that the WYDOT has already completed 12 projects with the additional revenue.
California High Speed Rail Authority Reaches Milestone
The Authority is ready to purchase trainsets, and once again, the Siemen's rail manufacturing facility in Sacramento is looking to add another contract to add to its growing rail car orders. A request for "expressions of interest" was issued.
It's Official: No More 'Paper or Plastic' in California
If you forget to bring a bag, pay a dime for either a paper or reusable plastic bag. Single-use plastic bags will disappear from grocery stores and pharmacies on July 1, convenience and liquor stores a year later. A composting bill was also signed.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
