Government / Politics
Only Federal Funding Will Deliver Sydney's Second Airport
New South Wales' new planning minister has called on Australia's federal government to decide and fund much needed infrastructure.
PBS Explores Charging-by-the-Mile
The auto fleet is becoming greener - not just with hybrids and electric vehicles, but all new vehicles are required to be more fuel efficient. While that is good for the environment, declining gas tax revenues threaten the nation's infrastructure.
What to Expect from the New "Most Powerful Man in Housing"
After a protracted fight, the Senate has finally confirmed Rep. Mel Watt (D-N.C.) to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. What direction will he steer the United States' housing finance system?
AAA Wants to Boost Your Gas Taxes?
Yes - the nonprofit organization representing 53 million motorists in the U.S. and Canada sees value in raising the gas tax to improve the nation's roads, bridges and transit systems. UPS, a major road user, agrees. But there are many detractors.
Can Newark's New Image Survive Cory Booker's Departure
Cory Booker entered office with a goal of transforming Newark's reputation from failed city to recovering city. J.B. Wogan examines whether the new senator used the city as a platform to boost his own image, or enacted meaningful change.
New Hampshire to Reconsider Increasing its Gas Tax in January
New Hampshire will consider a Republican bill in 2014 to tie the gas tax to inflation, increasing it by about 4 cents next year should it pass. The Senate killed a House bill in May to increase the gas tax by 12 cents over 3 years.
What's Holding Up Redevelopment 2.0 in California?
When California shuttered its hundreds of local redevelopment agencies, many believed a new (if smaller) system for funding affordable housing and development in blighted areas would soon follow. Two years later, the state is still waiting.
Republican Rift Plays Out Over Carbon Pricing
Embracing the inevitability of some sort of carbon pricing scheme being adopted by the U.S. Government, many of the nation's biggest corporations are incorporating such costs into their financial planning. One major player isn't giving up the fight.
Strike Two for Calif. High Speed Rail: Setback by Surface Transportation Board
After suffering a major setback from a court decision that prevents the authority from selling $10 billion in voter-approved bonds, a key federal agency has ruled that the authority must comply with environmental regulations before laying tracks.
Pick to Head NYPD Seen as Street Safety Ally
With traffic deaths in New York City approaching falling homicide rates, calls for improving road safety are increasing. William Bratton, the former and future NYPD Commissioner, has signaled street safety will be a priority, exciting advocates.
Obama Takes on Inequality
In a major economic speech delivered yesterday, President Obama called America's growing inequality and lack of upward mobility “the defining challenge of our time”. Though he may have diagnosed the disease, did he prescribe an effective cure?
"Can I Have a Road Usage Fee with that 15-cent Gas Tax Increase, Please?"
Don't ever accuse Rep. Earl Blumenauer of not thinking big. Accompanying his gas tax increase bill, he has proposed a bill to study ways to charge drivers by the miles they drive. One takes care of the funding problem now, the other in the future.
Would Advanced Technology Have Prevented the Metro-North Derailment?
As federal investigators focus on the likelihood of human error being the cause of the Dec. 1 derailment that killed four passengers, attention has been placed on the federal requirement for all railroads to install positive train control systems.
Front Runner Emerges to Succeed Amanda Burden
As Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio prepares to take office at the beginning of the new year, speculation is growing as to who will succeed Mayor Bloomberg's popular commissioners. The Real Deal floats several candidates to become NYC's next chief planner.
13 Ways to Kill Your Community
Scott Doyon reviews the book "13 Ways to Kill Your Community", by Alberta Legislative Assembly member Doug Griffiths and journalist Kelly Clemmer. In it, the authors reveal some of the "curiously recurring behaviors" that harm cities of all sizes.
Blumenauer to Propose Deficit Commission's Gas Tax Increase
If it was good enough for Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles, the Republican and Democrat authors of President Obama's deficit commission bearing their names, the phased, 15-cent fuel tax increase should be adopted, says Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.).
Judge Allows Detroit Bankruptcy to Proceed
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Steven Rhodes ruled today that the city of Detroit is eligible for bankruptcy protection, allowing the city to proceed with the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. Public employee unions are expected to appeal.
HOT Revenue Generators?
States are increasingly looking to high occupancy toll lanes as a means of revenue generation as well as congestion management, as they deal with the shortfall in transportation revenue from federal and state governments. Ga. may provide a good test.
London "Die-In" Draws 1,000 Cyclists
Last Friday night, more than 1,000 Londoners staged an unusual protest against the official response to a spate of fatal accidents involving cyclists.
Will New York Be Content to Follow, Rather than Lead?
From pedestrianization initiatives to a trans fat ban, Bloomberg's New York was known for experimentation and innovation. Laura Kusisto says that after two decades of conservative mayors, the next administration will look elsewhere for inspiration.
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
