Government / Politics

Could a Federal Carbon Tax Put Money in Your Pocket?

A carbon tax based on Alaska's Permanent Fund, where tax revenues are returned to residents, is the model for legislation proposed by Senators Boxer (D-CA) and Sanders (I-VT) in response to Pres. Obama's call for Congress to act on climate change.

February 19, 2013 - San Francisco Chronicle

Is Shanghai the World's Most Futuristic City?

In his new book "A History of Future Cities", journalist Daniel Brook visits four cities on the edge of the future: St. Petersburg, Shanghai, Mumbai, and Dubai.

February 19, 2013 - Places Journal

Making Placemaking Fun

Looking for new ways to explain best placemaking practices? Today's guest Shaker, Amanda Thompson, has a novel take: dance. Complete with video!

February 17, 2013 - PlaceShakers

Will Other States Follow Wyoming's Lead In Raising Gas Tax?

Wyoming has gone where few states have gone recently - defied conventional wisdom that the 'gas tax is dead' and shown that it is very much alive with the Senate increasing the state excise tax by 71% (10-cents). Gov. Matt Mead is expected to sign.

February 17, 2013 - Casper Star-Tribune

With 'Promise Zone' Program, Obama Looks to Aid Distressed Neighborhoods

Many have commented that for a President with a strong urban background and constituency, Barack Obama has given scant attention to urban issues. Will a new program announced today change that narrative?

February 15, 2013 - The New York Times

With Major Bills Expiring, Can the House Find a Path Forward for Infrastructure Improvements?

Updating the U.S.'s aging infrastructure requires legislative common sense, says Rep. Bill Shuster.

February 15, 2013 - The Washington Post

Planning for People

Instead of planning cities around shiny, tomorrowland dreams of our own invention, how about planning them around something we can count on: the needs of people! Complete with a groovy, vintage planning video mash-up.

February 15, 2013 - PlaceShakers

Is Obama Set to Break Environmentalists' Hearts?

Environmentalists likely found much to cheer in President Obama's support for bold action on climate change during the State of the Union address. Was their optimism premature?

February 14, 2013 - Grist

Madison Square Garden and Penn Station In Need of a Divorce

The owners of Madison Square Garden are asking NYC "to renew — in perpetuity — the special permit that allows them to operate an arena atop Penn Station, the country’s busiest transit hub." Michael Kimmelman urges the city to deny their request.

February 14, 2013 - The New York Times

Economic Development and Planning: It's a Match!

Mitchell Silver, Raleigh City Planner and President of the APA, is on a mission to get planners to realize the importance of return on investment (ROI) in their projects. Raleigh is providing the testing ground for his arguments.

February 14, 2013 - Raleigh Public Record

Could New York's Bike Gains Disappear Under New Mayor?

Under Mayor Bloomberg's tenure, New York City has made great strides in improving its bicycle infrastructure. But as his final term comes to an end, some fear the next mayor may "end this period of bike-friendly programs and policies."

February 13, 2013 - The New York Times

State of the Union Recap: Energy, Economy, Infrastructure and Environment

In an address heavy on President Obama's domestic agenda for the first year of his second term, issues of importance to planners and urbanists got plenty of play, including: the environment, energy, infrastructure, and the economy.

February 13, 2013 - The Washington Post

Chinese Economists Call for Fundamental Reforms to Fight Urban Income Gap

Following the Chinese government’s pledge to address its growing urban income gap, India’s The Economic Times suggest that current proposals do not go far enough.

February 12, 2013 - The Economic Times

Will Congress Pass Up Historic Infrastructure-Building Opportunity?

President Obama will reportedly call for new infrastructure investment in tonight's State of the Union address. Is there any reason to think that Congress will take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure?

February 12, 2013 - The Washington Post

Five Energy Objectives - Is There Consensus?

Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski believes that politicians of both parties will support her five energy objectives: Make it abundant, affordable, clean, diverse and secure. Will it provide a 'conversation starter' to frame federal policy?

February 11, 2013 - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

S.F.'s Beleaguered Housing Authority Gets Gutted

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee took drastic measures to initiate a turnaround of the city's troubled Housing Authority on Friday by replacing all but one member of the city's Housing Authority Commission.

February 10, 2013 - San Francisco Chronicle

Hukou: China's Great Urbanization Challenge

A 2,000 year old household registration system in China ties temporary urban workers to rural life.

February 10, 2013 - The Washington Post

The Roots of American Planning

During the 1920s, the federal government passed a pair of laws that continue to this day to be hugely consequential to the modern practices of city planning and zoning. The two laws also planted the seeds of the planning profession.

February 9, 2013 - KCET.org Laws That Shaped LA

LaHood Replacement Likely to be NTSB Chief Hersman

Deborah Hersman, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, an independent federal agency that investigates crashes in all modes of transportation, particularly aviation, is leading the list of replacements for Transpo Secretary LaHood.

February 9, 2013 - The Wall Street Journal - U.S. News

What Did Robert Moses Think of 'The Power Broker'?

Bridge and Tunnel Club has published the full 23-page typed, double-spaced letter that Robert Moses wrote in response to Robert Caro's biography.

February 9, 2013 - Bridge and Tunnel Club

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.