Government / Politics
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?
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
Hukou: China's Great Urbanization Challenge
A 2,000 year old household registration system in China ties temporary urban workers to rural life.
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.
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.
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.
State Gas Tax Attention Turns to Pennsylvania
Continuing our focus on the need to invest in transportation infrastructure and unwillingness to raise state gas taxes, the most recent proposal comes from Gov. Tom Corbett: Reducing the excise tax while increasing the wholesale gas dealer tax.
Who Can Fill L.A.'s Design Leadership Vacuum?
While New York has benefited over the past decade from the design leadership of Michael Bloomberg, Amanda Burden, and Janette Sadik-Khan, Los Angeles sorely lacks such powerful champions. Sam Lubell asks who will step up for L.A.
District of Columbia Challenges Feds on Climate Action
The District of Columbia is challenging the federal government on climate action, with lawmakers proposing to outlaw a local coal-burning power plant that powers Congress.
Obama's Unconventional Pick to Lead Interior Department
On Wednesday, President Obama introduced REI CEO Sally Jewell as his nominee to become the new head of the Interior Department. Philip Bump examines how her unconventional background makes her the perfect pick.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
