Government / Politics

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

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.

February 7, 2013 - The Wall Street Journal - U.S. News

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.

February 7, 2013 - The Architect's Newspaper

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.

February 7, 2013 - The Washington Post

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.

February 7, 2013 - Grist

State Gas Tax Outlook Grim - Or Is It?

Two articles from non-profit organizations - a think tank and an advocacy group, seemingly arrive at the same conclusion: the future of the state gas tax is grim due to lack of political will to raise it. However, some states are bucking the trend.

February 6, 2013 - Stateline

Is a New Approach Needed for Getting Kids to School?

Charles Marohn derides the conflicted approach to creating "Safe Routes to Schools" in the United States. With new data linking transport to school to educational outcomes, is it time to rethink the federal government's popular program?

February 6, 2013 - Strong Towns

Neighborhoods First (and Goal)

Howard Blackson's words of advice for San Diego's new administration are applicable wherever it is you call home. Neighborhoods first!

February 6, 2013 - PlaceShakers

Minnesota Gov. Unveils Plan to Fast Track Transit Funding

In a budget unveiled last month, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton proposed a .25 percent sales tax increase to fund an expansion of the Twin Cities metro area's public transit systems. The proposal has garnered enthusiastic support.

February 5, 2013 - The Minn Post

The Man Who Would Change CEQA

If the 43-year-old California Environmental Act is going to be changed - as Gov. Brown hopes, most agree the legislation will be championed by Michael Rubio, a young, moderate Latino Democratic in the second year of his first term in the senate.

February 4, 2013 - The Sacramento Bee

President Obama Cabinet Meeting

Florida to Obama: Establish a Department of Cities

Lamenting the lack of a single big, transformative urban idea during President Obama's first term, Richard Florida urges the president to establish a new cabinet-level Department of Cities to build a "lasting urban legacy."

February 4, 2013 - New York Daily News

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.