Government / Politics

The mass shooting at Newton, Connecticut brought gun control, violence in TV and video games, and mental health care to the forefront of a national debate. As talk turns to school design, architects consider the tradeoffs of fortress-like schools.

January 2, 2013 - Architectural Record

As they reflect on a year of exciting advances in urbanism, and look forward to the next, the writers at The Atlantic Cities discuss the most loathed trends they hope will die in 2013.

January 2, 2013 - The Atlantic Cities

While Washington bickers over partisan issues, mayors in the rest of the country are showing strong leadership and innovation. Newsweek has compiled a list of the top cities pushing education reform, public safety, quality of life, and job creation.

January 1, 2013 - The Daily Beast

Several potential replacements for Lisa Jackson are said to be under consideration. One thing that person can count on is a very thorough, if not grueling, confirmation process. Unless the Senate changes the filibuster rules, 60 votes will be needed.

January 1, 2013 - The Hill's Energy & Environment Blog

We've known for decades the better ways to do things, for greater urban health, sustainability, resiliency, vibrancy and economic success. So this year, let's resolve to have the will and skill to get past the short-term politics, the rhetoric, the market momentum, and the financial self-interest that has kept our better solutions from being realized.

December 31, 2012 - Brent Toderian

One road, two counties, 19 cites - that's what and who is involved in a far-reaching plan to redesign El Camino Real, the first paved road in California, from Daly City in northern San Mateo County to San Jose in the heart of Santa Clara County.

December 31, 2012 - San Francisco Examiner

From guerrilla wayfinding to future-tising, these are my top five, perhaps lesser known, highlights of a banner year for Tactical Urbanism.

December 30, 2012 - Mike Lydon

Finding the right price for carbon is no easy task. It needs to be high enough to encourage industries to reduce their emissions, but not too high so as to cause them to move out-of-state or make them uncompetitive with non-California competitors.

December 30, 2012 - The New York Times - Business Day - Energy & Environment

A Palestinian village near Jerusalem boasts old stone-walled farming terraces and irrigation channels from Roman times, but planners of Israel's separation barrier in the West Bank want to build a route through the rare historical landscape.

December 30, 2012 - The Washington Post

Initiated during the depths of Ireland's financial crisis, carbon taxes have been effective in improving the country's environmental and economic outlook.

December 30, 2012 - The New York Times

What to do with 200 vacant, industrial acres bordering S.F. Bay in Newark, CA is no easy task for city planners who face activists, including environmentalists, skeptical of any development, let alone one of higher density.

December 29, 2012 - Reuters

This week Lisa Jackson made public her decision to step down as administrator of the EPA. Despite many hard-fought victories, Jackson's tenure is also associated with a lack of significant action to address climate change.

December 28, 2012 - The New York Times

Joseph Lhota, the chairman and chief executive of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, has announced his resignation at the end of this year. Who will be next to lead the nation's largest public transportation system?

December 27, 2012 - The New York Times

Acela has improved connectivity along the Northeast Corridor, but is that actually a good thing? Aaron M. Renn argues that high-speed rail has actually hurt America by giving the finance industry a stranglehold over fiscal and monetary policies.

December 26, 2012 - New Geography

Sarah Goodyear reports on how Britain's 'Cycle to Work' scheme has decreased carbon dioxide emissions, and transformed the lives of individuals such as Toby Field.

December 24, 2012 - Atlantic Cities

“Several new developments are slated for construction in areas damaged by the storm such as Gowanus, Red Hook, and DUMBO,” writes Nicole Anderson, raising concerns about the appropriateness of development there and proper due diligence.

December 24, 2012 - The Architects Newspaper

This week Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed a series of bills passed during the State Legislature's recent lame-duck session that will have long-term impacts on the revival of Detroit and its suburbs, reports Kathleen Gray.

December 20, 2012 - Detroit Free Press

Tired of all those year end "Best of" lists? This should cleanse your palate. Marlys Harris has gathered a list of the nine worst decisions made by planners in the history of the Twin Cities.

December 20, 2012 - MinnPost

San Francisco's 1985 downtown plan required large new office and hotel developments to incorporate public spaces, but the city is only now updating the requirements and reinforcing the initial goal of opening up privately owned public spaces (POPOS).

December 20, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

Conservative opponents of Smart Growth often decry the role of government in establishing the regulations and investments that incentivize it. But, as Bradley Heard points out, all development rights, smart or sprawling, depend on big government.

December 20, 2012 - Greater Greater Washington