Government / Politics
Iran's Annual Pollution Peril
Cold air and windless days have trapped the fumes from millions of cars and hundreds of old factories in Tehran. The air pollution has reached such high levels that officials are advising residents to remain indoors and to avoid downtown areas.
After 150 Years of Service, What's the Prognosis for London's Tube?
Dave Hill reflects on the history and outlook for the world's first underground train. He beckons Londoners to do the same, and to contemplate on how to best help the London Underground flourish in the future.
Should L.A. Pursue Massive Street Repair Bond?
Two L.A. City Council members have floated an ambitious proposal to fund the city's backlog of needed road repairs. At a time when the city is expanding transit, and seeking other tax hikes, should $3 billion in street repairs be a top priority?
Emerging Street Life of So Cal's San Fernando Valley Threatened
L.A. Times architecture critic Christopher Hawthorne reports on the changing nature of Lankershim Blvd., which appears to be at a crossroads between integrating transit into a multi-modal future or turning to outdated planning strategies.
Onerous Regulations Keep Food Trucks from Feeding Chicagoans
The difficulties food truck operators have encountered in trying to set up shop in Chicago provides a parable for how well meaning, but slow moving and cumbersome, public agencies can get in the way of their city's best interests.
Will Hong Kong's 'Parking Space Bubble' Burst?
In Hong Kong, new government policies to curb real estate speculation in housing markets have led investors to turn elsewhere for quick, lucrative profits - the market for parking spaces.
Census Bureau Ponders the Changing Definitions of Race in America
The Census Bureau may revise questions about race and ethnicity on the 2020 survey to improve the accuracy of data on minority groups. Recent data shows a difference between how the government identifies such groups and how they identify themselves.
Placemaking Wishes for 2013
Like a lot of people, Placeshakers is kicking off the new year with a list: placemaking wishes for 2013. Read on for seven trending ideas they hope break large.
Is Rent Control the Solution for Rising Unaffordability?
With rental vacancy rates declining across America, the expansion of rent control policies may seem like a logical solution for protecting vulnerable renters from fast rising prices. But Peter Tatian argues there's little evidence that it works.

A Preview of the Year Ahead in U.S. Transit Projects
Dozens of transit expansion projects will start, continue, or complete construction this year across America. Yonah Freemark delivers a thorough rundown of the exciting year ahead in transit construction and makes note of a dark cloud on the horizon.
Could Fortress-Like Schools Prevent Shootings?
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.

10 Urban Trends to Leave Behind with 2012
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.
Bold Pragmatism of Urban Innovators
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.
And the Next EPA Administrator Will Be....
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.
A New Year's Eve Call to Action for Urbanists
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.
Redesign of Bay Area's El Camino Real is a Royal Pain
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.
Tactical Urbanism: A Look Back at 2012
From guerrilla wayfinding to future-tising, these are my top five, perhaps lesser known, highlights of a banner year for Tactical Urbanism.
The Goldilocks Price for Carbon
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.
Barrier Threatens Palestine's Ancient Landscape
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.
Carbon Taxes Rake in the Green for the Emerald Isle
Initiated during the depths of Ireland's financial crisis, carbon taxes have been effective in improving the country's environmental and economic outlook.
Pagination
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
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)