Government / Politics
How New York Failed Its Neediest After Sandy
In an expose that many have been clamoring for since the days immediately following Sandy when stories of people stranded in NYC's public housing came to light, the Times explores how NYCHA and the city were unprepared for the storm's aftermath.
A Novel Approach for Eliminating Surface Parking Lots
In Minneapolis, and cities across the country, surface parking lots are an enduring blight on urban landscapes; their presence often incentivized by existing tax structures. Could a new approach to property taxation maximize the productivity of land?
Top 10 Books - 2013
Planetizen is pleased to release its eleventh annual list of the ten best books in urban planning, design and development published in 2012.
China's Cities Hold the Key to the World's Future
In a globalized world, China's economic, environmental and urban development has implications for us all, posits Henry M. Paulson Jr. The problems the country faces, and any potential solutions, revolve around its approach to urbanization.
Preeminent Climate Scientist Blasts Cap & Trade
Dr. James Hansen was awarded the prestigious Stephen H. Schneider climate award at the Commonwealth Club in S.F. on Dec. 4 and chose to trash CA's landmark cap-and-trade program, preferring a 'simple, clean carbon tax'. Gov. Brown was attending.
Detroit's Unreal Estate
On Places, Andrew Herscher of the University of Michigan challenges the usual view of Detroit's decline.
Don't Mess With CEQA in San Francisco!
Although the landmark but now controversial environmental law, the CA Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is state law, it is implemented by the 'lead agency' of a project which can be a city. S.F. Supervisor Scott Wiener hopes to reform that process.
Obama Doubles Down on High-Speed Rail
Undaunted by Republican opposition, public setbacks, and budgetary constraints, President Obama plans to forge ahead with his ambitious plan to develop high-speed rail systems across the U.S.
California's Alternative Energy Strategy, or Lack Thereof, Heads for a Reckoning
California has set a deadline of 2020 to rely less on fossil fuels and more on alternative energy, but a report finds this strategy could end up emptying ratepayers' pockets and damaging the state's environmental resources, reports Julie Cart.
Bloomberg Backs Beachfront Rebuild
In a speech Thursday, Mayor Bloomberg laid out his strategy for rebuilding a stronger, smarter New York in anticipation of future natural disasters.
Sand Dunes Prove Their Worth Along the NY Shore
Surfers, local businesses and residents alike rallied against kicking in $7 million for an Army Corps of Engineers plan to elevate beaches and erect sand dunes in Long Beach, NY six years ago. Post-Hurricane Sandy, most regret this choice.
A Tale of Two Detroits
It's a baffling time in the history of Detroit. For optimists, one can look to the rise of downtown and proposals for mega-development projects. For pessimists, there's the messy reality of impending municipal default. In Detroit, "paradox rules."
Should L.A. Merge Its Planning and Building & Safety Departments?
At a recent AIA breakfast brainstorm, Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson asked attendees to weigh in on a controversial proposal to merge the Department of Building and Safety with the city's Planning Department in order to cut costs.
Re-imagining the Fiscal Architecture of Our Cities
For Michael A. Pagano, local municipalities went awry in designing fiscal systems during the 20th century by fabricating what he refers to as “a crazy quilt of local revenue.” He proposes some possibilities for getting cities back on track.
Sound Solutions for Tackling the Affordable Housing Crisis
As part of a series of editorials outlining the priorities President Obama should tackle in his second term, The New York Times looks at how the federal government could help support the increasing number of American's in need of housing assistance.
How the Feds are Supporting Local Planning and Growth
We've heard a lot about how local communities are becoming more creative in financing their key initiatives, as a gridlocked and debt-burdened federal government withdraws its assistance. One federal program, however, is providing valuable support.
CA Dems Whittle Away at Landmark Property Tax Cap
For the first time since 1933, one party has 'supermajority' (greater than 2/3) control of CA's assembly and senate, and the governor's seat, except this time it's the Democrats. Legislators have their eyes on loosening the Proposition 13 leash.
San Diego's 'Visionary' Transportation Plan Tossed By Judge
The first regional plan passed under landmark SB 375 requiring MPOs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has failed a key test. Environmental plaintiffs sued because transit investments were in the future. They won, forcing SANDAG to redo their plan.
Supreme Court to Decide Who's Responsible for Storm Water Pollution
A case over "who can be held responsible for polluted storm water that runs off city streets and into rivers and bays" is headed to the U.S. Supreme Court tomorrow. The court's ruling on the Los Angeles case could have far-reaching impacts.
Ranking North America's Smartest Cities
For those of you who've been anxiously waiting since Boyd Cohen published his list of Europe's smartest cities last month...wait no longer, North America's top 10 smartest cities have been revealed.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
