Government / Politics

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.

December 6, 2012 - The New York Times

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."

December 6, 2012 - The Detroit News

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.

December 6, 2012 - The Planning Report

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.

December 6, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

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.

December 6, 2012 - The New York Times

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.

December 5, 2012 - NRDC Switchboard

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.

December 5, 2012 - San Francisco Chronicle

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.

December 5, 2012 - LA. Streetsblog

Pretty City. Don't swim after storm.

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.

December 3, 2012 - Los Angeles Times

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.

December 3, 2012 - Fast Company Co.Exist

What's the True Cost of America's Tax Incentive Folly?

The Times delves deep into the financial incentives that cities, counties, and states dole out to corporations to lure jobs and economic development to their corner of the country. Just what does the $80 billion spent each year actually buy?

December 3, 2012 - The New York Times

Why NYC's Most Exciting Architecture Can be Found Hanging on Walls

Planning a trip to NYC over the holidays? In a recent editorial, William Menking argues that “for visitors to New York, the place to look for the most exciting architectural ideas is not the city streets, but the walls of galleries and museums.”

December 2, 2012 - The Architect's Newspaper

MTA Disaster Aid Request: Appropriate or Overreach?

This week, New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority made public its request for $5 billion in federal aid to rebuild what was damaged during Superstorm Sandy. But a look at the details reveals an ambitious agenda for improvements.

December 1, 2012 - The New York Times

Micro-Apartments Proposal Passes San Francisco Board of Supervisors

Don't call these modern apartments SROs - they go by 'micro-apartments', and they just received a significant approval, 375 of them, that is. One more step awaits: Mayor Ed Lee must give his blessing, and he appears rather non-committal.

December 1, 2012 - San Francisco Chronicle

Next Battleground in Climate Debate: Repealing State Mandates

While the federal government has dithered on comprehensive programs to limit greenhouse gas emissions, states and cities have led such efforts. Climate change skeptics are now leading efforts to reverse state renewable energy mandates across the US.

November 30, 2012 - The Washington Post

Don't Jump on that Trend Just Yet

Howard Blackson's "Next Urbanism Lab" series looks at recent trends and lessons learned for urban designers. While the Bilbao Effect, the Vancouver Model, the High Line, and Active Living may provide seductive role models, local insight is key.

November 30, 2012 - PlaceShakers

What Does Toronto Need from its Next Mayor?

In the aftermath of controversial Mayor Rob Ford's ouster this week, architecture critic Christopher Hume looks at how Toronto's next mayor can begin to "deal with issues that matter."

November 29, 2012 - The Toronto Star

Virtual City to Test Preparedness for Cyberwarfare

The Pentagon is building a "CyberCity" that simulates real communications and operations, reports Robert O'Harrow Jr. Government hackers will train to attack and defend the nation's critical infrastructure in cyberspace.

November 29, 2012 - The New York Times

Former Auto Dealer Named Transportation Committee Chair

Yesterday, Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA) was named the new head of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, replacing former chair John Mica. With MAP-21 expiring in less than two years, what can rail and bike/ped advocates expect?

November 29, 2012 - DC.Streetsblog

The Cost of Exclusivity in Gated Communities

Gated communities such as Sea Gate in Brooklyn and Breezy Point in Queens "have long held the rest of the city at arm’s length." Following Hurricane Sandy, residents are now seeking financial assistance from the city to rebuild their homes.

November 29, 2012 - The New York Times

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

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