Government / Politics
With a Little Help From Their Dutch Friends, Could New York Become New Amsterdam?
“In recent days, the Netherlands’ peerless expertise and centuries of experience in battling water have been widely hailed in the United States as offering lessons" for New York and for other cities alike, writes Andrew Higgins.
'Climate Dividend' Proposed for California Utility Customers
California residential utility customers will receive a 'climate dividend', about $30 twice a year as part of the nation's first comprehensive 'cap & trade' program if the CA Public Utility Commission accepts a staff proposal at its Dec. 20 meeting,
Challenging the Rush to Rebuild
Justin Gillis outlines some harsh criticisms of disaster response efforts that rebuild without rethinking – and how much it's costing taxpayers across the country.
L.A. Moves to Curb Parking's 'Wild West'
Ever wonder what happens to your car after you hand it to a valet? You probably don't want to know the answer. A new ordinance to be considered by L.A.'s City Council may finally rein in "the wild, wild West at our curbs."

Fiscal Cliff Could Cripple American Cities
The nation's mayors are warning that looming budget cuts and tax hikes mandated by the federal sequestration process represent “perhaps the biggest threat to our metro economies.” More than 100,000 families may be forced out of their homes.
Could Federal Guidance Make Public-Private Partnerships Easier?
Matt Bevilacqua takes a look at a new policy proposal that could pool expertise to help municipalities better coordinate public-private partnerships, "supporting bottom-up infrastructure investment" from the top down.
Disgruntled Developers and Residents Have Vancouver Planning Chief Talking Transparency
Just two months into his job as Vancouver's Chief Planner, Brian Jackson is responding to a growing backlash from developers and residents unhappy about an opaque system for determining and implementing community benefits.
Handicapping the Hunt for the Next Transportation Secretary
Ryan Holeywell looks at the contenders to replace Ray LaHood as Obama's Secretary of Transportation. Although his departure has not been officially announced, LaHood has previously signaled that he would leave after the president's first term.
CA HSR Passes Crucial Court Test In Central Valley
Writing from Madera in the Central Valley, the Mercury News transportation reporter explores the local opposition to the largest public works project in the nation. Farmers wanted an injunction placed on the CA High Speed Rail Authority to halt work.

Are Planners the Victims of a Dastardly Mind-Control Plot?
If you've ever led a public planning process you may be complicit in perpetuating a diabolical conspiracy to coerce Americans into accepting "a United Nations-run communist dictatorship in which suburbanites will be forcibly relocated to cities."
Chinese Government Responds to Growing NIMBYism
For the last 30 years, China has led the world in economic growth at a hefty environmental price. Widespread protests have prompted the cabinet of China to mandate a "social risk assessment" for industrial projects, reports Keith Bradsher.
California Auctions First Carbon Credits; Chamber of Commerce Sues
California's climate law reached a milestone on Nov. 14 when the state auctioned its first carbon credits in the 'Cap & Trade' provision of the bill. But that didn't stop the CA Chamber of Commerce from filing suit against this provision of the law.
Small Cities Get Smart
A new web-based software, described as a "Google Analytics for local governments," allows smaller cities to get involved in the Gov 2.0 revolution, reports Ariel Schwartz.
The Shaky Foundation Underlying CA's New Long-Range Regional Plans
Wendell Cox rebuts the work of Arthur C. Nelson, who has projected CA as over-supplied with detached housing and in demand of small lot and multi-unit housing. Nelson's work has been the basis of long-range regional planning throughout the state.

GOP Sees Error of its Ways in Approach to Cities
In his first substantive statements regarding his ticket's failings during the recent Presidential election, GOP leader Paul Ryan "is looking to the nation’s big cities" as the cause.
Protesters Take Toronto Bike Lane Removal Lying Down
Efforts to remove a bike lane from Toronto's Jarvis Street did not go exactly as planned this week, as protesters prevented city crews from completing their work by blockading the street, reports Lissette Valdez.
Officials Seek Help from NYC Landlords to House Sandy Refugees
Sandy has displaced thousands of families, while leaving many without hot water or heat. Officials are concerned cold temperatures will increase the number of families seeking shelter, and are asking NYC landlords to help house them in vacant units.
Renewed Hope for U.S. Food Policy Reform
Over the past four years, hope turned to disappointment over lost opportunities to "make agriculture less fossil-fuel dependent, re-localize food systems, and rebuild America’s food culture." Does a second term for Obama mean more of the same?
Embedding Design in City Making
Robin Finn profiles Alexandros E. Washburn, head of the urban design division of the New York City Department of City Planning, and the work of his team, which has been responsible for "turning projects into places that people want to be."

Are Cities a Reflection of their Citizens?
As part of Bloomberg BusinessWeek's "Fix This" city planning series, the World Bank's Daniel Hoornweg considers how cities can often be a reflection of the cultural and institutional personalities of their citizens.
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