Government / Politics
Friday Funny: Blame the Architect, The Video
A lecture series explores the relation between city planning and urban violence. And who is to blame? The architect.
Don't Fund California's High Speed Rail, Says Review Committee
A 'peer review' committee advises that the legislature should refuse to authorize funding for the first phase of California's high speed rail project, citing a "immense financial risk" for the state.
For NY Governor, Javits Center is Out
The 80s-era convention center on the far west side of Manhattan would be turned into a mixed-use development and a Malaysian gambling company would instead redevelop the Aqueduct Racetrack in Ozone Park, Queens.
How NYC was Zoned...and Rezoned
Why rezone? John Farley summarizes the factors leading up to some of the city's biggest and more recent rezonings, as well as their impacts on on their surroundings.
Urban Issues Not Priorities for GOP Presidential Contenders
There's not a lot of talk about cities or urban issues among the Republicans running for president, according to this piece from Salon.
Want Your City to Thrive? Get More Bandwidth
Jobs of the future will be located in areas with some of the fastest bandwidth in the world -- and American is in sorry shape, writes columnist Thomas Friedman in The New York Times.
2011 Was a Downtown Boom Year for Oklahoma City
Numerous projects and economic development efforts have brought newfound attention to downtown Oklahoma City over the last year. Now locals are wondering if the pace can continue.
Hawaii's Light Rail Close to Breaking Ground
After decades of planning, a 20-mile light rail line in Honolulu is set to begin construction this March, despite persistent concerns over the project's cost.
A Mayoral Attack on Transit in Toronto?
A recently implemented 10-cent fare increase is just one sign of Mayor Rob Ford's attacks on public transit in Toronto, according to this editorial from the Toronto Star.
Midwest HSR Gets $186 Million Boost
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that the money will be going to the Illinois Department of Transportation to continue work on its high-speed rail project.
Corn Ethanol Subsidy Terminated: But Did Anyone Care?
Farmers are enjoying high corn prices and may not even have noticed the end of the subsidy on Dec. 31 according to the agricultural economist interviewed on NPR.
Manhattan Parking Reforms Loom
After a flawed parking study on Manhattan's core last fall, the NYC Department of City Planning have released a revised version that calls for an end to parking minimums, especially those linked to affordable housing.
Detroit: Beyond the Bailout, Immigration is Key Issue
The formula for Detroit's current status is complicated -- a mix of local, regional and national socioeconomic forces. But while many hands have shaped the good and bad of today's Detroit, the impact of current federal policy is easy to spot.
Deciding When Regulation Cost Too Much
Nearly everyone agrees that government needs to regulate. How much to regulate is the question. Reason Magazine looks at several current regulatory issues concludes that the regulatory pendulum "has swung too far."
Abolished, California's Redevelopment Agencies Cling to Life
The California State Supreme Court recently upheld the eradication of the state's roughly 400 redevelopment agencies, and now officials from those groups are trying to convince legislators to give back some of their spending powers.
Houston Densifies and Diversifies Housing
It's been over 12 years since Houston last planned for denser development patterns, but an updated code is on the way to lure an ever growing population away from the suburbs.
Reviewing the History of New York's Grid
The New York Times' architecture critic, Michael Kimmelman, reviews a new exhibition exploring the history of the city's grid and streets.
Learning from State-Level Infrastructure Banks
The idea of a federal infrastructure bank has been developing for years, and some say it may be the best way to ensure the country is able to build and repair its necessary infrastructure. But a review of state-level banks shows room for improvement.
Vegas-ing South Florida
On South Florida's radar: three "Las Vegas-style casino resorts," the prospect of which has already begun impacting nearby development. Fred A. Bernstein reports.
Now Unoccupied, LA City Hall Lawn to Get Made Over
There's no budget for anything over-the-top, but it is an opportunity to bring in drought-resistant landscaping. The Department of Recreation and Parks is evaluating ideas.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
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