Government / Politics
SimCity Goes Way Wonkier
A new video game has been released that has players trying to solve urban issues and make cities work better. Next American City columnist Christian Madera reviews.
Another City Bans Plastic Bags
Telluride, CO just became the latest U.S. city to ban the distribution of plastic shopping bags, following on the heels of communities in California, North Carolina, Alaska, Connecticut, and Washington.
No ARC without TOD
New Jersey wants billions in federal money for its ARC project, but NJ Transit's commuter rail service is too often just a subsidy to the rich and an excuse not to develop North Jersey, says Stephen Smith.
Gov. Christie Reverses ARC Decision: Rail Tunnel Back On Track
Under pressure from DOT Secretary Ray LaHood, N.J. Gov. Chris Christie has authorized the Hudson River rail tunnel project known as ARC: Access to the Region's Core, to resume work. Key to the decision would have been the loss of $3 billion to N.J.
What Good is Public Art?
San Diego's mayor has announced he's recommending the city pull the plug on art funding for the time being, triggering a debate over the role of public art in society.
Bike-Sharing? Check. Now on to Car-Sharing
Next June, Paris will begin a test phase of a citywide electric car-sharing program.
Deciding The Fate Of Long Island Bus
It appears to be a case of brinkmanship between suburban Nassau County and the regional Metropolitan Transportation Authority over how to fund Long Island Bus, with riders and workers the only sure losers.
The Fastest-Growing Cities in the World
Writing for Forbes, Joel Kotkin looks at the fastest-growing cities in the world, and shows how powerhouse cities like New York and Mumbai are being challenged by lesser known places.
Largest Public Works Project in America Scrapped
New Jersey governor Chris Christie has cancelled a proposed $8.7 billion tunnel under the Hudson connecting his state with New York City.
New Jersey Running Out of Land
The NYT is reporting that New Jersey is running out of developable land, but with the recent ARC decision, the legacy of the Mount Laurel doctrine, and decades of highway-based suburbanizing policies, is New Jersey actually ready for density?
Republican Gubernatorial Candidates Rail Against Rail
In Wisconsin, Ohio, Florida, and California, the Republican gubernatorial candidates are all campaigning on pledges to return the high speed rail stimulus finds that the Obama administration recently awarded.
U.S. Cities Still Feeling Impact of Recession
A new report from the National League of Cities suggests urban areas will face diminished revenues through 2011 and beyond.
World's Delta Cities Team Up to Address Shared Issues
A new group of cities is emerging to collaboratively tackle issues related to sea level rise in delta and waterfront cities.
Seattle's Sustainability Cred Suffering
In the progressive city of Seattle, Worldchanging's Alex Steffen finds the metro area falling behind other American cities with what is becoming an out-dated land use policy.
Light Rail Plans Emerge in Saudi Arabian Capital
The Saudi Arabian capital of Jeddah is looking to build a $5.6 billion light rail system.
Stopping Sprawl, Slowing Emissions, Improving the Economy
A new report suggests that making policies in Canada to avoid urban sprawl development will reduce pollution and boost the economy.
Finding Safe Places For Homeless To Park
Venice Beach (City of LA) is the latest community to restrict overnight parking of vehicle-dwelling homeless residents, including those living in RVs. It's a growing problem, especially in areas with inviting climates and tolerant political attitude
Walled Communities in Beijing Fight Crime, Spark Controversy
Small enclaves of low-wage workers in Beijing have been walled off from their surroundings in an effort to reduce crime. The separating walls have become a local controversy.
HUD's Donovan on Transportation and Housing Costs
HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan talks with PBS about the department's new approach of integrating transportation and housing policy.
Reducing Crime With Public Spaces in London
Officials in London are relying on the creation of 86 new public spaces throughout the city to cut down on criminal behavior.
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.
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
