Government / Politics
Why the Infrastructure Bank is Right On
Columnist Neal Peirce throws his weight behind the Obama Infrastructure Bank proposal.
Community Says 'No' to In-N-Out
Locals in Walnut Creek are up in arms over a proposed In-N-Out Burger. Columnist Tom Barnidge says that while "provincialism often is the catalyst for complaint," there is reason to protest in this case.
After Urban Renewal, Learning From New York City
Mary Newsom reviews a new book on New York City by Roberta Brandez Gratz, and finds lessons that cross borders even into her very different city of Charlotte.
The Top 10 Most Global Cities
Emily Peck counts down the top ten most global cities now that more than half the world's population is urbanized. The 21st century will be dominated by the city, writes Parag Khanna. “The age of nations is over. The new urban age has begun.”
Friday Funny: Man Encourages Neighborhood to Secede
Jim Massey of East Pennsboro Township, Pennsylvania is unhappy about plans to build a new apartment complex in his neighborhood, so he's encouraging his neighbors to secede from East Pennsboro and join a nearby town.
"Hometown Democracy" Amendment Pending, Florida Cities Scramble
A controversial ballot measure in November could put all Florida general plan changes to a public vote. The St. Petersburg City Council is attempting some sleight-of-hand with their land use map to avoid facing the voters.
No Progress in Program to Convert Luxury Condos to Affordable Housing
A year-old program in New York City intended to convert stalled condo projects into completed affordable housing has yet to make any progress.
North Jersey jitneys take off
Small, private bus-like jitneys have taken off in cities across North Jersey, operating more frequently and at lower cost than NJ Transit. Their reckless driving and skirting of regulations, however, present problems for transit planners.
Note to New Orleans: Get Involved.
The proposed design for a New Orleans medical complex is being directed from state offices, and is out of place from local planning principles, according to findings.
Stimulus is Out There, But Construction Jobs Slow to Follow
Despite some accusations that the federal stimulus funding has not been filtering down to actual transportation projects, work is being done. But the influx of money hasn't been able to revive a flagging construction industry.
Stopping Development to Protect a View
A cemetery on a high hill in Brooklyn is hoping to convince the city of the importance of its views -- a move that could have a big impact on future large developments in the area.
Despite Expenses, Athens Enjoys Transit Legacy of 2004 Olympics
The 2004 Olympics in Athens burdened the city with underutilized venues and deep debt. But the event also vastly improved pedestrian and public transportation.
Shedding Light on the Creeping Costs of Sprawl
Studies comparing tax revenues from a per-acre perspective show significant gains for municipalities with dense, mixed-use development.
EU Blasts France's Expulsion of Gypsies
The conservative government led by French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been deporting hundreds of Gypsies, the nomadic people who number in the thousands in France. EU officials have called the move "a disgrace".
Assessing the Infrastructure Bank Plan
National Journal asks its panel of transportation experts to weigh in on the $50 billion infrastructure bank plan recently announced by President Barack Obama.
Reframing the Human Relationship with Water
Urban runoff and contaminated water are creating major ecological damage, even in the United States. One design competition has the goal of rethinking how we handle this crucial resource.
Making the Transit-Land Value Connection
When the link between transit operators and real estate developers was severed in the early 20th century, transit became both unprofitable and unresponsive to market demand, and land value-lowering MTA cuts are just one example, says Stephen Smith.
Waterfront Planning in a Shrinking City
What happens when a major retailer pulls out of a waterfront redevelopment project?
Views Become an Issue in Wind Farm Approval
The planning process for new wind turbines in Eastern Idaho is becoming an "increasingly contentious process," as residents complain that they don't want the structures interfering with their views.
Let Charles be Charles
When Queen Elizabeth II -- now 84 -- passes on, Prince Charles will finally become king. With a history of active engagement in the built environment, will King Charles become a silent monarch, as some have claimed? David Sucher hopes not.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
