Government / Politics

Politics vs Progress in Australia

The new Government for the State of Victoria in Australia is attempting to reverse basic initiatives pursuing the integration of land use and transport, brought on by NIMBY influences.

December 20, 2010 - The Age Newspaper

The Political History of Asia's Mega-Cities

By looking at Seoul, Beijing and Shanghai, this article from City Journal explores how politics and different governmental ideologies have shaped the growth of these mega-cities.

December 19, 2010 - City Journal

A Map of Pedestrian Deaths

The Seattle Department of Transportation has released a map of all pedestrian deaths in the city, offering clues about where additional attention is needed.

December 19, 2010 - Publicola

Federal Fiscal Reform's Impact at Lower Levels of Government

The Obama Administration is hoping to address the nation's huge deficits. Neal Peirce looks at how proposed solutions might trickle down to states and municipalities.

December 18, 2010 - Citiwire

Five Technologies That Matter For Cities

Mobile broadband, government-sponsored cloud computing, smart devices - these are a few of the technologies that cities should be thinking about for the future, says the Institute for the Future in a new report.

December 17, 2010 - Fast Company

Encouraging Low Carbon Cities

Controlling carbon emissions hinges on encouraging cities that have small carbon footprints, writes Matthew E. Kahn.

December 17, 2010 - World Policy Blog

Protesters Blast Wisconsin's Refusal of Rail Money

Protesters in Wisconsin are trying to reverse governor-elect Scott Walker's opposition to stimulus-funding for high speed rail projects -- $810 million that the government would have paid the state.

December 16, 2010 - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Billions to be Invested in Infrastructure Ahead of 2018 World Cup

As Russia prepares to host the 2018 World Cup, officials are predicting that infrastructure projects will see a major boost.

December 16, 2010 - The Moscow News

Vancouver Considers Higher Skyline

The city of Vancouver is considering a plan to increase maximum building height restrictions in certain parts of town by 100 feet and more.

December 16, 2010 - The Vancouver Sun

Troubles Persist in California's Delta

The process of re-designing California's Delta to protect endangered species, feed the state's farms and serve freshwater to its residents has become further complicated.

December 15, 2010 - The New York Times

High Speed Rail Debate Comes Down To Voters

Consumer Affairs looks at high speed rail's future in the U.S. by first looking at rail's domineering past, noting the huge change after the Interstate Highway Act along with the land use changes the auto brought, but concludes it all comes down to..

December 15, 2010 - ConsumerAffairs.com

Where are the Black Urbanists?

Urbanism tends to be an interest of a small group: the young, the male, and the pale, according to Kristen E. Jeffers who wants to see more groups and more people of color engaged.

December 15, 2010 - Grist

Livable Communities Act Faces Uncertain Future

The mid-term elections have created even more uncertainty for the Livable Communities Act, which has stalled in the House and has yet to be taken up by the full Senate. Critics worry about government spending and housing affordability.

December 14, 2010 - Next American City

Tolls Incite San Francisco Peninsula Border War

The mere possibility that a SF County Transportation Authority study could result in a 'border' charge (congestion toll) to drive into SF from San Mateo County has the latter floating their own competing toll for motorists entering San Mateo County.

December 14, 2010 - San Jose Mercury News

How Does A Gas Tax Reduce The Deficit?

The deficit commission has proposed a 15-cent gas tax, which would fund the Highway Trust Fund for needed infrastructure projects as opposed to deficit reduction. Brooking's Robert Puentes explains why it was included.

December 14, 2010 - The New Republic

The Best Laid Plans

Planning students at the University of British Columbia unveiled bold new plans for Vancouver for the next 40 years, but as planning director Brent Toderian put it, the plans are "the easy part."

December 13, 2010 - The Vancouver Sun

Bridge Tolls Critical Missing Part Of NY Transit Funding Package

The Post's transit reporter looks at the substantial MTA budget shortfall resulting in major service reductions and fare increases, but one MTA board member regrets the state senate's refusal to do away with the 'free ride' to Manhattan.

December 13, 2010 - New York Post

Ugly L.A. Deserves a Makeover

Los Angeles is ugly. But it doesn't have to be, argues Sam Lubell.

December 12, 2010 - The Architect's Newspaper

Defining a National Infrastructure Bank

The idea of creating a national infrastructure bank is gathering support amongst politicians and officials at the federal level. But what is it?

December 12, 2010 - Transportation Nation

The Impact of D.C.'s Outgoing Transportation Head

As Washington D.C. transportation Gabe Klein prepares to leave his post, columnist Robert Thomson looks at the impact of his short legacy.

December 12, 2010 - The Washington Post

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.