Government / Politics
Grants Signal Shift in Federal Urban Planning Policy
HUD announced this week the formation of a new Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities, along with $100 million in grants for regional integrated planning initiatives.
Drastic Service Cuts in Colorado Springs Redefines "Basic Services"
Voters in Colorado Springs, Colorado voted against an increase in property taxes in November. Now they're getting a lesson in what taxes pay for, as city services cut back on water, electricity and maintenance.
Water Rights Ruling Puts Thousands of Permits in Question
A recent water rights ruling in Nevada could potentially endanger the validity of nearly 15,000 water rights in the state dating back to 1947. As a result, new applications for water rights are flooding state offices.
Portland's Pricey Bike Plan
The City of Portland is considering its 2030 Bike Plan today. Some question whether the $613 million price tag is worthwhile.
The Right Interventions to Restore Confidence in Weak Markets
Housing affordability is too often seen as the way to stabilize and revitalize weak markets. Neighborhood planning consultants Charles Buki and Elizabeth Humphrey Schilling argue that interventions in weak markets must encourage investment by improving market confidence.
With 75% of the Capital To Be Rebuilt, Haiti Officials Consider Moving
Haiti's official seismologist predicted the earthquake, and says the capital is in a high-risk zone for future quakes. With funds coming in to rebuild, the decision is pressing.
FTA's Transit Recommendations Favor Financial Plans
Transport Politic takes a detailed look at the transportation projects suggested by the Federal Transit Administration's recently released Annual Report on Funding Recommendations.
The Viability of Obama's Urban Vision
The Obama Administration has made a variety of pledges to focus on urban areas and metropolitan regions as it lays out policy for the country. But how realistic is the Obama urban vision?
Was High-Speed Rail Investment Worthwhile?
National Journal asks its panel of transportation experts whether the Obama Administration's recent announcement of high-speed rail funding projects is really a wise investment.
HSR Funds Better Spent on Local Transit, Says Editorial
The St. Louis Post Dispatch laments the $1.1 billion the St.Louis to Chicago corridor received for high speed rail, wishing it had gone to worthier projects such as subsidizing local public transit.
Integrating Technology in an Instant City
Technology is going to be deeply integrated within New Songdo City, an instant city developing on a man-made island off the coast of Korea.
Infrastructure Bank Included in 2011 US Budget
The Obama Administration is including a $4 billion plan to create a national infrastructure bank as part of its 2011 federal budget proposal.
Parking For Dollars
Los Angeles explores the possibility of selling off parking garages to manage a budget crisis.
Government Plans Vertical Garden on Portland Skyscraper
As part of a $133 million renovation of a federal building in Portland, the Government Services Administration plans to add 200-foot high "vegetated fins" that will carpet the building with plants and - hopefully - energy savings.
Ventura, CA Transitions To Paid Parking, Under Mayor Bill Fulton
Like anything 'free', it's difficult to make the transition to charging, especially when you are City Hall, but pay stations are on their way that will apply charges on the busier streets to 10pm or midnight while the parking garage will be 'free'.
A State-by-State Look at Biking and Walking
A new report from the Alliance for Biking & Walking takes a state-by-state look at the cycling and walking community, safety statistics, and investment figures.
Outside Vancouver, Smaller Towns Skeptical About Olympic Benefits
Locals in some of the smaller towns of British Columbia are skeptical that they will see the economic benefits of the this year's Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Las Vegas Water Plan Hits Wall
Plans by Las Vegas officials to siphon water from northern Nevada down to the growing city may have hit a wall, as a recent ruling from the state Supreme Court found fault with the region's water rights application process.
Improving Safety Through Architecture and Public Works in Colombia
This piece from Utne Reader looks at the role of architecture in the public works projects of Medellin, Colombia, a city that has struggled with severe crime.
California Considers Full-Cost Parking Bill
Having stalled in the state Senate last June, a bill that aims to "reduc(e) governmental or government-required subsidies for parking" passed out of the senate on Jan. 28. Parking strategies would be eligible for cap & trade credits under the bill.
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.
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
