Government / Politics
Elite Core of Architects Should Make Planning Decisions
Amanda Levete argues that the planning process in the U.K. should be taken out of the hands of government and public process and handed to a panel of qualified architects.
Eminent Domain Up in New York
The Kelo decision of 2005 caused states across the US to think twice before using eminent domain. But not in New York, where the controversial strategy seems to be experiencing a renaissance.
Chicago's Privatized Parking Meters: Fiasco, or Success Story?
The City of Chicago, in a much criticized move, recently privatized its parking enforcement. Stephen Goldsmith says the program should be celebrated instead of booed.
Who Takes Out the Trash?
The expense of properly carrying out recycling and trash programs is weighing on cash-strapped states. Government is pushing back, with new requirements mandating that manufacturers take some of the load.
20 Years of Resurgence in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has seen some dramatic decline over the past half century. Michael A. Stern, ASLA, LEED AP takes a look at the last 20 years of the city as it begins to rebound.
Feds Going Online to Solicit Ideas and Feedback
The U.S. Federal Government has released a new online tool to help in the collection of feedback and ideas from the general public.
New Urbanism in Abu Dhabi
While Dubai's fantastical Burj Khalifa is mostly empty and development has ground to a halt, Abu Dhabi continues to develop - and smartly, says Philip Langdon.
Fertilizers Banned in Polluted Florida County
Certain fertilizers will be banned from use during summer months and rainy times of the year in Pinellas County, Florida after a recent ruling by the County Commission.
Local Leaders Seek Louder Voice in Planning of Bridge to Portland
After years of planning, a proposed new bridge between Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington is facing collapsing political support. Local leaders oppose some aspects of the plan.
Lawmakers Consider Using Trust Fund for Transportation Projects
Lawmakers in Alabama are considering a plan to withdraw $1 billion from a state investment fund to pay for road and transportation projects in the state. It's a move proponents say will create jobs, but opponents worry about diverting those funds.
Diversify Your Water Buys
By combining three water purchasing approaches -- permanent rights, options and leases -- cities can better manage water supplies to avoid high costs and supply reductions, according to a new study.
Obama's Infrastructure Grade: A-
A year ago, the Brookings Institution offered a series of suggestions to the Obama Administration for addressing infrastructure problems. Some advice was followed, other suggestions weren't. The Institution gives the Administration an A- for 2009.
EPA Recognizes Land Use/Global Warming Connection
For possibly the first time, the EPA has issued a report the directly links climate change mitigation with local land use strategies, says Patty Salkin.
Transportation Officials Pool Knowledge for Bicycle Planning
The National Association of City Transportation Officials has launched an initiative to help members better plan for and implement infrastructure for cyclists.
Free Transit Opens in Baltimore
Despite the downward trend in public services like transit, the city of Baltimore in opening a free transit line.
Congressional Deaf Ears Over Transportation Concerns
America's transportation system is in trouble, according to many experts. But action at the congressional level doesn't seem to recognize the importance of the problem, writes Neal Peirce.
Improving City Services Through Technology
This infographic from GOOD looks at how city departments can use technology to better share data, and improve communication with citizens and streamline city services.
Give Cap & Trade Revenue To....The People?
A key committee has recommended a novel approach to distributing revenue from a forthcoming cap & trade scheme, the key strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the CA Air Resources Board in order to meet the reductions mandated in AB 32.
America's Spanish High Speed Rail Envy
Spain has rapidly developed high speed rail system, leaving many U.S. politicians -- including President Obama -- wondering how the U.S. can catch up. This article and video from PBS looks at the Spanish model.
National Planning for the Next Century
The United States has a long history of planning at the national level. This article from Professor Robert Fishman details that history, and looks at how national planning may play out over the next 100 years.
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)
