Government / Politics
Rendell On the National Infrastructure Bank
The Infrastructurist talks with Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell -- "a friend of infrastructure" -- about the proposed National Infrastructure Bank.
Do 'Megaregions' Make Sense?
The Urbanophile attempts to separate the hype from the usefulness of the concept of the 'megaregion', deciding in the end that it is a 'convenient abstraction for federal-level thinkers.'
Historic Settlement With Native Americans For Land Trust Abuses
The U.S. Government has agreed to a settlement of $3.4 billion for failing to pay royalties on mineral and grazing leases to Native Americans.
City Data to the Masses
A growing number of cities are opening up public data streams to computer developers. Some say the move will improve civic discourse, but the nascent trend is still developing.
States Look to Claim Part of $69 Billion in Infrastructure Funds
The Obama Administration is set to announce a new jobs bill and state officials are clamoring to get their hands on some of the $69 billion the federal government is dedicating to the next batch of stimulus-related infrastructure projects.
Cleveland Looks to Remake Waterfront
Planning commissioners in Cleveland are pushing forward a plan to revitalize the city's waterfront and port.
Re-Urbanizing the Suburbanized
The majority of the world's population now lives in urban areas -- except for Britain. Some say that bucked trend must be reversed.
New CEQA Guidelines for Greenhouse Gases
The Bay Area's air pollution regulatory agency may approve in January the nation's first guidelines to limit greenhouse gas emissions for new developments, but it would be up to local governments to enforce them.
Lobbying Up As High Speed Rail Funding Increases
Stimulus funds directed at high speed rail projects have inspired a flood of lobbying efforts across the country, according to this analysis from the Center for Public Integrity.
Bump in the Road for Columbia's Expansion Plans
Columbia's plans to use eminent domain to expand its campus may have to wait. On Thursday, an appellate court reversed a previous decision to take property on behalf of the school.
Federal Government May Fund Urban Parks
New legislation looks to boost the federal government's investment in urban parks for the first time in eight years.
Obama Addresses the Controversy Over "Shovel-Ready"
Since the stimulus package was announced, the emphasis on 'shovel-ready' projects elicited criticism from urbanists. At yesterday's White House jobs summit, Pres. Obama acknowledged the tension it has caused.
Liveability a "Major Priority" at DOT
Among the criteria for evaluating projects, livability is at the top, along with safety and economic competitiveness.
Planners vs Climate Change
This article says that planners ought to take on a larger role in advocating for greener technology and strategizing to end climate change.
Feds Discuss Gas Tax Increase While Nixed In Jersey
Discussion of raising the gas tax is quashed in NJ by Gov.-elect Christie while encouraged in DC by DOT Secretary LaHood and Congressional Transportation Chair James Oberstar. LaHood had an open dialog on the various forms of revenue strategies.
Transit Funding Blooming in the Spring
Transportation Secretary LaHood announced that this spring, bus and streetcar projects will receive $280 million as part of the administration's inter-agency sustainable communities partnership.
Climate Change Skeptic Wins Down Under
Australia's liberal party has just elected a climate change skeptic as its new leader, which could prove to be a challenge to its carbon reduction.
Roofers vs. Landscapers
In a battle over contracts to build green roofs for Chicago's public buildings, landscapers have come out on top.
Conservation Legislation to Expire
Conservation legislation, which could end this year, has proven to make it easier for moderate income landowners to resist the temptations of development.
Superproject Drought?
No major public works are underway in the United States, according to this piece from The New York Times. Some say the absence of major infrastructure projects may be hurting the economy.
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)
