Government / Politics
Leaving San Francisco
Think "Leaving Las Vegas" starring Nicholas Cage, except the 'actors' here are the real thing - 'chronic inebriates' costing the city about $13 million annually in ambulance costs alone. It's not necessarily a 'homelessness' problem.
Honolulu $500 Million Short for Rail Project
The city of Honolulu is $500 million short of what it will need to fund the $5.3 billion commuter rail system voters approved last fall.
The Middle Ground Between Moses and Jacobs
This article from Triple Canopy looks at the unrealized urban planning ideas of former New York City Mayor John Lindsay, which were somewhere in between Jane Jacobs and Robert Moses.
Denver Edging Towards Form-Based Code
Denver is seeking to revise its zoning, shifting to a form-based code that more precisely dictates what type of buildings go where and what they should look like.
Regions Cooperating to Make Use of Stimulus Funds
Neal Peirce looks at a few examples where regions have pooled their powers to utilize ARRA stimulus funds to create programs and jumpstart regional efforts.
Seattle's Green Mayor Ousted In Primary
Stunning many even outside Seattle, the two-term incumbent mayor came in third in a 'top two' primary despite outspending his six competitors. Voters will choose between two political newcomers, including an activist who goes by "Mike Bikes".
L.A. Officials Call For Speedier Subway Expansion
Scheduled for completion in 2036, a 12.5 mile extension of Los Angeles' subway is progressing too slowly for some officials. That includes the city's mayor, who is hoping to pick up the pace.
Despite Protests and Strikes, BRT Moves Ahead in Johannesburg
Despite strong opposition from taxi driver associations, a new bus rapid transit system is set to open later this month in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Challenges of City-Built Information Networks
When Lafayette, Louisiana set out to build a high-speed fiber optic data network, legal challenges caused major delays. Other cities are likely to experience the same issues as they try to expand their information infrastructure.
Stimulus is Funding the Status Quo in California
While high speed rail and smart grid technology were used to sell the idea of the economic stimulus package, the majority of stimulus money in California is being spent on routine projects, according to new figures.
American Dream 2.0
From the increase of city living to the decrease in vehicle miles traveled, a "new American Dream" is developing, according to Carol Coletta. But without cohesion, the benefits of these developments aren't likely to make a big impact.
Clunkers Program To End August 24
It didn't last long: one month to be precise. The American public ate through the $3 billion stimulus program for purchasing new, efficient cars and trucks as fast as they could qualify their older gas guzzlers for the $3,500 and $4,500 credits.
Soviet Era Infrastructure is Crumbling
A recent breach in the largest hydroelectric dam in Russia highlights the dangers posed by undermaintained Soviet era infrastructure.
Korea Prevents Crime Through Environmental Design
CPTED -- crime prevention through environmental design -- is catching on in Korea as a way to improve security.
Chicago Looks to Public For Guidance on Future Transportation
Transportation officials in Chicago are enlisting the ideas of area residents as they attempt to draft a plan that will guide development and transportation in the region through 2040.
Clunkers Program Works Better For Purchasing SUVs & Trucks
While much attention has been lavished on fuel sippers like the Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Insight as the most popular models purchased with CARS.Gov credits, it turns out there is another list showing SUVs and trucks in the top ten.
Michael Bloomberg: The Un-Moses
The New Yorker offers a long profile of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and highlights his efforts to "undo" the work of Robert Moses.
Hi-Tech Highway Coming To North Carolina
Groundbreaking for the nation's most technologically highway, a toll road, occurred on August 12 in North Carolina. Attended by Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez, the 19 mile road will have no toll booths. It is expected to open 2011.
Feds to Invest $4.25 Billion in Rental Housing
The Obama Administration has announced a plan to invest $4.25 billion of stimulus money to build low-income rental housing.
Pagination
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
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)