Government / Politics
Portland's Fareless Square to Start Charging
The largest free mass transit area in the U.S. is changing its rules next year, when it will start charging people to ride the bus.
City Gives Incentives To Recycle
In Corpus Christi, Texas, officials have entered a public-private partnership to give people more reasons to recycle.
Municipal Bond Default Wave - But Not in Cities
Municipal bonds are being defaulted on left and right. But the news sounds worse than it is. Few of those defaults are by cities -- for now.
City Imposes Controversial Fees For Street Marches
Hundreds marched in San Antonio, Texas, in defiance of new street procession fees that the organizations believe will stifle free speech.
Redevelopment Funds Take a Hard Hit in California
More than $2 billion has been cut from redevelopment programs in California's budget, which many say will exacerbate the building slowdown in the state.
Car-Free Days Cancelled in One Vancouver Site
Local businesses on a busy Vancouver street that had been hosting weekly car-free events this summer have protested and effectively cancelled the event.
Why Public Transit Doesn't Work In The U.S.
Gas taxes, parking charges, toll roads - these are the ingredients to making transit successful, according to experts who state that it's not enough to offer good transit - driving must become more expensive. Add to that high density land use.
Clunkers Program Extended By Senate
With not a moment to spare, the Senate passed the House-approved version of the Clunkers program extension - an additional $2 billion to last to Labor Day, and then went into recess. Any changes would have ended the program.
Homes vs. Cars: Which Stimulation Package is Working?
The Center for Public Integrity runs the numbers, and finds that Americans are cashing in on "Cash for Clunkers" at a rate of $77 million a day, vs. $39 million for the first-time homebuyer credit.
Urban Policy's Organic Emergence
The White House Office of Urban Affairs is officially in action, but the creation of urban policy seems to have started on its own, according to this column form Neal Peirce.
Turf Troubles
When mandatory water conservation rules took effect in Glendale, California, homeowner David Wood installed artificial turf to maintain the green front yard emblematic of the American Dream. But his new fake lawn is against the law.
Watching Trash
Tracking tags have been implanted in garbage in New York and Seattle to monitor where garbage goes and how municipal waste management systems can improve.
Calcutta Removes Old Cars to Clean Air
In order to clean the air in Calcutta, officials have begun enforcing a rule that removes all vehicles manufactured before 1993, mandated by the city's High Court.
Form-Based Code Voted Down in Miami
In a surprising turn of opinion, Miami commissioners voted against the city's long-planned form-based code, Miami 21.
When Clunkers Become Junkers
Where do those 'clunkers' go once they've been accepted by the new car dealer for a $3500 or $4500 credit from the Cash for Clunkers program? Turns out the economic stimulus continues with the auto wreckers, junkyards and recyclers.
Miami 21 and the Redevelopment of Biscayne Boulevard
The Miami Herald looks at the redevelopment of Biscayne Boulevard, which was unofficially accomplished using the still proposed Miami 21 zoning regulations, and wonders if all of the city's corridors could redevelop in such a manner.
Worcester County, MD Consolidates Planning Depts.
Due to economic hardship, the Worcester County, Maryland is proposing to consolidate 3 departments into 1, cutting 11 jobs out of 65, just as new codes are coming online. Environmentalists are concerned.
The Cost of a Hypothetical High Speed Rail Line
Economist Edward L. Glaeser crunches the numbers on a hypothetical high speed rail line between Dallas and Houston and finds the costs prohibitive.
Brainstorm: Who Are the Top Urban Thinkers?
Planetizen is creating a list of the most important people who have shaped urban places, and we want to know what you think. Vote on people nominated by the Planetizen community, or suggest your own. The polls close September 7.
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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)
