Government / Politics
Mayors Warned by Obama to Spend Wisely
President Obama warns America's mayors not to spend the stimulus dollars carelessly or on politically-motivated projects. [Includes video]
No Plans For Federal VMT Tax Switch
Amid talk by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood of converting the gas tax into a vehicle miles traveled tax, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs stated that the plan "will not be the policy of the Obama administration."
Defining The Neighborhood Through Mapping
In an effort to get a more precise look at the city and its distinct neighborhoods, the Los Angeles Times is starting a collaborative mapping project to set clear and adaptable boundaries for L.A.'s neighborhoods.
Top 10 Cities for Economic Upheaval
Forbes releases its first ever list of "America's Fastest-Changing Cities", documenting the cities that have undergone the most drastic economic shifts.
Seattle TOD Bill Needs Work, Critics Say
An ambitious bill encouraging dense, transit-oriented development in the Seattle area has drawn negative responses from residents who criticize its "one-size-fits-all" approach.
Too Many Cars, Not Enough Driveways in Austin
A suburban city near Austin tried to beautify with a parking ordinance, but city leaders are rethinking it.
Was the WPA Shovel-Ready?
William Menking compares the WPA with the current stimulus package and finds many parallels, including an emphasis on shovel-ready projects and a lack of trust in the federal government to plan large-scale infrastructure.
Obama Eyes Infrastructure Bank
In a recent interview with newspaper columnists, President Barack Obama spent some time discussing the idea of a national infrastructure bank and the chances of one taking shape.
Stimulating The Economy- and Greenhouse Gases
In this NPR interview, Michael Replogle, Environmental Defense Fund's transportation director, points to a 12-lane highway that will be built with stimulus funds that he says exacerbates our dependence on foreign oil and global warming.
$8 Billion for High Speed Rail? How Did That Happen?
What were the inside politics that allowed for the largest investment in high speed rail in the U.S? Politico reports on the Obama-Emanuel workings of the rail investment in the stimulus package - and no, it wasn't based on the LA to Las Vegas route.
Details from FTA on Stimulus Money for Transit
The Federal Transit Administration has released its preliminary calculations of how much each of the nation’s transit systems will receive from the overall stimulus bill.
Drive-Thru Pollution
Leaders in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, are studying how to reduce pollution generated by idling cars at drive-thru windows.
California Budget Approved, But Concessions Are Controversial
At 3 AM, Feb. 19, the state Senate secured its third Republican vote necessary to pass a budget and fill the $42 billion budget deficit. This article looks at one of many environmental rollbacks demanded by Republicans.
Obama Names Director of Urban Affairs
Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion has been appointed to the post, which The White House says is tasked with "develop(ing) a strategy for metropolitan America."
Stop Building Homes, Stop Suburban Poverty
America's suburbs are no longer impervious to "slumming," as low income earners are forced into places that were once firmly middle class. Therefore, researchers say, anti-poverty measures should go beyond mere suburb relocation.
Coney Island Concepts Debated
The Municipal Art Society wants Coney Island to be bigger and more attractive, but the developer says time-share hotels and big boxes are the key the landmark's financial sustainability.
Is Rural Internet Worth the Cost?
This piece from NPR looks at the debate over plans to use more than $7 billion from the stimulus plan to expand broadband Internet access in rural areas.
Ontario Premier Takes on NIMBYs
Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario has announced a plan to counteract the intense NIMBYism that has stifled projects throughout the province.
Obama's $75 Billion Plan to Save America's Homes
President Barack Obama has announced a $75 billion plan to help counteract home foreclosures -- a move that aims to allow more than 9 million Americans to refinance their troubled mortgages.
Atlanta's Greenspaces Inadequate for a Growing Population
Atlanta has been recognized as having some of the lowest proportion of greenspace per capita. The city has borrowed more than $100 million in its commitment to create more parks.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
