Government / Politics
Galveston's Gamble
City leaders in Galveston looking for ways to recover from Hurricane Ike turn to an old staple of the local economy: gambling.
Remade as a Retail Mecca, Emeryville Falters
Emeryville, CA is a success story of redevelopment. City leaders transformed a decaying industrial area into a booming retail landscape. But with the economic downturn, locals are questioning the wisdom of basing the city on retail.
The Social In Security
The recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai are inspiring calls for heightened security and a less open society. Himanshu Burte argues that this is the wrong approach, and that throwing up boundaries would be a mistake.
A Blueprint for America's Urban Policy?
Isaiah Poole believes that the Institute for America's Future new "Main Street Recovery Program" provides the incoming administration with a strategy for public investments into America's cities.
Suburbs Benefit From an Urban President, Too
In fact, says one planner, suburbs and exurbs can expect to see some of the biggest changes of all, at least from infrastructure and transportation funding.
The Environmental Impact of Cement Plants
Cement is everywhere, and the building material makes a huge impact on the environment in terms of emissions, according to the San Francisco Sentinel. This article outlines the cement-making process.
Of Chickens and Cities
In Cleveland, the rise of urban agriculture has spurred new regulations intended to help farmers raise chickens or bees. Some fear, however, the newly created red tape makes it more difficult.
Friday Funny: Spit City
Officials in Sarasota, Florida have thrown out a 100-year old rule against spitting in public, despite some concerns about public health.
Ray LaWho?
The announcement of Ray LaHood as Transportation Secretary came as a surprise to many transportation planners and environmentalists. This article looks at some of their reactions to the pick.
Stimulus Money Pits Cities Against States
In an effort to secure federal stimulus funding, cities and states are elbowing to see who can get transportation projects started the fastest.
Tucson Rejects Density Plan
There will be no infill development at Jefferson Park, near the University of Arizona, that increases density. The move contradicts the city's plan to achieve a more "urban feel."
When Neighborhoods Improve, Social Safety Nets Unravel
Residents of one Las Vegas community fear being evicted as an urban renewal project goes underway. According to this article, projects like this often hurt neighborhoods by destroying the social ties they once contained.
Raise the Gas Tax, Reduce the Payroll Tax
Time's Michael Kinsley explains why now is the perfect time to introduce a revenue-neutral gas tax, with the revenue used to lower the payroll.
Housing Authority 'Charging for Everything'
The Paterson Housing Authority in New Jersey will soon enact some new rules and fees, including charging $20 for every washer, dryer and large screen plasma television.
Republican LaHood Chosen As Transportation Secretary
Surprising many, IL Congressman Ray LaHood, a Republican, was selected to fill the transportation position in Obama's administration, presumably to show a bi-partisan approach. Transportation reauthorization and the stimulus package await LaHood.
OC City May Snatch Up Foreclosed Properties
Huntington Beach is one of a few cities that is weighing the option to purchase its own foreclosed properties, and eventually making them affordable housing.
Locals Oppose Jewish Developments
Around already-overdeveloped parts of Los Angeles, large developments planned by Chabad and other Jewish organizations have been facing some strong local opposition.
Houston Lights go LED
The city of Houston moves to convert all the bulbs at its traffic stops to LEDs, aiming to save energy and money.
Air Board Approves Diesel and Climate Protection Plans
In back-to-back rulings, the Californian Air Resources Board approved the nation's strongest climate protection plan and the strictest on-road diesel emissions plans that will mean the oldest, most polluting trucks and buses will soon be no more.
Understanding San Francisco's Congestion Pricing Study
In this op-ed, the executive director of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority makes a case for congestion pricing in the City, though he is quick to indicate the SFCTA is only studying the concept to see if it could be applied there.
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 Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
