Government / Politics
Plenty Green But Too Tall?
In what may prove a decisive test to see the political limits of what green building offers developers, a LEED Platinum, 10-story office building is proposed along San Francisco's tightly regulated waterfront - exceeding the height limit by 40 feet.
Is 'Planning Gain' Really A Loss?
This article looks at the concept of "planning gain" -- in which cities gain amenities as concessions for allowing big developments -- and finds that the benefits are often outweighed.
Board Members Need to Get on Board
Not one board member of the Metrolink in Southern California is an everyday rider. But is it so bad that these members, usually politicians, are calling the shots?
Seattle Area Voters: Yes To Transit; No To Road Measure
Puget Sound voters strongly supported Sound Transit's sales tax measure to expand public transit while Washington state voters overwhelmingly rejected an Eyeman initiative to allow solo motorists to use carpool lanes during off-peak hours.
HUD Seeks Dollar House Buyers
Desperate to sell dilapidated, foreclosed homes, as well as to lure in local governments willing to build affordable housing, the Department of Housing and Urban Development is offering those properties for just a dollar.
The 'Creative Class' Takes Over
Joel Kotkin believes that the Obama victory is a sign that the 'creative class' - as detailed by Richard Florida - is coming into power, and that traditional business will be pushed aside.
President-Elect Obama's Top Eco-Priorities
David Morris of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and Maude Barlow, Chair of the Board of Food and Water Watch lay out key priorities for an Obama Administration in terms of transportation and water policy.
Planning: The Solution America Needs
As part of a series in Harper's on how to save capitalism, James K. Galbraith argues that America can fix many of its economic troubles with better planning -- urban planning, infrastructure planning, and financial planning.
Los Angeles Transit Sales Tax Passes...Barely
Los Angeles County voters narrowly approved Measure R, a half-cent sales tax measure, by 67.4% (2/3 was necessary) to fund rail and road projects, including the Subway to the Sea. The victory is seen as a huge coup for LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
SF Affordable Housing Measure Defeated
Measure B would have allotted $30 million to lower-income residents who currently can't afford to live in San Francisco.
North Bay Approves Diesel Light Rail Ballot Measure
The fourth attempt proved a charm as Marin and Sonoma county voters narrowly passed a 1/4 cent sales tax measure to build and run a diesel light rail train through both counties along with an adjacent bike path. The tax measure needed 2/3 to pass.
CA High Speed Rail Proposition Appears To Win Narrow Approval
A $10 billion high speed rail bond is winning with 52.2% voting 'Yes' with 95% of the precincts reporting. This would be the first state bond measure supporting high speed rail to be supported by voters in U.S., though it only funds 1/3 of costs.
The New Age of Trains
Passenger rail is on the minds of voters and politicians more than ever. Some say the next train era is on its way.
News Summary: Urban Policy and the Obama Presidency
The balloons have fallen, and the yard signs have been yanked up. The people have chosen, and in a historic win, Senator Barack Obama will soon be our next president. Now the hopes and promises of the campaign must harden into reality. Managing Editor Tim Halbur summarize what we can expect from an Obama presidency in regards to urban issues.
Blumenauer Tapped as Likely Secretary of Transportation
Democratic insiders have mapped out the possible face of an Obama presidential cabinet. Shortlisted for Secretary of Transportation are Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer and Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar.
Rural-Urban Split Disappearing from American Politics
Democrats are in cities and Republicans are in rural areas, according to the results of recent elections. But with two metropolitan candidates in this year's election and an increasingly urbanized populace, that split may become obsolete.
New York City's Glow Dims
With rising energy prices, lights are dimming in New York City. Legislation in the state seeks to reduce the city's glow even more.
No Go On Hybrid Taxi Mandate
A federal judge has put the kibosh on New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's plan to require taxi companies to use mostly hybrid vehicles by 2012.
Candidates Take Stance on Urban Issues
City Limits breaks down the differences between the two presidential candidates with a focus on urban issues.
Complete Streets Act Signed Into Law In California
Huge victory for road safety and the California Bicycle Coalition was scored when CA Gov. Schwarzenegger signed 'Complete Streets Act' in September.
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
