Government / Politics

In Energy, It's 'All Of The Above' That's Necessary

An MIT professor testified before Congress for a broad policy to address energy and climate crises - including carbon pricing, carbon sequestration, expanded fossil fuel and nuclear production, and more research spending.

September 19, 2008 - MIT News

Texas Coastlines May Remain Unbuilt

In parts of Texas, state officials and local communities are in a tug-of-war over post-Ike coastline rebuilding efforts.

September 18, 2008 - The Houston Chronicle

Battle in SF Over the Meaning of the Word 'Meal'

In order to get more retailers to set up shop in one San Francisco neighborhood, the definition of "meal" must be established to keep out new places that can't serve one.

September 17, 2008 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Expanding HUD's Definition of Homelessness

Congress is in the midst of discussing whether or not more people ought to be eligible for homeless services. But without any additional funding to go with it, some argue that a broadened definition of homelessness may be unrealistic.

September 17, 2008 - The New York Times

Green Issues Splitting Urban, Rural Voters

In both the United States and Canada, this fall's federal elections are being driven by environmental issues, which are driving a wedge between urban and rural voters.

September 16, 2008 - Globe & Mail

Gulfport Making No Small Plans Either

Gulfport, Mississippi lays plans to be the home of America's largest container port facility.

September 16, 2008 - Sun Herald

New Philly Slots Site May Help Gambling Fit Better

Philadelphia is still trying to figure out where to put its two approved casinos as it prepares to become the nation's biggest city to host gambling. In this piece, Inga Saffron says a new proposed site could make gambling work for Philly.

September 13, 2008 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

LA Cops Take Out the Trash

The city of Los Angeles forms a task force of prosecutors, police, and others to combat illegal disposal of trash all over town.

September 12, 2008 - The Los Angeles Times

Little Havana Stadium Moves Forward

Despite controversy over its funding,location and impact, the Florida Marlins are likely to build a new retractable-roof stadium on the former site of the Orange Bowl in the city's Little Havana neighborhood.

September 12, 2008 - Miami Herald

Simulating Urbanity

HBO's The Wire has wrapped its last season of urban criticism disguised as a cop show. Dan Hill, who creates simulations of cities in his day job, is fascinated by The Wire's simulation and deconstruction of Baltimore.

September 12, 2008 - cityofsound

Possible $349 Millon Cut from Affordable Housing in CA

Proposals from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and legislative Republicans to close the state's $15 billion budget deficit would to take away hundreds of millions of dollars from local redevelopment agencies.

September 11, 2008 - California Planning & Development Report

Term Limits Affecting Long-Range City Planning

Elected city officials in dozens of cities want to overturn term limits, saying current ones keep them from being able to tackle long-range projects.

September 11, 2008 - New York Times

As Ice Melts, New Laws Needed in in the North

This week international legal experts are meeting in Iceland to debate whether or not the world needs new international laws concerning the polar regions in the face of climate change.

September 11, 2008 - Truthout

Do Cities Deserve More Hotel Taxes?

Atlanta and other cities in the U.S. are fighting for a greater share of hotel taxes paid as a result of bookings through online sites.

September 10, 2008 - Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Congress Considering More Funding for Public Transportation

New funds have already been allocated to public transit agencies, but unexpected increases in ridership have called for even more. The funds come as part of a new energy bill intended to reduce foreign oil dependence.

September 10, 2008 - The Wall Street Journal

Can Good Urbanism Transcend Politics?

At a recent bipartisan panel on public transportation and energy policy sponsored by the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis, panelists made the Conservative case for urban density and public transit investments.

September 9, 2008 - The American Prospect

Huge Taxpayer Bailout Of Highway Fund

Taxpayers, not transit users, will bail out motorists to keep the highway trust fund solvent. The administration had initially proposed to use transit funds and veto using general funds, but with the fund scheduled to go bust in Oct., they relented.

September 9, 2008 - Los Angeles Times via San Francisco Chronicle

The Presidency and America's Addiciton to Prisons and Drugs

Neal Pierce looks at America's addiction to incarceration and drug prohibition and wonders what -- if anything -- the presidential candidates would do to change the country's course.

September 8, 2008 - Citiwire

Chickens Approved in Fort Collins

Urban chickens have been approved in Fort Collins, Colorado. Some, including one vocal city council member, are not happy about it.

September 8, 2008 - Fort Collins Now

Is There a Future in Politics for Urban-Minded Bloggers?

The "creative class" is using the Internet and the blog world to drum up new ideas for combating sprawl and placelessness. This article argues it's only a matter of time before these urban thinkers go from blogging to local politics.

September 7, 2008 - The St. Petersburg Times

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.