Government / Politics
Do Houston Residents Want Zoning?
With planning likely to become a major issue in next year's mayoral campaign, a recent survey shows that most residents would support new rules -- including possibly land use zoning -- to manage the region's sprawling development.
To Save Detroit, Plan For A Smaller City
A recent editorial argues that Detroit must look for ways to concentrate its dwindling population in a smaller, more compact city if it is to survive.
Cash-Strapped Transit Agency Needs Funding Plan
Forget major rail expansion. The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority hopes a new bill will first allow it to afford office space and hire an executive director.
New HUD Chief Named
President George W. Bush is expected to announce his nomination of Steve Preston, head of the Small Business Association, as the new chief of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
How Drugs Kill Forests
Drug traffickers, growers and drug law enforcement agents are wreaking havok on the forests of Central America, where large plots of forest are clear-cut for drug crop growing and sprayed to eliminate illicit substances.
American Mayors and Bottom-Up Environmental Planning
The environmental leadership of mayors in the U.S. offers much hope for the future of the country, according to this article from Metropolis.
'Fully Contained Communities' Spark Comprehensive Plan Debate
Officials and residents in Snohomish County, Washington, are grappling over proposed changes to their comprehensive plan. A major point of contention is whether "fully contained communities" should be allowed.
States Take Action on Foreclosures While Federal Government Stumbles
Without a clear federal plan to counteract the swath of foreclosures sweeping across the country, state governments are finding ways to reduce the local impacts.
The Fight for $1 Homes
A HUD plan that allows municipalities to buy up foreclosed homes for just $1 is causing controversy in Wayne County, Michigan, where cities and counties are fighting over who is best suited to take over abandoned homes.
Los Angeles Taco Trucks in Trouble
Mobile taco trucks in Los Angeles may face tougher fines for parking in any one place for too long if proposed restrictions are passed by the county.
Leasing Toll Roads: Learning From Indiana
While experts now say that the lease term Indiana agreed to was too long, and the payment it received in return too small, so far all parties appear to be better off –- the road, the drivers, the toll takers, the Governor, and the state.
Noise and the City
Cairo, Egypt is becoming increasingly noisy.
El Paso On Fast Track to Transit
Officials in El Paso, Texas have been working with state and federal officials on a plan to bring rapid transit to the city within three years.
Flood Control Project On Death Bed
An Army Corps of Engineers flood control project in south-central Mississippi is in danger of being vetoed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. But supporters have not given up hope.
Creating A New Vision For The Nation's Transportation System
With Americans driving less for the first time ever, its time to create a new comprehensive plan for transportation in the United States.
California Bullet Train Heading to Ballot
California voters will soon vote on a $10 billion bond proposal that would fund a 220 mph bullet train running between L.A. and San Francisco.
Black-Tie Optional: 'Stepsister' Cities Flourish in the Shadows
Say you're a big city. But right next door is an even bigger big city. What do you do to stand out? Josh Stephens explores the unique plight of America's so-called stepsister cities.
Keeping Construction Projects From Blocking Sidewalks
One Philadelphia councilman wants his city to follow the lead of more pedestrian-friendly New York and ensure that construction projects don't interfere with sidewalks.
Toronto Mulls Corporate Sponsorship for Parks
Short on funding, Toronto's waterfront parks agency is considering a plan to sell the naming rights to the park's amenities, allowing corporate sponsors to add their name to such public features as walkways and play areas.
Smokng Banned in Mexico City
With one of the world's higher rates of air pollution, Mexico City is cracking down on one type of emission: cigarette smoke. Smoking has been banned in all public places in the city, including office buildings and restaurants.
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
