Government / Politics
Mayor To Employees: Get On The Bus
Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels wants city employees to ride the bus to work, and he's proposing giving them free transit passes to make it easier for workers to make the switch.
China Moves To Protect Farmland With Higher Taxes
To stem the loss of farmland to development, the Chinese government is raising taxes on non-farmed arable land by 500%.
Planners Object, But Courts Approve Housing Development
When developers made plans for a housing development on land an Israeli kibbutz had to sell off, planners said the required rezoning was out of the question. But five years later and still without planners' approval, the courts have allowed project.
Holding The Line On Miami-Dade's Urban Development Boundary
Citing strained resources, Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez has vetoed a number of development projects located outside of the County's ever-tenuous urban development boundary.
...Because It's Called 'Lawndale', Not 'Concretedale'
The Southern California city of Lawndale has passed tight restrictions that prohibit residents from paving their front yards with concrete -- an effort to reduce the amount of vehicles parked in front yards and fight what some call a "sea of gray."
The Two Faces of California's Upcoming Election Year
In California, the 2008 election year may result in victories for two contrasting interest: those who want to limit eminent domain powers and those seeking increased regulation of land use, writes William Fulton.
Eminent Domain In The Spotlight
With the recent multi-million dollar settlement over a Connecticut town's abuse of eminent domain, the land acquisition practice is facing increasing scrutiny nationwide.
After City Inaction, Philadelphia Casino Construction Approved By Court
Calling out the Philadelphia City Council for "deliberate inaction" on a casino developer's zoning requests, the state Supreme Court has overstepped the city authority to approve the casino's construction.
Project Approved Under Measure 37 To Test Measure 49
A subdivision project enabled by Oregon's Measure 37 and already under development when the state's voter passed the counteractive Measure 49 in November may be allowed to continue, raising questions about how to interpret to competing measures.
Nevada's Federal Land Sale Fuels Growth
Federal land in Las Vegas has been sold off by the government, creating a fund worth billions of dollars. The fund has been used for many public service and preservation projects in the state. But some say it opens space up for unchecked growth.
Illinois Politics Delaying Chicago Transit Bailout
The governor of Illinois and legislators outside of Chicago are fighting over transportation funding, which is delaying the bailout for Chicago transit.
Turning Around Japan's Declining Towns
Many Japanese cities are in decline, and people there are counting on the new prime minister to put a stop to it.
Inclusionary Housing Plan Falls Short In Seattle
Seattle pushes forward with an inclusionary housing bill, but housing advocates have pushed back, saying the plan does not go far enough.
Trump Eyes Massachusetts For Next Casino Venture
As Massachusetts warms to the idea of casino gambling, Donald Trump is scouring the state for prime development opportunities.
More Land Freed Up For Development Around Mumbai
In response to sharply rising real estate prices around Mumbai, the Maharashtra state government has eased restrictions on land ownership and development, creating more supply to meet the growing demand.
Fixing Traffic Without Help From Uncle Sam
Desperate to find ways to relieve traffic congestion, local planners are getting creative with transportation plans and potential sources of revenue.
Venezuela Plans New Cities As Socialist Utopias
President Hugo Chávez is guiding government plans to create several brand new cities to serve as models of social and environmental harmony.
Maryland Gives Home Buyers Cash To Live Near Work
The state has launched a revamped home buyer assistance program that provide grants to employees who buy a home within 10 miles from their work.
Giving Regionalism A Chance
A non-profit group is trying to convince Nashville-area cities and counties to engage in regional planning and cooperation to halt the region's fast-expanding sprawl.
Take Another 'Big Look' In Oregon
Planners and politicians are calling for a revival of Oregon's "Big Look" -- a broad effort to refresh the state's urban growth and land use planning policies.
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.
Tyler Technologies
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
