Government / Politics
Adressing Congestion Now More Politically Feasible
Congestion issues are high on many lists of urgent urban issues. Politicians and governments are now easing up to the formerly-avoided expense of improving highways and roads.
Eminent Domain Evoked As Landowner Demands Market Rate
A landowner who insisted on selling his property to a local municipality at the market rate had his land seized through eminent domain. Many are calling for a condemnation of the city's action.
Border Walls Fight Immigration, Hurt Environment
Border walls along the U.S.-Mexico are being called out by environmentalists for creating negative impacts on the area's environment and local ecology.
Raising Turnpike Tolls Will Be Key To Reducing NJ State Deficit
Governor Jon Corzine finally explained that a key strategy to reduce New Jersey's staggering $32 billion debt will be to substantially increase tolls on the 3 major state toll roads, using the revenue to form a public corporation to issue bonds.
From The Toilet To The Fields
Detroit city officials have approved a plan to recycle the city's waste sludge into fertilizer.
Zoning Laws May Give Locals Control Over Slot Plan
In 2008, Maryland voters will consider a plan to allow slot gambling machines in the state. But local zoning regulations could trump the state law, giving communities control over whether the machines are allowed or not.
Highway Tolling Bill Up For Consideration In Washington
Seeking a way to fund the state's many transit and transportation projects, officials in Washington are considering a plan that would put a highway tolling bill in front of the state legislature early next year -- a bill many believe would pass.
First Leg Of Second Ave Subway Receives $1.3 Billion In Federal Funds
The first (of four) phases of the infamous Second Ave. subway is ready to begin construction thanks to the approval of $1.3 billion in federal financing, enabling the long-delayed line to be built from 92nd to 63rd streets in Manhattan.
Cities Consider Forming Own Agencies After Metro Transit Funding Measure Fails
A measure that would have increased funding for Milwaukee-area commuter transit was recently voted down, fueling a push for neighboring cities to break away and form their own transit agencies.
Transit Riders Challenge Edmonton City Councillors To Take The Bus
The Transit Riders' Union of Edmonton has challenged city councilors in Edmonton, Alberta to give up their private vehicles. Four councilors will rely exclusively on public transit for the next week.
Land Use Planning And Climate Change May Be Linked In Lawsuits
While Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has received fame for making global warming a priority, he has studiously avoided the land use connection. Not so for California's attorney general, who is tackling the issue head on, even warning of litigation.
San Jose: 'Not For Sale By Owner'
Economist Peter Gordon reflects on a recent tour of San Jose, California -- where the so-called "revitalized" downtown is dead and nearly one-third of the city is blighted.
Measure 49 Only A Small Step Back From Measure 37
This editorial from The Oregonian argues that even though Measure 49 passed, it is only a slight step backward on an irreversible path towards more property rights in Oregon.
Seeking Solutions To New York's Pigeon Problem
A city councilman in New York City is looking to counteract the city's pigeon problem by charging a $1,000 fine to anyone caught feeding the birds.
Congress Members May Oppose Funding For California High Speed Rail
A dispute over two possible routes for California's high-speed rail line has elevated to members of Congress formally opposing federal funding for a route that does not include their districts.
Is Michael Bloomberg America's Ken Livingstone?
Sounding eerily similar to his London counterpart, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg called on the federal government to adopt a national carbon tax. Bloomberg is currently pushing congestion pricing similar to London's program implemented in 2003.
Measure 37 Projects Up In Air After Passage Of Measure 49
With the passage of Oregon's Measure 49, some development projects already approved under the now-overturned Measure 37 may be in limbo as the courts determine whether they can be completed.
The Music Of Failed Planning
Some urban planning projects are so frustratingly bad you just have to sing about them ... or at least find some songs to help vent that frustration. This blog post from Stuck Between Stations finds those songs.
Speedbumps Hinder U.S. Mayors Carbon Pledge
The mayors of more than 700 American cities have signed a pledge to reduce the carbon emissions of their cities. Following up on that pledge is turning out to be a bit difficult.
Keeping Hope Alive After Seattle Votes Down Transit Funding
Voters in Seattle recently voted down a proposition to significantly fund roads and transit in the region. Advocates are pushing forward with efforts to keep the transportation funding issues alive and attain the money needed.
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
