Government / Politics
Border Fencing Plan Dodges Environmental Rules
Federal and state environmental guidelines have been waived by the Federal government to fast-track construction of nearly 700 miles of fencing along the U.S. Mexico Border.
Using Fees On Motorists To Fund Public Transit
A bill introduced in Sacramento could pave the way for Los Angeles County to raise $400 million dollars a year for public transit from motorists -- who'd pay more for gas or vehicle registration.
Less Government, But More Roads Please
Conservatives and libertarians who admonish government spending and transit subsides still support new road and highway construction, and the state power and funding they typically require.
Chavez Seeks Shangri-La with 'Socialist Cities'
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is pushing plans to create "21st century socialist cities" -- communities based on public participation and cooperation -- juxtaposed next to fiercely capitalist developments in the rest of the country.
Cities Putting Officials in Charge of Sustainability
As cities get serious about addressing climate change, a new city position -- the sustainability director -- is taking office all over the country.
Long Island Considers Plan to Become 51st State
In an effort to highlight the disparity between generated revenue and received state funding, officials in Long Island have proposed a six-months study to weigh the benefits of seceding from New York to become the nation's 51st state.
HUD Secretary Resigns
Alphonso Jackson, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, announced his resignation Monday, effective April 18.
Los Angeles' Brawl With Sprawl
Officials in Los Angeles were successful in implementing high-density growth policies to curb sprawl. However, a disconnect between culture, transportation policy, and the real estate market may have disastrous consequences.
Federal Disaster Response Plan Revised
The federal government has issued an updated strategy plan for responding to natural and man-made disasters.
Regional Approach Lauded as Key Stretegy for Economic Development
The greater Toledo area needs to think harder about creating regional development if it wants to compete in the globalizing economy, according to this editorial.
Funding Bureaucracy Highlights L.A.'s Parks Deficit
The city of Los Angeles is currently sitting on more than $130 million dollars intended to build parks. But those funds are tied to council districts high in development, leaving districts with little development high and dry.
Is a Bronze Fonz Public Art? Aaaaay!
A proposed public art piece featuring a bronze statue of the "Happy Days" character Arthur "the Fonz" Fonzarelli has many up in arms about the process creating and approving public art.
San Francisco's New PD Talks About City's Challenges
Architect Magazine talks with San Francisco's new planning director, John Rahaim, about the urban planning challenges and issues in the city.
A Rerun In The Campaign For Mayor Of L.A.
Twenty years ago, Los Angeles voters chose Tom Bradley's "world city" vision over a slow-growth councilman's carping about overdevelopment. Voters may face the same choice - and one of the same candidates - in 2009.
Wi-Fi Plans Dropped Over Health Concerns
Officials in the California city of Sebastopol have gone back on an agreement with an Internet provider that was planning to create a municipal Wi-Fi network for the city. They cited health concerns in their decision.
Big Brother is Buzzing You
Miami may be the first American city to have its police force adopt Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to aid police in fighting crime, a development civil liberties groups are finding disconcerting.
Georgia Considers Regional Taxes for Transportation
Lawmakers in Georgia are considering a plan to ask voters in rural areas to decide whether they want to pay a regional sales tax to fund transportation projects -- a response to the state's few funding sources for transit projects.
'Tent City' for Residents Only
A "tent city" established in the Southern California city of Ontario for occupation by homeless people has been temporarily shut down as city officials and police attempt to evict people without clear ties to the city.
Creating the 'Live Music Capital'
A 15-member "live music task force" will begin work to try to encourage the growth of a musical economy in Austin, Texas.
Salt Lake Transit Authority Accused of Misusing Funds
In Salt Lake City, advocates for bus riders have asked the state attorney general to investigate whether the Utah Transit Authority has skewed its ridership figures to gain public support for major investments, which they say is a misuse of funding.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
Eagle County Government
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
