Government / Politics
Bay Area Drivers Would Support Global Warming Gas Tax
A surprising poll shows that Bay Area residents -- who already pay the nation's highest gas prices -- would agree to a 25-cent gas tax if revenue were applied to reduce global warming. Efforts are underway to put that support to a vote.
Air Boards & MPOs Must Team Up To Reduce Carbon Emissions
The key to meeting carbon reduction goals lies in reducing transportation emissions through changing land use. But to do so requires air resources boards and the many metropolitan planning organizations to play key roles.
Everglades Restoration Bogged Down By Politics
Ambitious effort to restore the Florida Everglades faces lack of funds and political complications.
People Power
Volunteer-run neighborhood councils in Los Angeles are gaining political power and showing what a new kind of politics could look like.
Oregon Voters Approve Property Rights Reduction Measure
Oregon voters yesterday approved Measure 49 -- a property rights initiative that scales back the development rights landowners were granted by the state's Measure 37 in 2004.
Delayed Boston Tunnel Project Irks Residents, Local Officials
Citing the need for more public input, rebuilding Boston's Storrow Drive tunnel is going to take longer than expected. Local residents and officials raise concerns about safety risks and rising costs.
Despite Congratulations, Completed Affordable Housing Falls Short Of Need
As public officials in New York tout their own work to build affordable housing, housing advocates are filing lawsuits against them arguing that they have fallen way short of the amount of units their cities need.
Mayors Keep Eyes On Green Future
Despite the sometimes difficult task of convincing residents of its importance, the protection of the environment must be the priority of cities. That was the message more than 100 American mayors heard and stressed at a recent meeting.
'All Government Planning Is Bad'
FrontPage Magazine features this Q&A with Cato Institute Senior Fellow Randal O'Toole about why government planning is bad for everybody.
Congestion Pricing Facing Uphill Battle In San Francisco
London Mayor Ken Livingstone discusses how congestion pricing came about in 2003, and the key role the business community played. Unlike London or NYC, downtown San Francisco merchants fear that congestion pricing will only be bad for business.
High Speed Rail May Have Hidden Costs
With nearly $10 billion in bonds going up for a vote in 2008 to fund high speed rail in California, residents should consider the history of public works projects that have greatly exceeded their initial low cost estimates, writes Adam B. Summers.
Imagining A Better City? Try The SmartCode
Consultants are advocating for the use of the "SmartCode" to help Hamden, Connecticut, bolster economic development and improve its urban form.
Toll Opposition May Strand State's Transportation Infrastructure
Opposition to a plan to increase fees on a Virginia tollroad may result in a pullout by private interests, leaving the state with the burden of paying for its transportation infrastructure -- a task that may be impossible, according to this article.
San Jose Encouraged To Bend Rules For Soccer Stadium
This editorial calls on the city of San Jose, California, to bend recently-passed planning process rules to keep hopes alive for a mixed-use soccer stadium project.
Are Embassies Obsolete?
The American embassy under construction in Baghdad will be the largest, most heavily fortified and most expensive such facility in the world. And probably the most unnecessary, writes William Langewiesche.
Planning For Megafires and Drought
Experts say smarter land-use planning is needed as risk from wildfires and droughts caused by global warming increases.
What It Looks Like When Bikes Are Part of the Transit System
Bogotá, Colombia has made significant efforts to integrate bicycling facilities into its TransMilenio Bus Rapid Transit system. The New York City Streets Renaissance team was there to learn more and take a look.
Increasing Funding And Making Infrastructure 'Sexy'
The Canadian government has recently announced a plan to improve spending on transit, but with a shortfall of more than $60 billion, many are calling on the government to focus on other less "sexy" infrastructure projects.
Cottages, Not Trailers, Set For Louisiana's Jackson Barracks
Already lagging behind Mississippi, Louisiana has finally approved the construction of 75 "Louisiana Cottages" (AKA Katrina Cottages) as an alternative to FEMA's temporary trailers, long thought to be a sub-standard and undignified form of housing.
Feds To LA: Try Congestion Pricing On Freeways
In a clear message to L.A.’s transportation leaders, a U.S. Department of Transportation representative told the city's transit agency to consider congestion pricing as a method to both reduce congestion and show ‘the true costs’ of freeway driving.
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
