Government / Politics
Another Fire, Yet Still More Homes
With two major fires in four years, San Diego County officials are trying to evaluate their options. Though many acknowledge that the battle against forest fires is a losing one, there are no proposals to restrict home building in fire prone areas.
Survey Reveals Americans Preference For Transit Development
A new survey from Smart Growth America notes that three-fourths of Americans think improving public transportation is a better long term solution than building roads.
Berkeley Reveals Solar Vision
In an effort to curb its energy use, the city of Berkeley, California, is considering a plan that would subsidize the installation of solar panels on homes in the city.
Energy Efficiency Grants Under Scrutiny
Government programs that subsidize energy-efficiency improvements in houses are being reconsidered as some claim the effort isn't worth the benefit.
CA High Speed Rail Receives 'Vote Of Confidence'
The California Transportation Commission allocated $15.5 million to the state's High-Speed Rail Authority for environmental, engineering and design work on short, designated corridors for the 700-mile, $40 billion rail system.
Earth Headed For Environmental 'Tipping Point'
A recent 540-page report from the United Nations outlines the mega-problem of climate change, warning that failure to act may cause irreversible damage.
What Canada Can Learn From U.S. Cities
An urban renaissance is underway in many American cities, one fueled by the "common sense" of focusing on fundamentals. Canadian cities are looking south to pick up some good ideas.
Urban Renewal For Whom?
Urban renewal projects intended to help the poor in struggling neighborhoods really do the opposite, writes Timothy B. Lee.
Are Toll Roads The Solution?
More and more states are looking to private investors to own and operate their roads and bridges as tollways, but some wonder if the government should really take such a hands-off approach.
More Ways To Make The City Move
To supplement recently announced plans to install directional decals on the sidewalks outside of subways, The New York Times offers three ideas for improving mobility in the city.
The Limitations Of Infill Development In The Bay Area
A home builder points to the "no-growth, anti-housing environmental alliance" that restricts greenfield development as the primary reason the Bay Area is unable to house its growing population.
Atlanta Could Secede, But It Shouldn't
Metropolitan Atlanta could feasibly survive on its own if it were to secede from the state of Georgia, writes Otis White. But as he explains, Atlanta would be much better off as part of the state than as its own, if only there were more cooperation.
Cincinnati Considers Streetcar Proposal
Despite running a deficit, Cincinnati officials are strongly considering the construction of a streetcar system to spur economic development.
The Race To Be The 'Greenest' City
A local columnist touts Sacramento, California, as an up and coming star in the green city movement.
Poll Shows Maryland Residents Frustrated With Growth
Residents say the state's smart growth policies have done little to reign in sprawl, though questions remain about what action to take.
Is Los Angeles Ready To Adopt Inclusionary Zoning?
Two years after a prior proposal failed to pass, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has once again challenged the city's developers to help solve L.A.'s affordable housing crisis by including lower-cost units in new projects.
Eminent Domain Battle Won't Go Away
California voters are likely to decide on two eminent domain initiatives in 2008. One is a very limited measure backed by local government organizations, while the other is a far-reaching measure that would also prohibit rent control.
Housing Downturn Hits City Hall
A new report from the National Leagues of Cities shows that the housing market decline is hampering many cities' ability to pay for basic services.
Study Documents Dramatic Voter Support For Transit Ballot Measures
This report looks at a new trend in transportation financing, as communities in 33 different states have approved more than $70 billion in new transportation investment between 2000 and 2005.
TDR Not As Easy As It Sounds
A new report finds that the transfer of development rights from one area to another is simple in concept, but difficult in implementation.
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
