Government / Politics
Lessons From America's Most Ambitious Infrastructure Project
The City Journal examines lessons from Boston's 35-year, $14.8 billion Big Dig project and asks how can American invest in infrastructure -- and do it intelligently?
Munich: A Marvel Of Smart Growth and Urban Planning
Urban planners and developers in the Western United States could learn a lot from Munich, Germany, argues one online commentator.
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.
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.
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
