Government / Politics
North-South Rail Route To Reopen In Koreas
The governments of North and South Korea have agreed on plans to create a cross-border train route -- the first such rail crossing in more than 50 years.
Opponents May Stop Fee Raise That Would Pay For Affordable Housing
Political opposition may stand in the way of Oregon's plans to raise money for affordable housing by increasing the fees paid when filing real estate documents by more than 100%.
Public Participation Is Just A Click Away
More and more suburban Illinois communities are streaming their public hearings over the web, enabling more people to follow their local democratic process -- a trend being seen across the country.
Planning and Development In The United Arab Emirates
Dubai announces that it will be the site of a new $2.2-billion Universal theme park, while neighboring emirate Abu Dhabi announces a comprehensive planning effort called Plan Abu Dhabi 2030.
Using Toll Financing to Fund Highways
New technology allows us to manage traffic flow better than ever before, but we need to shift away from reliance on gas taxes, which are failing to deliver necessary revenue, a new Reason study argues.
Smart Growth's Past, Present And Future
A recent HUD journal article assesses the origins of the smart growth movement, and its current and anticipated impact on urban development in the United States.
Land Use Shows Itself To Be Controversial Element In Cool Cities Program
The land use policy in the US Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement calling for smart growth caused a Bay Area mayor to refrain from signing the agreement, believing that limiting density would be better for the environment.
South Africa Struggles To Redistribute Farmland
A 2014 goal of 30% farm ownership by blacks in South Africa is far from being met, as whites still control more than 80% of the nation's farmland. Many say the government's land reform laws are incapable of efficiently redistributing the land.
Transit Officials Struggle To Convince State For Funding
With little interest from the governor, Illinois transit officials are predicting that budget cuts will dramatically reduce transit service, especially in the suburban Chicago area. They have been unsuccessful in rallying lawmakers to boost funding.
Federal Grant Programs Struggling To Meet Demand In New Orleans
Federally-funded home rebuilding programs in New Orleans are having trouble keeping up with the demand of grant applicants, and the governor has cautioned that the budget shortfall may be in the billions.
Pro-Property Rights Movement Here To Stay
By and large, Americans support the rights of property owners -- leaving planners with the challenge of creating regulation that protects the public without infringing on private interests.
Walling The World
From fears over immigration to the pursuit of control over territory, countries and cities around the world are increasingly turning to the oldest form of defense: the wall.
Locals Oppose Towers Along Border
This report from NPR details local opposition to a Department of Homeland Security plan to erect watch towers along the Arizona-Mexico border.
Arguing The Merits Of A Consolidated Road Agency
City leaders eager for more control have renewed a debate over Boise's consolidated countywide highway district -- which supporters argue provide better service and saves taxpayers money.
Builders, Environmentalists, Housing Advocates Unite To Protect Transfer Fees
In a truly unusual array of political forces, developers have joined with environmentalists and housing advocates to oppose a bill sponsored by realtors that would eliminate the use of transfer fees to finance open space and affordable housing.
Big Brother Is Watching ... And Listening ... And Talking
Citing the popularity and success of closed-circuit television cameras that have been installed in many public places for crime-fighting purposes, politicians in the UK are considering attaching microphones and even loudspeakers to these cameras.
Transport Privatization: Full Speed Ahead
Investors are lining up to bid on American's transportation infrastructure, with many public sector managers happy to solve their budget woes.
Mexican President Proposes Road Privatization
Despite a crumbling toll road that many call a failure, Mexican President Felipe Calderón is pushing measures that would create numerous toll roads in the country. With little money to invest in infrastructure, his plans rely on privatization.
Minimizing The Effects Of The Kelo Decision
While many local governments have been utilizing the eminent domain powers granted to them by the Kelo case, the American Planning Association hasn't been successful in finding ways to limit the decision's negative effects. But as Richard May, FAICP explains, there are many ways to reduce any damage done.
Miami Moves Closer To Metrorail Expansion
Though funding is not ensured, the Miami-Dade Transit Authority has received permission from the federal government to start acquiring land for its 9.5 mile Metrorail line expansion.
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
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
