Government / Politics
San Francisco Bay Area Ponders Gas Tax Hike
With concerns about global warming at an all time high, the region's policy makers think the time is right for a 10 cent gas fee.
Taking The 'Public' Out Of The Public Library
The public library system in Jackson County, Oregon, is part of a growing trend: outsourcing and privatizing public services.
Property Value Compensation Measure Shot Down In Alaska
An Alaska property rights measure that would have required the government to compensate landowners for any public projects that reduce property values was defeated by more than a 2-to-1 margin.
Man Kills Himself After Zoning Decision
A barber shop owner in Clarksville, Tennessee shot and killed himself in front of the City Council after members voted against his request to rezone his home as commercial property.
Report Calls For 'Unbalanced' Trasnportation Planning
A recent report calling for less emphasis to be placed on cars than on other forms of transport has sparked a lively debate in Toronto.
Rail Project Takes Precedence In New Mexico Budget
A commuter rail project in Sante Fe is stressing New Mexico's state transportation budget, causing officials to announce delays on many road and highway projects. But many are upset that the rail plans will move ahead unhindered.
Unlevel Playing Field Riles Georgia Development Team
The results of a competitive RFP process to redevelop Georgia's historic Jekyll Island has been deemed unfair by the Jekyll Island Revitalization Group. A formal challenge to the State's decision has been issued and a lawsuit may follow.
Texas Mayors Block Feds From Building Border Wall
City officials in Texas Border towns are blocking federal officials from coming into their towns to build walls along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Cities Want Piece of Canada's $14 Billion Budget Surplus
Canada's cities are asking that some of the $14-billion federal budget surplus be directed at them, and at upgrading aging infrastructure, rather than to servicing debt.
Cutting Off The Short Cut
With a historic small town feel and a population that has embraced its compact walkability, the town of Rowayton, Connecticut, has passed a ban on large trucks crossing though the town as a short cut.
Oregon Winemakers Back A Return To Property Rights
With their vineyards threatened by 2004's land use law Measure 37, Oregon's winemakers are getting behind this November's ballot Measure 49 as a way to preserve their land and their business.
On Common Ground?
Despite a recent wave of crime, the Boston Common continues to bring people together from all walks of life.
Many Ideas On Improving L.A. Mobility But No Consensus
A number of ideas for improving public transit and reducing congestion are floating around Los Angeles. But without consensus, it may be a long while before any of the proposed solutions is realized.
Transit Proposal Also Funds Roads, Putting Voters In A Pickle
A proposal to expand Seattle's light rail system also includes provisions for extensive road construction, putting transit advocates in the awkward position of voting for both transit and roads.
Ontario's Election Campaign Ignoring Roads, Bridges
The deterioration of Ontario's aging roadways and bridges isn't emerging as an issue in Provincial elections.
What's Wrong With ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act has generally been the subject of much controversy and debate, but especially amongst planners and developers.
Is Toronto 'Headed For The Welfare Lines'?
Years of job losses, the expense of paying for services formerly offered by the Provincial government, and an over-reliance on property tax revenue have left Canada's largest city with a huge deficit.
German Mag-Lev Line Edges Closer To Reality
In Germany, the governor of Bavaria has announced that financing has been secured for a 23-mile mag-lev train from downtown Munich to its international airport. But others say the funding is less-than secure.
Senate Approves Water Bill, But Veto Looms
A major water bill that would authorize future spending on infrastructure projects -- especially in Louisiana -- is drawing heat and threats of a presidential veto because it does little to reform the highly-criticized Army Corps of Engineers.
Suburban Boston Lashes Out Against McMansions
Residents and planners are just about fed up with McMansions in the Bsoton suburb of Wellesley, and they are looking to impose strict regulations on housing size and give a residential board oversight on proposed houses.
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
