Government / Politics
Homeowners' Association Thwarts Efforts At Energy Conservation
An Arizona home owner's association fines a resident for installing a solar-powered heater arguing that the appearance of the device violates the subdivision's deed restrictions.
An English Plan In New York
One of London's top planners talks about the future of the European capital, as it prepares for a million new residents.
L.A.'s 'Persian Palaces' Spark Zoning Backlash
The construction of large, some say garish, homes built by immigrant families in several Southern California communities is prompting officials to tighten zoning restrictions.
Reining In Tax Breaks For Developers
In Kansas City, Missouri, voters just elected their former city auditor as their new mayor. One of the unlikely campaign issues: the use of tax increment financing for developers.
An Interview With Ken Livingstone: London's Planning Czar?
Praised by many for his bold actions to make London more livable and sustainable, the self-proclaimed practical socialist Ken Livingstone offers his thoughts on transit, housing and immigration policies for the world city.
Meeting The Affordable Housing Challenge
Inclusionary zoning and community land trusts are two innovative methods that government and non-profits are starting to use to create affordable housing, though these, like past efforts, have their shortcomings.
A 'Year of Decision' For Chicago's El System
For Chicago's El, big decisions must be made to modernize the nations' second largest transit system and alleviate it routine budget shortfalls.
Parking Deck Scars Downtown Atlanta Block
Despite being sued over its construction, a developer built a parking deck against code and severely limited the potential of the remaining downtown block it sits on.
Bush Administration Puts Money Behind Implementing Congestion Pricing
In one of the clearest directives to states yet, an FHWA official stated publicly that they want to award money to highway departments to actually implement -- not simply study -- congestion pricing.
Creating Stronger Borders -- In Wisconsin
Legislation up for consideration in Wisconsin looks to make it easier for towns in the state to legally change their municipal status to avoid being annexed. The bill hopes to reduce the amount of cross-town border disputes incited by annexations.
Majority In Ohio Want Eminent Domain Law Struck
A recent survey reveals that more than two-thirds of Ohio residents are opposed to the state's eminent domain law, and would be in favor of throwing it out.
Shanghai Tells Transit Officials To Get On The Bus
The city's government is requiring that high-ranking officials use transit at least one day a month.
Is Breaking Up New Orleans The Only Way To Save It?
Citing that the most successful rebuilding efforts have happened without central government coordination, a recent column argues that the city's neighborhoods should secede and seize control of rebuilding efforts themselves.
Friday Funny: Zoning Trumps Al Gore's 'Green' Plans
The former Vice President's application to install solar panels on his home was denied by the zoning board of this wealthy Nashville enclave.
Texas Program Helps Motorists 'Trade Up' To Lower Pollution
With several of the state's metro areas failing federal clear air standards, Texas lawmakers are dramatically increasing funding to a program that help drivers of older cars buy new, less polluting vehicles.
A Showdown Over Historic Preservation In Canada
Newly announced plans by the government to create a Canadian National Trust dismays leaders of the Canadian Heritage Foundation, who wonder if they are being replaced over political differences.
Earth To Planners: Americans Want Roads, Not Transit
The current strategy of encouraging traffic congestion and focusing on transit doesn't align with the majority of American's preferences. Instead of continuing to follow failed policy, planners should start using new solutions to increase capacity.
Rezoning L.A.'s Industrial Bones
Developers want to transform downtown L.A.'s warehouses, factories, and grimy commercial buildings to accommodate live-work spaces. Planners and activists want to stay the course -- they say needed jobs are at stake.
Canada To Penalize SUVs, Reward Hybrids
Canadians shopping for a new car will get a rebate for purchasing hybrids, and a penalty for purchasing a gas-guzzler.
Superstar Cities
Big cities pack a punch equal to some national economies. The fraction of high-income families in superstar cities is 43 percent higher than in average cities, and those cities' share of poor families is 11 percent lower.
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
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
