Government / Politics
Revitalized Downtown Struggles With 'Hangover' Effect
While many downtowns struggle to attract residents and visitors, Madison, Wisconsin has succeeded in creating a vibrant nightlife scene, so much so, that overcrowding and alcohol-related crime have become a serious problem.
Should Taxpayers Foot The Bill For Wildfires?
A debate over who should be responsible for the costs incurred by wildfires is raging between the Federal government and state and local officials.
Seized Farmland Returned To Whites Amid Zimbabwe Food Shortage
Food shortages and economic decline have forced Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe to rescind his 2005 land reform decision to seize all farmland from white farmers. Land has already been returned to 19 white farmers, while more await lease approval.
Finding A Compromise On Property Rights Regulation
Though Washington State's property-rights initiative failed to pass in November, opponents and supports are trying to work together to address some of the concerns of land owners who feel the current regulations are too strict.
The Secretive Habits Of One City's Zoning Board
Voting sessions for the New Haven Board of Zoning Appeals are held at irregular times with little public notice, breeding accusations of an intentionally closed process.
Politics Allows Sensitive Lands To Receive Federal Flood Insurance
A Reagan-era "free market approach to conservation" that would deny federal flood insurance to sensitive lands is being undermined through the political process. Congress has granted two exceptions to the law for coastal areas in Georgia and Florida.
A Density Too High
A traditional neighborhood development planned near St. Petersburg, Florida, is having trouble getting approved because its proposed density is twice as high as the city wants to allow.
A Gas Tax That's Politically Possible?
Grist takes a look at political commentator Rick Gray's proposal for a gas tax scheme that Americans could stand.
Reforming Toward Prosperity: 2006 In Review
The Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program provides a review of its work in 2006, along with a list of the ten most noteworthy trends.
Amtrak's Future Looking Bright - For A Change!
Amtrak is riding high after reporting the highest revenue of any month for November, with 2006 revenue up 11 percent. The costly, long-distance routes appear to be safe from possible dismantling, according to Amtrak's new president.
The Agony Of New Orleans
With federal aid money wasted or tied up in the bureaucracy, and post-Katrina recovery promises left unkept, New Orleans remains an "open wound" and many of its residents are suffering from homelessness and a lack of basic services.
City Bouts With COG Over Housing Allocation
The Southern California city of Simi Valley is opposing recommendations from a regional association of governments that suggest the city should increase its housing stock. The city council sees the increase as unrealistic, citing a lack of land.
Ohio Tax-Sharing Program Looks To Boost Regional Economy
Representatives from seven Northeast Ohio counties are looking to form a regional partnership that would include tax-sharing, comprehensive regional planning and an equitable distribution of service and affordable housing.
Legislating A Safer Bike Ride In California
The tragic death of a tri-athlete student while bicycling in southern California has sparked a bill to create a three-foot buffer for any vehicle passing a cyclist – but will it create more problems than it attempts to solve?
Honolulu Transit Routes Debated
In Oahu, lawmakers are having trouble agreeing on the best path for a proposed light rail line. The Honolulu mayor wants a different path than that approved by the city council. But it is not even certain if the proposed line will be rail or bus.
New York City Rail Projects Win Huge Federal Funding Awards
The LIRR connection to Grand Central has been awarded the largest Federal funding allotment ever committed to mass transit. The new Second Ave. Subway was also awarded substantial funds from the U.S. Dept of Transportation.
$250 Million In Reduced Property Values Claimed In Portland
Claims worth more than $250 million have been filed in Portland, Oregon, where a law passed in 2004 allows property owners to file for compensation from the city when regulations reduce the value of their property.
NIMBYism Comes To China
Middle class residents of Shenzhen successful opposed plans for a new freeway, signaling a potential backlash to the country's rapid growth.
U.S. Congress Prepares For Tough Fight Over Green Laws
As environmentalists draft a wish-list for a Democratic-controlled Congress, industry groups prepare to fight back.
The Demise Of Miami's Public Housing Czar
Rene Rodriguez, the once highly lauded director of the Miami-Dade Housing Agency, stands accused of taking from the poor to serve developer interests, as well as his own.
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
