Government / Politics
Gulf Coast Recovery A Public and Private Sector Failure
Sluggish government response and a reliance on market forces have failed to resolve the housing crisis faced by thousands of Gulf coast residents, argues a recent editorial.
Scotland's Planning System Changes Leave Out Public
Broad changes to Scotland's planning systems were recently approved. A proposal to give communities a third party right of appeal did not pass, leaving many residents concerned that they will have little say in the planning and development of their communities.
First U.S.City To Ban Smoking - Belmont, CA
While other cities ponder various types of smoking bans, a small suburb on the San Francisco peninsula has gone 'all the way', banning the activity in all places except single-family detached residences.
A Battle Over Growth In Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County residents, 1000 Friends of Florida and environmental activist Rosa Durando have filed paperwork with the State of Florida this week to challenge County land use amendment approvals, and gain standing to participate in negotiation.
Ohio's First Suburb's Consortium
The largest inner-ring suburb advocacy group in the country has an ambitious agenda for Ohio's new governor.
Carbon Tax Comes To The U.S.
The City of Boulder, Colorado makes history by approving the nation's first carbon tax.
When City Planners Oppose Elected Officials
What happens when the professional planning staff advising an elected board disagrees with the conclusions of the elected board, and is required to submit a proposal that the planners opposed to a state regulatory agency for approval?
Florida Approves Constitutional Amendment Limiting Eminent Domain
Sixty-nine percent of Florida's voters approved an amendment to the State's Constitution to limit government ability to take property for private development. How will this homeowner victory impact the revitalization efforts of cities?
Why Don't Elected Officials Take The Bus?
Los Angeles' mayor has been a tireless advocate for mass transit, but some wonder why the mayor doesn't make use of the system himself.
Voters Approve $5.7 Billion in Conservation Funds
Voters across the political spectrum approved 77% of the 128 tax and bond initiatives on ballots in 23 states last Tuesday.
Australia's Loophole For Development Of Sensitive Lands
A new bill passed by the Australian Parliament appears at first to offer protection to environmentally sensitive lands is actually little more than a carbon-trading system for land that helps development on sensitive lands overstep environmental review.
Zoning Exemption For Religious Groups Converts 'Apostles' of Animal House
In Georgetown, a student party house seeks recognition as a religious organization to get around zoning restrictions.
Extended Hours Does Little For Swiss Shopping Center
Depsite a change in local laws that let businesses stay open 90 minutes later, few businesses in the northwestern Swiss city of Basel have extended hours, worrying officials that their idea of creating the "largest shopping center in the region" has fallen short.
Salt Lake City To Require LEED For New Buildings
An ordinance has been passed in Salt Lake City, Utah, requiring builders of any commercial, condo or apartment buildings to adhere to LEED green building standards if they are funded or financed by the city.
Eminent Domain Limitations May Stand In Arizona
As voters in Arizona overwhelmingly approved a ballot initiative to restrict the government's use of eminent domain, the state's Supreme Court unanimously overturned another court's ruling that the initiative was invalid.
Court Ruling Stalls San Francisco Bike Plan
Running afoul of the state's 1970 landmark environmental law, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), San Francisco's bike plan must undergo a full environmental review, ruled a superior court judge on Nov. 7.
Voters Clamp Down On Eminent Domain
Eight states approved new measures to restrict the use of eminent domain on November 7th -- widely seen as a reaction to the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case of Kelo vs. New London.
Need A Holiday Gift Idea? Try Free Parking
A city in Ohio is using the lure of free parking in an effort to shoppers in the holiday mood.
NYC Affordable Housing Plan Has Unexpected Costs
A new affordable housing plan in New York City has solved some problems facing lower income residents, but has also created many woes for people who purhcased shoddy homes through the plan and have been unable to get any help from the city since.
Katrina Cottage Finds New Life
FEMA may not be utilizing the Katrina Cottage, but as an innovative solution to affordable gulf coast housing -- and beyond-- the charming 'little cottage that could' is finding new life through the private sector.
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
