Government / Politics
Colorado Toll Road Goes Private
The Northwest Parkway Public Highway Authority, owner of Colorado's newest toll road (opened 2003), has finalized the bid for leasing the 11-mile road after revenue did not match expectations.
Florida's Growing Tax Chasm
Despite stunning similarities in property values, tax burdens vary greatly in southern Florida, causing fed-up residents to seek relief.
The Link Between Impact Fees And Growth
The city of Tuscon, Arizona is considering adding new impact fees to cover the cost of municipal services, but the new fees might stymie growth and encourage sprawl.
Environmental Lawsuits Fuel Roadbuilding In California
California's Department of Transportation has resorted recently to forcing developers to pay impact fees to fund freeway projects, to the chagrin of developers, local governments, and taxpayer groups.
Cutting McMansions Down To Size
This CNN video report looks at an Atlanta city councilperson's proposal to fight back against McMansions and limit the size of houses.
Candidates' Opposition To Redevelopment Plan Garners Voter Support
The feelings of city council candidates about a downtown revitalization plan appears to have the most sway over voters in El Paso, Texas, who are making large contirbutions to those opposing the plan.
Citizens Use YouTube To Campaign Against Development Project
Believed to be a first for Fort Lauderdale (and possibly citizens elsewhere) residents opposed to a 15-story, 387 foot long boat storage facility in the City have created a website and video on YouTube asking City Commissioners to stop the project.
New York City Looks To Crack Down On Slum Lords
In an effort to bring 1,000 buildings up to code and to perhaps preserve the modicum of affordable housing left in the city, Mayor Bloomberg is supporting a bill that forces land lords to pay for improvements.
Economist Tells State To Stop Subsidizing Big Retail
Similar to a proposal being pushed by Arizona legislators, an economist in Minnesota has cautioned the state over providing too many subsidies and tax incentives to big retailers.
Planning Not A Priority For Philly's 'Would-be' Mayors
While Philadelphia may be hosting this year's National Planning Conference, a recent forum demonstrated that the current candidates for Mayor lack any sort of vision for the city's development.
Reports Say Disjointed Pennsylvania Should Try Regionalism
Nearly 80% of Pennsylvania's municipalities have populations less than 5,000. Recently released reports say it's time for the state to form regional coalitions that will help improve local economies and harbor regional planning.
How The West Can Win: Transforming The Energy Debate
Western states are leading the nation in innovations to build a clean-energy economy.
Developers And City Battle Over Affordable Housing Rules
Upset developers forced to set aside 25% of their development as affordable housing are facing off with city officials in Los Angeles over its inclusionary housing policies.
Urban Areas Receiving Rural Aid
Billions of dollars in federal grants and loans intended for the development of rural areas have been given to areas The Washington Post has found to be far more urban than rural, including beach resorts and suburbs.
MTA Subject To Tax On TOD Property
In accordance with state laws, the transit agency in Houston will have to pay property taxes on land it purchased for transit-oriented developments. Because the land will be developed privately, the law says it is not a public use and is not exempt.
Hearing The Public
Utilizing citizen surveys to gauge public concerns and support for projects is an increasing trend in municipalities across the country. Some say this method is much more effective -- and more inclusive -- than traditional public hearings.
Opposition Growing To Public Subsidies For Retail Mega-Projects
Proposed state legislation in Arizona will punish cities that offer subsidies to retail projects. Kansas City's new mayor was elected on an anti-TIF platform. Increasingly, public financing for urban revitalization is coming under attack.
Legislative Limbo For Displaced Trailer Park Residents
A large loss of mobile home parks in Florida has legislators asking whether the state or the municipalities should take responsibility for the thousands of misplaced low-income residents.
Missouri Town Approves Form-Based Code
The town of Blue Springs, Missouri, has turned to a form-based code to help revitalize its downtown and improve predictability for residents and developers alike.
Should Gas Taxes Be Raised To Fund Public Transit?
While public transit trips have been increasing, funding the systems remains a chronic problem, illustrated by the woes facing the Chicago El. This editorial urges Congress to increase the gas tax to provide all transit systems more revenue.
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
