Government / Politics
Al Gore Delivers Major Speech On Global Warming
In a major "policy speech" Al Gore proposes a strategy to combat global warming. He is also working on a new book to be published next year.
Cuba's Crumbling Infrastructure
Even as its economy improves, Cuba instructure is falling apart.
Report Shows UK Land Levy Ineffectual
A proposed land levy in the UK that is intended to raise funding for local governments has been shown in recent reports to fail to increase the amount of money trickling down to local municipalities.
Anti-Sprawl Law Revised To Encourage Sprawl
Revision to a Maryland state homebuying assistance program is catching some resistance from smart growth advocates as changed language seems to go against the original anti-sprawl intent.
Community Voices Heard in L.A.
Neighborhood Councils in Los Angeles have stopped the city's elected Council from using a misleading title for a ballot initiative facing voters in November. The volunteer groups are moving closer to providing a voice for the community at City Hall.
California Emission Law Has Its Day In Court
In U.S. District Court in Fresno on Sept. 15, a California deputy attorney general asked Judge Ishii to dismiss a suit by the auto industry that would void the state's new emission standards, applicable in 2009, that target carbon dioxide.
Bush U-Turn On Global Warming Rumored
Is the Bush administration planning a dramatic reversal of its policy on global warming?
Beijing To Ban Cars At 2008 Olympics
To reduce traffic congestion and pollution, officials in Beijing will prohibit the use of private cars at sporting events during the 2008 Olympic Summer Games.
How Bad Leadership Spoils Good Planning
In many ways, a successful urban planner is first and foremost a leader, yet far too many professionals lack the ability to lead, and ignore the importance of cultivating good leadership skills.
Filling The Freedom Tower
Both the Federal and State of New York governments have tentatively agreed to occupy 1 million of the Freedom Tower's 2.6 million square feet of office space. The question is, who will fill the rest?
California's $20 Billion Transportation Bond
Despite facing no organized opposition and proponents having spent over $5 million to date, support for the $20 billion transportation bond, which will finance new roads and public transit, stands only at 54 percent.
Should The Senate Bail-Out Amtrak?
This editorial from The New York Sun argues that a $1.6 billion bail out from the U.S. Senate is not the right way to fix the nation's perpetually struggling passenger rail system. International examples of success should be considered.
Housing Crisis Due To Government's Failure To Plan
Local government's preoccupation with regulating development and its failure to provide public infrastructure and maintain an attractive public realm is at the root of the current lack of affordable housing.
Carbon Sequestration In the North Sea
Norway's oil giant Statoil has been injecting carbon dioxide deep into the North Sea floor for 10 years as a carbon sequestration method intended to reduce its "carbon dioxide taxes" to the Norwegian government.
Series Covers 'Planning In The West'
A series of articles and reports addressing growth in the Western United States, including Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Idaho and other states.
California's 'Other' Global Warming Bill
With the media captivated by the landmark "Global Warming Solutions Act", a sister-bill has gone mostly unnoticed, yet will have an almost immediate impact in changing California's energy portfolio by targeting the 20% of imported, coal-based energy.
Transit Priorities Battle It Out In Los Angeles
With several plans for new transit lines developing simultaneously, local officials and politicians are trying to balance the region's enormous need with the fiscal realities in Washington.
Public Libraries As Anchors For Urban Revitalization
Governments concerned about sound urban planning need to pay more attention to the role played by anchor public institutions, such as public libraries, in invigorating local economies, writes urban strategist and former Winnipeg Mayor Glen Murray.
Voters Won't Create Appointed Zoning Board
Alabama residents voted down a proposition to create a zoning and planning district in the community of Fowl River over fears that the appointed 7-member board would have too much power to shape the town.
Creating A Walkable Neighborhood In Auto-Centric Houston
Developers and planners working on plans for Midtown are coming up against the city's own car-friendly regulations as they envision a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly urban village in the center of Houston.
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
