Government / Politics

Seattle's Workforce Grappling With Housing Shortage

The city is revisiting its affordable housing programs, which currently do little to help moderate-income residents who are increasingly priced out of homeownership.

April 4, 2007 - The Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Wind Turbine Ordinance Proves Controversial In New York Town

A small town in upstate New York struggles to craft an ordinance to limit wind energy turbines.

April 2, 2007 - The Daily Star, Oneonta, NY

Making the Desert Bloom, But for How Long?

Mike Sabel takes an in-depth look at the future of Las Vegas, its enormous growth, and what happens when the water runs out.

April 2, 2007 - The Next American City

Oregon Working On Amendments To Measure 37

State legislators are trying to reach agreement on how to work out the kinks from the controversial law.

March 30, 2007 - The Register-Guard

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.

March 29, 2007 - The Arizona Republic

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.

March 29, 2007 - Streetsblog

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.

March 29, 2007 - The Economist

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.

March 29, 2007 - The Kansas City Star

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.

March 28, 2007 - Prospect Magazine

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.

March 27, 2007 - The Seattle Times

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.

March 27, 2007 - The New York Times

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.

March 27, 2007 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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.

March 27, 2007 - The Advocate (Stamford, CT)

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.

March 26, 2007 - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

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.

March 26, 2007 - The Cincinnati Enquirer

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.

March 25, 2007 - Shanghai Daily

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.

March 24, 2007 - Forbes

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.

March 23, 2007 - The News & Observer

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.

March 23, 2007 - The Houston Chronicle

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.

March 22, 2007 - INTBAU News

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.

Professor of Urban Planning

Harvard University Graduate School of Design

Transportation Planner I

KFH Group Inc.

Director, Strategy and Research

Greater Baltimore Committee

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