Government / Politics
Many Bay Area Cities Flunk Housing Report Card
A business group publishes its annual "report card" or housing profile for Bay Area communities by comparing local housing permits issued to state-mandated housing goals.
When Town Officials Are Bribed To Approve Spawl
Large home builders are increasingly able and willing to bribe local governments to approve new greenfield developments.
Unclogging L.A.'s Streets
With a strong style and a common-sense approach, Gloria Jeff is taking on one of the world's most unenviable jobs: general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Transportation.
The Case For Municipal Solid Waste Management
Altoona, Pennsylvania, is proposing to replace its current private trash collection system with a municipal single-hauler contract to help combat blight, but opponents say that the city is removing consumer choice.
Corruption Plagues Miami-Dade's Housing Agency
The Miami Herald chronicles how the nation's most ambitious public housing effort in decades has become plagued by corruption and greed.
Some Residents Lament As Developers Reign In L.A.
Los Angeles faces projections of a population increase of up to 5 million people by 2030. The city's residents and planners are trying to come to terms with growth as a necessity, but the city's developer-friendly attitude has angered many residents.
Free-Transit On 'Bad Air Days" Popular, But Funds Exhausted
"Spare the Air" is a program operated by the Bay Area's air district to encourage use of public transit on 'bad air' days. They funded 3 "free transit" days to accompany the warnings. Ridership increased greatly but funding is exhausted too soon.
Dallas' Comprehensive Plan Victory
A tough critic begrudgingly congratulates the Dallas City Council for its courage in approving the city's new comprehensive plan, part of a two-year effort aided by Fregonese Calthorpe Associates.
Vancouver To Get New Planning Director
The city, which has gained attention for its downtown development strategies, is getting a new planning boss.
Transit Village Approved Despite School Board Opposition
Sheridan Stationside Village, a $500 million, 40-acre project with a train station as a central component, gained preliminary approval in Hollywood, Florida, despite opposition from the County's school board and nearby residents.
Trees Over Houses: A Critique Of Smart Growth
Citing high housing prices in cities with strong growth control policies, one author argues that the smart growth movement seems to place more value on open space than people and their preferred housing choices.
San Diego Reaches Compromise On Inclusionary Zoning
The city will amend its three-year-old ordinance to settle a lawsuit brought by the local the Building Industry Association.
Building Up, Not Out
Singapore and Vancouver are two examples of cities where high-rise residential development is the norm.
New Urbanist Plan Approved In Rural Florida Despite Opposition By Planners and Public
Pelham Square, a 200 home development proposed by creators of Celebration, faced opposition by County planners and residents due to its rural location and density.
Illinois' New Smart Growth Tax Breaks
The state will provide financial incentives to businesses who locate near transit and affordable housing.
Protecting Subway Cars From Bombs
Toronto is modifying its subway cars to improve safety in this age of terrorist bombings, while one expert says the change will only create an illusion of safety.
New Rail Line Will Link New England Cities With Airport
The planned $222.5 million transit hub will seamlessly link T.F. Green Airport with Providence and Boston by 2009.
The Political Power of Big Oil in California
Using their large purses and incredible political strength in the California legislature, lobbyists for the oil industry have succeeded in killing any legislation they have deemed a serious threat to profits.
Unique Open Space Sales Tax Measure Attempts To Be Renewed
A quarter cent sales tax measure, which has raised $200 million since 1990 and preserved 70,000 acres of open space, may be put before the voters of Santa Rosa, CA, in November for early re-authorization.
Sacramento Creates Infill Housing Council
The council will work with city officials and developers identify workable sites for infill housing as an alternative to sprawl.
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
