Government / Politics
New Generation Of City Managers Needed
As current city management professionals inch toward retirement, a shortage of younger candidates may mean tough times ahead for professionally managed cities.
Homestead Preservation District Could Soften The Blow Of Gentrification
With its downtown booming, Austin, Texas is trying to help homeowners who are feeling the squeeze from rising property values -- by buying their land.
Proposing A Regional Transit Authority In Washington
In Washington's Puget Sound, a proposal has been made to create a regional transit authority to oversee the coordination, planning, and financing of all transit projects for more than 128 transportation agencies in four counties.
Maryland's Governor Elect To Revive Smart Growth Policies
Governor-elect Martin O'Malley wants to redirect the state down the path of smart growth charted by former Governor Parris Glendening.
Revitalized Downtown Struggles With 'Hangover' Effect
While many downtowns struggle to attract residents and visitors, Madison, Wisconsin has succeeded in creating a vibrant nightlife scene, so much so, that overcrowding and alcohol-related crime have become a serious problem.
Should Taxpayers Foot The Bill For Wildfires?
A debate over who should be responsible for the costs incurred by wildfires is raging between the Federal government and state and local officials.
Seized Farmland Returned To Whites Amid Zimbabwe Food Shortage
Food shortages and economic decline have forced Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe to rescind his 2005 land reform decision to seize all farmland from white farmers. Land has already been returned to 19 white farmers, while more await lease approval.
Finding A Compromise On Property Rights Regulation
Though Washington State's property-rights initiative failed to pass in November, opponents and supports are trying to work together to address some of the concerns of land owners who feel the current regulations are too strict.
The Secretive Habits Of One City's Zoning Board
Voting sessions for the New Haven Board of Zoning Appeals are held at irregular times with little public notice, breeding accusations of an intentionally closed process.
Politics Allows Sensitive Lands To Receive Federal Flood Insurance
A Reagan-era "free market approach to conservation" that would deny federal flood insurance to sensitive lands is being undermined through the political process. Congress has granted two exceptions to the law for coastal areas in Georgia and Florida.
A Density Too High
A traditional neighborhood development planned near St. Petersburg, Florida, is having trouble getting approved because its proposed density is twice as high as the city wants to allow.
A Gas Tax That's Politically Possible?
Grist takes a look at political commentator Rick Gray's proposal for a gas tax scheme that Americans could stand.
Reforming Toward Prosperity: 2006 In Review
The Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program provides a review of its work in 2006, along with a list of the ten most noteworthy trends.
Amtrak's Future Looking Bright - For A Change!
Amtrak is riding high after reporting the highest revenue of any month for November, with 2006 revenue up 11 percent. The costly, long-distance routes appear to be safe from possible dismantling, according to Amtrak's new president.
The Agony Of New Orleans
With federal aid money wasted or tied up in the bureaucracy, and post-Katrina recovery promises left unkept, New Orleans remains an "open wound" and many of its residents are suffering from homelessness and a lack of basic services.
City Bouts With COG Over Housing Allocation
The Southern California city of Simi Valley is opposing recommendations from a regional association of governments that suggest the city should increase its housing stock. The city council sees the increase as unrealistic, citing a lack of land.
Ohio Tax-Sharing Program Looks To Boost Regional Economy
Representatives from seven Northeast Ohio counties are looking to form a regional partnership that would include tax-sharing, comprehensive regional planning and an equitable distribution of service and affordable housing.
Legislating A Safer Bike Ride In California
The tragic death of a tri-athlete student while bicycling in southern California has sparked a bill to create a three-foot buffer for any vehicle passing a cyclist – but will it create more problems than it attempts to solve?
Honolulu Transit Routes Debated
In Oahu, lawmakers are having trouble agreeing on the best path for a proposed light rail line. The Honolulu mayor wants a different path than that approved by the city council. But it is not even certain if the proposed line will be rail or bus.
New York City Rail Projects Win Huge Federal Funding Awards
The LIRR connection to Grand Central has been awarded the largest Federal funding allotment ever committed to mass transit. The new Second Ave. Subway was also awarded substantial funds from the U.S. Dept of Transportation.
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
