Government / Politics
Could Amtrak Soon Be Privatized?
Private investment in Amtrak is increasingly seen as part of the solution for the poorly performing national rail service.
Will Mega Cities Usher In A New Era Of City-States?
With major world cities growing in size and economic power, could the next step be independence?
Will Sprawl Fee Spread To The Bay Area?
The Bay Area's Air Quality District is awaiting the outcome of the building industry's litigation against the country's first regulation of "indirect sources" in California's heavily polluted Central Valley.
Sydney Considering Road Congestion Pricing
While a London-style congestion charge is unpopular with voters, experts agree that a congestion pricing scheme for major arterial roads is the only way to solve the city's traffic problems.
Are Oakland's Schools Prepared For Downtown Housing Boom?
With tens of thousands of housing units springing up downtown and nearby classrooms already at capacity, the local school district is figuring out how to meet the coming demand.
Interview With L.A.'s New Planning Chief
Gail Goldberg speaks about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as she tackles planning for the nation's second largest city.
The Politics Of Planning In Hong Kong
Government officials are finding themselves at odds with an ever more vocal public over major urban development proposals.
London's Mayor Targeting Gas Guzzling Vehicles
Mayor Ken Livingston is proposing raising the city's congestion charge for SUVs to £25, while providing discounts for low-emissions vehicles.
$1 Billion Housing Bond Headed For L.A. City Ballot
A $1-billion bond measure that would help fund about 1,000 new affordable housing units annually over the next decade and enable middle-income workers to become first-time homeowners is likely to appear on the Los Angeles ballot in November.
Higher Taxes Could Encourage Sprawl
Proposed tax hikes in San Francisco could hurt the region's smart growth efforts by encouraging businesses to move out of the center city.
Washington State Will Vote On Property Rights Initiative
Supporters and opponents of the controversial proposal are preparing for a major campaign in the fall.
What Happens When A Company Town Scales Back Public Services?
The quaint lumber company town of Scotia, California, fears a merger with its slightly larger, but economically-depressed neighbor across the river.
Planning for Good Health
Sacramento's MPO thinks it's time to re-establish the old link between public health and city planning. But is smart growth really healthier? And whose responsibility is it to build healthy cities anyways?
Convention Center A Bad Investment For Taxpayer Dollars
Los Angeles' recent decision to provide over $300 million in public assistance for a new convention center hotel complex doesn't help the city or the taxpayer, says Joel Kotkin.
A Scathing Rebuke For LA's Building Department?
The Los Angeles City Controller issues a 235-page audit of the city's Department of Building and Safety. While the report appears to be highly critical, a close reading indicates most problems result from chronic understaffing.
Can Connecticut Avoid Making "Sprawl" Mistakes?
Two leaders of the smart growth movement, former Maryland Gov. Perris Glendening and former New Jersey Gov. and EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman, highlight some of the lessons learned from other states.
Court Sides With Neighbor Taking Land Without Payment
A case in New York has reasserted a centuries-old law allowing a user of someone else's land to acquire title without paying for it.
Ridership Plan May Be Thwarting TOD Plans
Caltrain's ridership has increased since it began its express service, but several cities looking to encourage TOD development are calling for restored local service to all stations.
Florida Skips Affordable Housing Requirements
Developers in Palm Beach County didn't even have to twist any arms to get the county zoning commission to drop its affordable housing requirements.
Cleveland Properties Could Face Eminent Domain
As a developer sets his sights on redeveloping some of Cleveland's Cuyahoga Riverfront, the state of Ohio is considering the use of eminent domain to secure the land and ensure the economic development it promises.
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
