Government / Politics

New Clean Diesel Fuel Debuts

In the most important fuel improvement since lead was removed from gasoline a generation ago, 97% of the sulfur from diesel fuel will be removed, dramatically reducing particulate emissions, resulting in improvements to health and longevity.

September 5, 2006 - The Oakland Tribune

California's Bold Plan To Address Global Warming

Curtis Moore, a Republican, urges Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to sign global warming bills that could make California's approach a model for addressing the adverse impact of climate change.

September 5, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Eminent Domain: Still A Useful Tool Despite Its Recent Thrashing

While the public and the media like to bring attention to a few controversial cases, rarely does anyone recognize the all the good that has come from the sound use of eminent domain by local officials, says David M. Lewis.

September 5, 2006 - David M. Lewis

The War Over McMansions

Patt Morrison asks, what if everybody owned a McMansion?

September 4, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

New Orleans: 'A Nonfunctioning City'

One year later, the costs of Hurricane Katrina -- and the litany of crises that remain to be addressed -- is "staggering."

September 3, 2006 - Center for American Progress Action Fund

Boise Light Rail: Fantasy or Reality?

Boise's proposal for commuter light-rail chugs along.

September 2, 2006 - The Boise Weekly

California's Historic Deal To Curb Greenhouse Gas Emissions

In a stunning blow to big business in California, Gov. Schwarzenegger carved an agreement with the Democratic legislature to sign a landmark bill that will require a 25 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 -- the first in the nation.

September 2, 2006 - The New York Times

Is Vancouver, Canada The New Model For Urban Planning?

Having recently shown off its vibrant and dense downtown at the 2006 World Urban Forum, planners from around the world are looking to Vancouver as a model for sustainable urban planning.

September 1, 2006 - New Matilda

Inclusionary Housing In Queens, New York

130 blocks have been rezoned to include an inclusionary housing requirement in the New York City borough.

September 1, 2006 - City Limits Weekly

Can A Regional Transportation Authority Solve Tampa's Road Woes?

The proposal to create an eight-county transportation authority has drawn applause, skepticism, and fear.

September 1, 2006 - HeraldToday.com

For Sale: 10 City Blocks In New York City

Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village, two World War II era middle-class housing developments on Manhattan's lower east side, are up for sale -- with an estimated value of $5 billion.

August 31, 2006 - The New York Times

All Eyes On Air District's Sprawl Fee Litigation

California's Central Valley, where farms are rapidly being converted to tract housing, has the worst air quality in the state. A new "sprawl fee" on developments based on vehicle trips they would generate has spawned a legal challenge from builders.

August 31, 2006 - The New York Times

UK Government Accused Of Violating 'Protective Planning' Laws

Environmentalists in England are charging local and central government officials with bending their own rules to allow various developments in scenic, rural areas and environmentally-sensitive lands.

August 31, 2006 - The Guardian

Six Achievable Steps To Confront Global Warming

A new report from U.S. PIRG identifies achievable strategies for the United States to reduce global climate impacts by 20 percent.

August 29, 2006 - US Public Interest Research Group

Miami Beach Struggles With The Cost Of Parking

To compensate for the rising cost of providing parking structures, the city is proposing to hike its impact fee to $35,000 per space.

August 28, 2006 - The Miami Herald

New Orleans Still Without A Plan

A year after Katrina, the federal money for rebuilding is just starting to arrive, while the city's mayor has failed to lead the reconstruction.

August 28, 2006 - The Boston Globe

The Bronx: An Urban Comeback Story

With a slate of major new development projects, including the new Yankee Stadium, New York's Bronx borough is headed for a comeback after decades of decline and struggle.

August 28, 2006 - The New York Sun

America's Affordable Housing Crisis

A recent article in the Washington Post calls for drastic action from local communities and politicians in Washington to address the growing lack of affordable housing.

August 28, 2006 - The Washington Post

Will Florida's Growth Management Controls Encourage Sprawl?

Home builders in Florida say that the state's plan to make developers pay for new infrastructure will promote development on cheap land away from cities.

August 28, 2006 - Tallahassee Democrat

Maine Takes The Lead On Energy Independence

Maine's new governor has made energy conservation, efficiency and alternative energy key themes to his administration, mandating LEED standards for state buildings, increasing hybrid vehicles, use of bio-diesel, and embracing wind farms.

August 26, 2006 - Portland Press Herald, ME

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

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.