Infrastructure

The Challenges of City-Built Information Networks

When Lafayette, Louisiana set out to build a high-speed fiber optic data network, legal challenges caused major delays. Other cities are likely to experience the same issues as they try to expand their information infrastructure.

August 23, 2009 - Governing

Stimulus is Funding the Status Quo in California

While high speed rail and smart grid technology were used to sell the idea of the economic stimulus package, the majority of stimulus money in California is being spent on routine projects, according to new figures.

August 22, 2009 - Los Angeles Times

Soviet Era Infrastructure is Crumbling

A recent breach in the largest hydroelectric dam in Russia highlights the dangers posed by undermaintained Soviet era infrastructure.

August 21, 2009 - The New York Times

Brooklyn's Warehouse Roof Garden

This video from Reuters looks at a new rooftop garden in Brooklyn. Covering 6,000 square feet, the flourishing garden provides fresh produce to local restaurants.

August 21, 2009 - Reuters (on-line)

Chicago Sued Over Privatized Parking Meters

Earlier this year, The City of Chicago handed over control of their parking meter enforcement to a private company. A watchdog group is suing, saying the city didn't have a right to lease the public's streets.

August 20, 2009 - Chicago Sun-Times

America's Killer Roads

This oped takes on American street design and blames it for causing countless road injuries and deaths.

August 20, 2009 - The Boston Globe

New Poll Finds Increased Usage of Urban Parks

A new report issued by The Trust for Public Land details the park and recreation system acres and facilities of the nation's largest 77 cities. The report shows that Americans are flocking to their city parks more in a down economy.

August 19, 2009 - City Parks Blog

iBurgh Connects Pittsburghers With Services

The City of Pittsburgh, PA yesterday released an iPhone app that allows you to take pictures of potholes and send a complaint directly to the city.

August 18, 2009 - KDKA2

The Costs and Benefits of the Canada Line

A new rail line connecting Vancouver to its airport is highly anticipated in the region. The costs and construction disturbances, are causing some concern, however.

August 17, 2009 - The Globe and Mail

A Survey of American Drinking Fountains

Public drinking fountains are a useful if underappreciated urban amenity. The New York Times asked eight illustrators around the U.S. to watch one fountain in their cities and report back.

August 17, 2009 - The New York Times

Finding a Home for California's Renewable Energy Transmission Lines

A new report from an interdisciplinary group of officials and advocates outlines where new energy transmission lines are needed in California, where they should be sited, and how best the state can transition to a renewable energy future.

August 16, 2009 - San Francisco Chronicle

Utah Edges Closer to First BRT System

Officials in Utah have approved plans for a bus rapid transit system between Provo and Orem, which will be the state's first BRT system.

August 16, 2009 - Deseret News

Expensive Sewer Drives County to Bankruptcy

In 1993, Jefferson County, Alabama issued $3 billion in bonds to pay for a sewer system that would serve 150,000 people. Today, their financial situation is so bad they've stopped paying creditors and are close to declaring bankruptcy.

August 13, 2009 - Governing Magazine

City Gives Incentives To Recycle

In Corpus Christi, Texas, officials have entered a public-private partnership to give people more reasons to recycle.

August 13, 2009 - Corpus Christi Caller-Times

First Bikes, Now Paris Wants to Share Cars

Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe has announced a plan to initiate a citywide car-sharing system, building on the success of the city's popular bike sharing program.

August 13, 2009 - Der Spiegel

Understated Impact of Olympics on Vancouver

Iconic Olympic venues may not be the best take-away from next Winter's games in Vancouver. The real benefit for the city may be its new rapid transit line, according to this article.

August 13, 2009 - USA Today

City Imposes Controversial Fees For Street Marches

Hundreds marched in San Antonio, Texas, in defiance of new street procession fees that the organizations believe will stifle free speech.

August 12, 2009 - San Antonio Express-News

Where Are We Going To Charge Our Cars?

Cities need stations where electric cars can recharge in order for the new technology to take off and become a reality in the future, The Wall Street Journal reports.

August 10, 2009 - The Wall Street Journal

Watching Trash

Tracking tags have been implanted in garbage in New York and Seattle to monitor where garbage goes and how municipal waste management systems can improve.

August 8, 2009 - Seed

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.

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA

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.