Infrastructure

CEQA–Exemption: Schwarzenegger’s Bargaining Chip

Gov. Schwarzenegger wants the California Environmental Quality Act- a requirement for major transportation projects- waived if he is to sign the $18 billion Democratic package that balances the budget and is crafted to circumvent Republican approval.

December 29, 2008 - Sacramento Bee

Streetcar Suburbs Without Streetcars?

Matthew Ridgeway wonders if the infrastructure benefits of new streetcar projects- facade improvement, streetscaping, community investment- could happen with direct investment, leaving streetcars out of the picture.

December 29, 2008 - coolconnections.org

Planning Palestine

Suisman Urban Design was hired to design a theoretical Palestinian State, in the hopes that the plan might encourage the peace process. The plan was released in 2005, and has been gaining traction and admiration ever since.

December 28, 2008 - Places Journal

Power Plowers

How well mayors and city officials deal with snowstorms is one of the best indicators of how well they can serve their cities, according to this article from Governing.

December 28, 2008 - Governing

Budget And Credit Crises Halt California Infrastructure Projects

Infrastructure funding in California is grinding to a halt as two crises hit simultaneously: a political impasse unable to resolve a budget gap of $42 billion and a credit crisis leaving the state unable to sell its bonds.

December 27, 2008 - Los Angeles Times

Suburbs Benefit From an Urban President, Too

In fact, says one planner, suburbs and exurbs can expect to see some of the biggest changes of all, at least from infrastructure and transportation funding.

December 22, 2008 - Marketwatch

Shrinking City Planning

Detroit's population is rapidly declining, but the answer to revitalizing the city may lie in part in urban farming.

December 22, 2008 - The Salt Lake Tribune

Schwarzenegger: Decaying Infrastructure Is Hurting Economy

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger writes that the failure of the U.S. to invest in infrastructure is hurting the economy, and a massive investment is necessary.

December 19, 2008 - Newsweek

Tucson Rejects Density Plan

There will be no infill development at Jefferson Park, near the University of Arizona, that increases density. The move contradicts the city's plan to achieve a more "urban feel."

December 19, 2008 - Tuscon Citizen

Republican LaHood Chosen As Transportation Secretary

Surprising many, IL Congressman Ray LaHood, a Republican, was selected to fill the transportation position in Obama's administration, presumably to show a bi-partisan approach. Transportation reauthorization and the stimulus package await LaHood.

December 18, 2008 - The Wall Street Journal

Infrastructure In Canada Threatened By Climate Change

An internal report to the Canadian government written nearly two years ago concludes that infrastructure in the country is at serious risk from climate change. The study came to light recently under the Access to Information Act.

December 18, 2008 - The Vancouver Sun

BRT Fails in Delhi

The Bus Rapid Transit System has failed to meet the demands of New Delhi's riders and pedestrians. A better strategy, according to one report, is to improve its mass transit instead.

December 17, 2008 - The Indian Express

Growing People And Jobs While Shrinking Traffic

As New York City faces its worst financial crisis in 2 decades, a NYC D.O.T. study was released showing that from 2003-2007, the increase in jobs and people was accompanied by a slight decrease in traffic due primarily to increased transit usage.

December 15, 2008 - The New York Times

Seattle Freeway Replacement Plans Whittled to Two Options

Planners and officials in Seattle have whittled down the list to just two ideas for replacing the city's damaged inner-city viaduct. Washington Governor Christine Gregoire reportedly wants a final decision by the end of the year.

December 15, 2008 - The Seattle Times

Toronto Goes Back to the Tap

Toronto is now the biggest city in North America to ban the sale of bottled water on city premises, a victory which advocates hope will spur a reinvestment in public water facilities, including drinking fountains in new buildings.

December 13, 2008 - Toronto Star

'Ready' Road Projects Could Create 1.8 Million Jobs

More than 5,000 road and bridge projects are "ready to go". They still need funding, but could provide nearly 2 million jobs if Congress approves infrastructure spending.

December 12, 2008 - CNN

Obama's Infrastructure Spending Could be a "Tragic Waste", Says Kunstler

James Kunstler believes that President-Elect Obama's bid to boost the economy through repairing infrastructure could be more usefully spent on rail and harbors.

December 11, 2008 - James Kunstler's Blog

Recycling Through Underground Tubes

London's Wembley City development is the proud owner of the first automated waste collection system in the U.K. Recycling or garbage are deposited in bins, then sucked underground, eliminating the need for trucks or garbage collectors.

December 11, 2008 - Building

Uncertain Times See Cities Planning for Peak Oil

With energy and the economy both causing headaches, 2008 has been a big year for local governments recognizing and planning for peak oil. Finding a way forward in a future of constrained energy will require much of planners.

December 11, 2008 - Post Carbon Cities Blog

$1/Gallon Gas Consumption Tax Proposal

In this Mercury News Op-Ed, San Jose State University Professor Larry Gerston proposes this bold tax for mass transit and alternative energy programs. It yields $175 billion annually and creates green jobs, enabling us to determine our destiny.

December 10, 2008 - Mercury News

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.