The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
BLOG POST
Embracing the power of the state
After spending more than two decades in local government before my eight years as Governor of Maryland, I came to realize how the state was contributing to the spread of sprawl by funding infrastructure improvements, school construction, and transportation investments, among many other things. When we began to utilize the entire state budget as a tool for smarter growth, we found ourselves in uncharted territory. Leading the way is certainly an adventure, but it also comes with the unenviable task of not having someone who has gone before to help navigate the journey.<br />
BLOG POST
Transportation Infrastructure "Stressed To the Breaking Point"
<p>In an <a href="http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/transportation/4219981.html" target="_blank">editorial</a> posted yesterday in <em>Popular Mechanics</em>, national security expert Stephen Flynn argues that Americans are relying on decades-old infrastructure intended for a much smaller passenger and vehicle load. </p>
The Dangers of Aging Infrastructure
<p>The collapse of the 35W bridge in Minneapolis is likely to be representative of the kinds of new disasters we experience in the US as the county's infrastructure ages, and little new investment is made by government.</p>
Houston Creates Its First Ever Historic District
<p>City officials moved to protect 33 acres of the Old Sixth Ward -- a historic mark for the city in its own right.</p>
BLOG POST
Borrowed time
<p>The collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis puts the spotlight on the unsexy topic of infrastructure maintenance. But a smart growth policy, "Fix it First," has been focused in the area for some time. The policy, in place in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and for the last four years in Massachusetts, states that no new highways or bridges can be built until all existing infrastructure is in a state of good repair. Generally this meant stuff that was in and around existing cities; thus it's a smart growth policy, as the makeovers make cities and older suburbs more liveable and functional, while sprawl-enabling highway construction is limited. </p>
The Left-Leaning NIMBY
<p>In Marin County and other wealthy, liberal enclaves, many residents are vocally supportive of affordable housing and other causes -- unless its in their neighborhood.</p>
Pedestrian Friendliness Rating Engine Draws Attention On Web
<p>A fun new website that attempts to quantify the pedestrian-friendliness of a neighborhood is getting some buzz in the blogosphere.</p>
California's Best and Worst Downtowns
<p>San Francisco and San Diego are the No. 1 downtowns in California, according to California Planning & Development Report. L.A. is #4, behind Long Beach. Last? Fresno, Fresno, Fresno.</p>
Idaho's Governor Proposes State Workers Stay Home And Telecommute
<p>As roads become more congested, one congestion mitigation proposal would encourage state workers to telecommute.</p>
Backyard On The Roof
<p>Rooftop gardens bloom in New Jersey.</p>
Legislating The Connection Between Land Use, Climate Change
<p>California State Senator Darrell Steinberg tackles the connections between land use and greenhouse gas emissions with SB 375. Can California continue its leadership on climate change legislation?</p>
The Arrogance Of Architects
<p>An exploration of the architectural ego, the reasons for its existence, and whether it could be any other way.</p>
San Francisco To Vote On Public Transit, Parking
<p>The Board of Supervisors approved a ballot measure that would increase funding the city's maligned transit agency and head off another measure aimed at repealing the city's parking limits.</p>
Seattle Puts Double-Decker Buses Into Service
<p>Hoping to boost capacity without using additional road space, Seattle will become only the second city in the nation to put the London style buses into service.</p>
Federal Infrastructure Bank Proposed In Congress
<p>With the nation's crumbling infrastructure having grabbed headlines lately, two U.S. senators are supported the concept of a national infrastructure bank to evaluate and finance major public works.</p>
The Subway Mayor (Sort Of)
<p>Though New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has earned kudos by taking public transit to work, reporters for the New York Times note his commute -- which involves a 22 block ride in a chauffeured Chevy Suburban -- isn't your average subway ride.</p>
A Black City Planned By Whites?
<p>African-Americans are the majority of residents in Richmond, Virginia, but a new master planning effort has been criticized for attracting little participation from non-whites.</p>
Salt Lake Sky Bridge Becomes Political Hot Button
<p>The controversy over the proposed sky bridge in downtown Salt Lake City has worked its way into the race for mayor.</p>
Creating A Sense Of Place With Modern Day Main Streets
<p>In Missouri, towns are embracing New Urbanism and reviving main street districts or even creating new downtowns where they didn't exist.</p>
The New Public Spaces And Why They Are Important
<p>Parks are no just about connecting with nature. The evolving public spaces of today revitalize abandoned industrial land and engage citizens.</p>
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
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