The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Why Universities Should Engage In Community Development

<p>Columnist Neal Peirce highlights the University of Pennsylvania's efforts at improving its Philadelphia neighborhood -- and the resulting improvements for Town and Gown.</p>

July 30 - The Seattle Times

Corruption At The Los Angeles City Housing Authority

<p>A Los Angeles Times investigation reveals a highly-paid manager for the Los Angeles City Housing Authority rigging bids worth nearly $1 million over four years.</p>

July 30 - The Los Angeles Times

Should Homes Be Banned From Fire-Prone Areas?

<p>With the cost of fighting fires having risen dramatically, a recent op-ed suggests that cities and counties reign in sprawl and prevent home construction in forest areas.</p>

July 30 - The Salt Lake Tribune

Sweeping Survey Of L.A.'s Historical Architecture Launched

<p>An ambitious 5 year project will attempt to catalog all the historic properties in the city using an interactive website.</p>

July 30 - The Los Angeles Times

Atlanta Foreclosures Provide An Affordable Housing Opportunity

<p>An Atlanta city councilwoman is trying to launch an affordable-housing program based on leveraging homes abandoned due to the mortgage-lending crisis.</p>

July 30 - Atlanta Business Chronicle


NYC Transit Fares And Tolls May Rise In 2008

<p>Even with a $1 billion surplus this year, mouting debt payments for MTA may force an increase in the $2 bus and subway fare next year to keep the budget in the black.</p>

July 30 - The New York Times

Lamenting Sprawl In Kansas City

<p>"Progress" and developers are carelessly expanding the reach of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area.</p>

July 30 - The Kansas City Star


FEATURE

In The Name Of 'Community'

July 30 - Ali Modarres

Access To Toronto Waterfront Parks Limited

<p>With private home development crowding many of the waterfront areas next to Lake Ontario in Toronto, locals and parks advocates are left with few access options.</p>

July 30 - The Toronto Star

Colonial City Gets Help In Preserving History

<p>Hosting a collection of dozens of historic colonial buildings originally built more than 200 years ago, the city of St. Augustine, Florida, is having trouble taking care of all of them. The University of Florida has volunteered preservation services.</p>

July 30 - The Ledger

A Look At The Miami Housing Agency Debacle

<p>An investigative report airing on PBS stations chronicles the corruption and mismanagement uncovered at the Miami-Dade Housing Agency over the past year.</p>

July 29 - PBS

New Orleans Riverfront Plan Sparks Excitement, Worries

<p>An ambitious plan to redevelop the Mississippi Riverfront in New Orleans has locals excited about the prospect of a huge boost to the economy, but some are leery about the negative impact the project could have on the city's unique character.</p>

July 29 - The Clarion-Ledger

China's Rural-To-Urban Migration

<p>In southwest China, one municipality is trying to usher in a new modern age by encouraging rural residents to move into urban areas. The flood may create one of the most populous cities in the world, but many rural migrants are hesitant to move.</p>

July 29 - The Economist

Controversy Over Public Housing Rehab In Chicago

<p>Chicago has plans to replace more than 50 high-rise public housing buildings, a renovation project that is expected to cost more than $1 billion. The plan has elicited criticism from housing advocates who argue that many residents will be displaced.</p>

July 29 - NPR

The Impact Of McMansions On The Value of Neighboring Homes

<p>A Wall Street Journal writer shares her family's experience in a neighborhood quickly being dominated by McMansions.</p>

July 29 - The Wall Street Journal

What To Do When The Population Drops

<p>Demographic trends are shifting all over the world, leading scientists to believe that the global population may soon peak and decline. Demographers argue that how countries and regions handle the decline will be critical in the long-term.</p>

July 28 - The Economist

The Importance Of Eco-Cities In An Urbanizing World

<p>As urbanization increases, the importance of ecologically-considerate city building techniques has become more pronounced. Several examples of planned "eco-cities" are laying the foundation for embracing this model of growth and development.</p>

July 28 - GLOBE-Net

Suburb And City Battle Over Airport Expansion

<p>With expansion of nearby O'Hare Airport planned and moving forward, the suburban Chicago community of Bensenville is being slowly drained of residents and buildings to make way for the project. But some residents aren't going without a fight.</p>

July 28 - The Chicago Tribune

The Health And Education Benefits Of Affordable Housing

<p>A new collection of research shows that people who have access to affordable housing don't just have a better place to live, but more easily improve their health and education level.</p>

July 28 - Center for Housing Policy

Massachusetts May File Criminal Charges in Big Dig collapse

<p>Such a move would set a new legal precedent and might encourage other prosecutors to bring similar charges in structural failures.</p>

July 28 - The Christian Science Monitor

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