The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Feds Award $160 Million For Higher Speed Trains In Michigan
Funds will be used to purchase and restore a 135-mile stretch of tracks between Kalamazoo and Dearborn so trains can operate at 79mph and then 110 mph. It is part of the Pontiac to Chicago high-speed corridor, currently operated by Amtrak.
A Park to Fit the Arch
New designs for the surrounding park offer a chance at a brighter future for the Eero Saarinen-designed Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
D.C. Streetcars In the Works
The District Department of Transportation recently released detailed plans for the new system, which has been in the making for more than 14 years.
ARC Tunnel Scrapped - Absolutely, States NJ Governor
Time will tell whether this was a shrewd political move, saving the state billions of dollars, or a monumental failure of judgment. NJ must now repay the federal government $270 million; he forfeits $6 billion in transit, but prevents overrun costs.
Is the U.S. Neglecting Its Water?
Bob Herbert warns that the country is allowing its water systems to deteriorate despite a widely evidenced need for upgrades.
A New City and Business Hub for South Korea
New Songdo City is rising in South Korea, part of an effort to lure foreign investment and business that will help revitalize the struggling economy.
A Library for Bikes
The University of California, Los Angeles has begun operations on a new kind of library -- one that rents bikes out to students.
'Livable' Sounds Great, But What is it?
<em>Grist</em> talks with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood about just what exactly "livable communities" are and how the government is planning to create them.
Preserving Detroiters' Way of Life
<em>Forbes</em> talks with Detroit Mayor Dave Bing about reshaping the city and how those plans will and won't impact long-time residents who may be opposed to change.
Small Counties on Edge Over Metro Atlanta Transit Debate
Suggestions of a county seceding from the Atlanta Regional Commission could threaten transportation funding in the region and hurt those towns looking to bow out, according to this column.
Urban Homestead Sectors, Naturescapes, and Green Venture Zones
A group called The Community Development Advocates of Detroit (CDAD) released a report this week that breaks the city down into 11 different district types, each with their own character and policy recommendations.
Bike Sharing Becomes Part of Transportation Picture
Erik Weber of non-profit EMBARQ argues that bike sharing systems combine the benefits of cycling and public transit and is a sustainable solution for cities.
Bigger and Faster in China
The opening of a new 220-mph high speed train and the peak energy production at the Three Gorges Dam shows that China's been able to successfully launch major infrastructure project faster than the rest of the world.
New Toronto Mayor Backs Away From Anti-Streetcar Sentiment
Toronto's mayor-elect had campaigned on a platform that included plans to ditch the city's streetcar system. Now he seems to be backing away from that stance.
EcoDistricts to Rise in Portland
Portland has five "eco-district" pilot projects in the works. The first two are expected to begin implementation over the next year, and organizers are hoping they lead to more sustainability efforts throughout the city.
Defending The Livable Communities Bill
After Metropolis Magazine took a swipe at Sen. Dodd's Livable Communities Act of 2009, or S.1619, for being "All Carrot, No Stick" or worse, Grist comes to its defense as a necessary bill that would sustain Obama's current smart growth effort.
Will People Really Buy Small Homes?
Building smaller, more economical and sustainable homes is the talk of the building industry. But is it based on truth? Reporter Andrew Rice says it's anyone's guess with Americans will embrace the "spirit of contraint."
A Bigger Transportation Role for the White House?
The Obama administration has expressed interest in playing a bigger role in transportation and infrastructure policy in the U.S. <em>National Journal</em> asks its panel of experts if it's the right time for the White House to be more involved.
Census Participation Holds Steady
Participation rates for the 2010 Census have been released, and the national average of 74% matches that of the previous Census in 2000.
The 'Negligible' Building Safety Benefit of Helipads
In the second part of a series looking at codes in L.A. that require tall buildings to have flat roofs for helicopter landing, <em>Curbed LA</em> discusses a new building that has been exempted from the code and whether more are likely to follow.
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
New York City School Construction Authority
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
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