The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
States Take Action on Foreclosures While Federal Government Stumbles
<p>Without a clear federal plan to counteract the swath of foreclosures sweeping across the country, state governments are finding ways to reduce the local impacts.</p>
Wave of Bankruptcies Will 'Remake' Shopping Malls Across the Country
<p>Thousands of stores across the country face closure as the credit crisis curtails consumer spending, and chain retailers file for bankruptcy.</p>
BLOG POST
Media Density Discussions are Needed for Cities
<font size="2">Can any North American city have a meaningful public discussion about sustainability, about its "green-ness" or ecological footprint, without having the challenging but necessary public discussion about the city's density?</font><font size="2"> <p> Many are still trying to. Many freely trumpet smart growth and sustainability without the tension and trouble that comes with discussing the "d-word" openly, and thus avoid the necessary heavy-lifting. Few politicians, and embarrassingly not enough city planners, are willing to tackle the density issue publicly, as it is still what <em>Sustainable Urbanism</em> author Douglas Farr calls the "3rd rail" of sustainable city building. </p>
Grassroots Environmental Movement Sprouts in China
<p>Environmental activism is on the rise in China. It's not a fast rise, but its existence is seen by many as a major step.</p>
The Fight for $1 Homes
<p>A HUD plan that allows municipalities to buy up foreclosed homes for just $1 is causing controversy in Wayne County, Michigan, where cities and counties are fighting over who is best suited to take over abandoned homes.</p>
Planning Cities In The Age Of Global Warming
<p>A recent conference hosted by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy focused on how planners around the world are designing urban areas that respond to the impacts of climate change.</p>
BLOG POST
Time for Change? Skip the Change, I’ll Take Dollars!
<p> <font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">I’ve been torn lately between two contradictory perspectives on the state of the country as it relates to providing transportation infrastructure and service.<span>
Sustaining Our $1.2 Billion Daily Gasoline Habit
<p>Gas prices have risen dramatically and continue to rise, with oil topping $110 per barrel. How are we paying for it, and who benefits? The News Hour's Ray Suarez interviews oil expert Lisa Margonelli for answers.</p>
Los Angeles Taco Trucks in Trouble
<p>Mobile taco trucks in Los Angeles may face tougher fines for parking in any one place for too long if proposed restrictions are passed by the county.</p>
The Most Bicycle Friendly City In America
<p>Two local transportation advocates shed light on the plans and policies that have made Portland, Oregon the bicycle capital of the U.S.</p>
A Final Plea For Transit In Southwest Michigan
<p>If local officials don't come together with a workable plan, Detroit may just blow its last chance to implement a regional transportation system.</p>
Leasing Toll Roads: Learning From Indiana
<p>While experts now say that the lease term Indiana agreed to was too long, and the payment it received in return too small, so far all parties appear to be better off –- the road, the drivers, the toll takers, the Governor, and the state.</p>
Youngstown Plans For A Smaller Future
<p>After years of decline, Youngstown Ohio has an aggressive plan to bulldoze abandoned properties and pare back on services and infrastructure.</p>
Housing Bubble Goes Global
<p>Housing markets around the world are beginning to feel the effects of the American mortgage crisis.</p>
The Explosive Growth of Homestead, Florida
<p>Perhaps named as a self-fulfilling prophecy, the last seven years have brought unprecedented residential growth to Homestead, Florida. Commercial development is just trying to keep up.</p>
Noise and the City
<p>Cairo, Egypt is becoming increasingly noisy.</p>
El Paso On Fast Track to Transit
<p>Officials in El Paso, Texas have been working with state and federal officials on a plan to bring rapid transit to the city within three years.</p>
Let the Computer Do the Driving
<p>Avoiding traffic congestion may soon be as easy as surfing the web, thanks to new web software that maps out congestion and calculates the best and most efficient driving routes.</p>
Flood Control Project On Death Bed
<p>An Army Corps of Engineers flood control project in south-central Mississippi is in danger of being vetoed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. But supporters have not given up hope.</p>
Beijing to Polluting Construction Industry: Stop
<p>In an effort to improve the city's air quality in time for this summer's Olympic Games, officials in Beijing are planning to halt all construction and other polluting processes for two months starting in mid-July.</p>
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