The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

FEATURE

As part of a monthly series, we present a summary and analysis of some of the most interesting news to appear on Planetizen over the month of November 2006. This is the transcript of an audio segment that originally aired on the nationally syndicated radio program "Smart City".

December 11 - Nate Berg

FEATURE

Disaster recovery expert Robert B. Olshansky reports on the latest planning effort in New Orleans.

December 11 - Robert B. Olshansky

<p>While plans for three BRT lines are in the works, a shortage of transit funds is threatening to keep them from becoming reality -- at least any time soon.</p>

December 11 - Minnesota Public Radio

<p>While the redevelopment of contaminated sites has come a long way, challenges remain for cities and developers working on brownfields.</p>

December 11 - Public Management Magazine

<p>Lester Brown is a farmer turned environmentalist, and a MacArthur genius. When he questions the use of corn to fuel automobiles as opposed to feeding the world's growing population, people listen. He pushes other technologies to fight global warming.</p>

December 10 - The Washington Post

<p>The U.S. Senate recently approved legislation seeking to create a national drought policy to improve drought preparedness, mitigation and response efforts. It is estimated that drought conditions have a $6 billion economic impact annually.</p>

December 10 - New Mexico Business Weekly

<p>The city's planning director, along with several other department heads, challenge a proposal from the city council to require developers to set aside affordable units.</p>

December 10 - The Baltimore Sun

A innovative training program in Boston is helping people get better jobs cleaning up the environment.

December 10 - The Boston Globe

<p>Outgoing Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown's plan to add 10,000 residents to its downtown hasn't succeeded in its original goal -- to boost the city's revenue from sales taxes.</p>

December 10 - Berkeley Planet

<p>A block of neighborhood-minded Baltimore residents has pressured the city's zoning board to reject a plan to create a community service center nearby that offers job training and AIDS counseling, despite the area's need for economic investment.</p>

December 10 - The Baltimore Sun

<p>Sen. James M. Inhofe (R-OK) blames the media for hyping coverage of climate change.</p>

December 9 - The Los Angeles Times

<p>Cities across the country are making plans to encourage more people to bike to work.</p>

December 9 - Christian Madera

<p>As the technology behind these high-tech garages matures, the redevelopment potential of surface parking lots could grow.</p>

December 9 - The New York Times

<p>Massive Israeli demolitions of "illegal" Palestinian homes will mean the destruction of communities that predate the founding of Israel.</p>

December 9 - Al Bawaba

<p>In a victory for local leaders, the San Fernando Valley breaks away from Los Angeles County, at least according to the U.S. Census.</p>

December 9 - The Los Angeles Times

<p>A recent comic strip pokes fun at the hybrid car craze among many eco-conscious Americans.</p>

December 8 - San Jose Mercury News

<p>The state of South Dakota -- closed to the public since 1931 -- will be reopened to help the United States cope with its steadily rising population.</p>

December 8 - The Onion

<p>So-called "intentional communities" are a small, albeit growing trend in the housing market. Could co-housing be making a comeback?</p>

December 8 - Mortgage News Daily

<p>One developer offers advice for his colleagues confronted with local communities opposed to any new development.</p>

December 8 - San Diego Daily Transcript

<p>NBC Universal announced plans to build almost 3,000 homes, along with new offices and production facilities, on its prime land holdings in Los Angeles, which are also adjacent to a subway station.</p>

December 8 - The Los Angeles Times