The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Arts-Based Planning For Downtown

A New Jersey township that has been a leader in downtown planning is planning to integrate arts-based development into its successful downtown mix.

August 13 - The Star-Ledger

Cities To Swap Cash For Meeting Housing Requirements

A Bay Area county will be the first in the region to take advantage of a new state law that allows cities to swap meeting state-mandated, affordable housing requirements for cash donations to cities which build affordable housing within same county.

August 13 - San Francisco Examiner, Peninsula edition

From B&B To Home Sweet Home

Travelers are increasingly out of luck as bed and breakfast inns across the country revert back to being private homes.

August 13 - The Wall Street Journal

Returning Environmentalism to the Mainstream

How environmental activism has changed.

August 13 - The Nation

Idaho Says "No" To Coal-Fired Power Plants

Idaho Rep. Gov. Risch reversed his predecessor's position on allowing new coal plants to be built in Idaho by opting out of a federal mercury emissions trading program. By doing so, the state has shown bi-partisan opposition to coal power plants.

August 12 - The Idaho Statesman


Idaho Proposition Threatens Land Use Law

Planners are spooked by a Measure 37 look-a-like bill that spills over into Idaho.

August 12 - The Boise Weekly

3 Proposals For Replacing Seattle's Viaduct

Washington State Dept. of transportation offers 3 proposals for replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

August 12 - The Seattle Times


Resolving the Sprawl vs Traffic Debate? Not really.

When jobs move to the suburbs, does the commute suffer? It depends on the industry, but overall, not much, if at all, suggests UCLA planning professor and blogger Randall Crane.

August 12 - Randall Crane's Urban Planning Research Blog

A Battle For Open Space In Maryland

50 acres of woodland are up for sale in Maryland, and while a developer has scoped the land as a good site for 25 homes, local residents are pressuring local and state officials to employ a little-used open space funding program to buy up the land.

August 12 - The Baltimore Sun

Marine Energy On The Rise World-Wide

A promising new field of clean, alternative energy lies in the oceans and rivers. Capturing energy from waves and tides is no longer fantasy but gaining much attention; even power companies are investing in the field.

August 12 - The New York Times

Global Warming's Impact On Alaska

Rising temperatures are changing native Alaskan's way of life.

August 11 - Voice Of America

Measuring Quality Of Life In The Treasure Valley Region

A report by Institute for Urban & Regional Planning at Boise State University looks at competitiveness and quality of life of the Treasure Valley.

August 11 - Boise State University Public Policy Center

New Orleans Short On Planning Staff

Developers are having to wait longer for project approvals, which may slow the city's recovery from Hurricane Katrina. HUD has denied the city's request to hire more staff using federal money.

August 11 - New Orleans City Business

Land Use Regulations In 50 Largest U.S. Metro Areas

Local land use regulations help define the character of cities, towns, counties, and entire regions, directly affecting the composition of inhabitants by facilitating or inhibiting rental properties and low-income residents. This comprehensive survey

August 11 - The Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program

Philadelphia's Skyscraper Boom

The recent building spree of high rises in Philadelphia requires more oversight from planners if it is to truly benefit the city, argues one critic.

August 11 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Major Ecological Disaster In Lebanon

Oil spill threatens Eastern Mediterranean coast and could also affect Cyprus, Turkey, and Greece.

August 11 - Democracy Now

Reason's Annual Privatization Report, 2006

Reason's Annual Privatization Report chronicles and analyzes the most important developments in privatization, outsourcing, and government reform.

August 11 - Reason Foundation

Small Urban Farms Show Success In Cuba

Small organic farms are scattered throughout Cuba that have been providing food for the country ever since the fall of the Soviet empire 20 years ago. The collaboration between the government and local farmers has benefited the whole country.

August 11 - The Independent

Smart Growth In The Hoosier Heartland

Smart growth summit on economic development, land use, community design attracts large audience.

August 11 - The Louisville Eccentric Observer

FEMA Awards Housing Contracts For Katrina Work

Based on quality of plans and competitiveness of bidding, billions of dollars in housing contracts were awarded to six companies, some with immediate political ties to the current administration.

August 11 - Yahoo! News

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