Technology
Ford's New 52 MPG Hybrid
The Pulitzer-prizing winning auto columnist for the LA Times reviews the hybrid version 2010 Ford Fusion - a car that shows Washington it is on the right track, even if a tad late. Neil highlights the importance of its nickel battery technology.
Zero-Emissions Bus in Sight
In spring of next year, Burbank, CA will debut the nation's first lightweight, zero-emissions bus.
Suburbs Benefit From an Urban President, Too
In fact, says one planner, suburbs and exurbs can expect to see some of the biggest changes of all, at least from infrastructure and transportation funding.
The Environmental Impact of Cement Plants
Cement is everywhere, and the building material makes a huge impact on the environment in terms of emissions, according to the San Francisco Sentinel. This article outlines the cement-making process.
In Japan, a Billboard That Watches You
Two digital cameras atop a billboard at a Tokyo rail station will scan passersby. One will record who is looking at the billboard, the other will count the number of people passing by.
BRT Fails in Delhi
The Bus Rapid Transit System has failed to meet the demands of New Delhi's riders and pedestrians. A better strategy, according to one report, is to improve its mass transit instead.
Air Board Approves Diesel and Climate Protection Plans
In back-to-back rulings, the Californian Air Resources Board approved the nation's strongest climate protection plan and the strictest on-road diesel emissions plans that will mean the oldest, most polluting trucks and buses will soon be no more.
Geomapping the Rats of New York
By mapping rat infestations, New York City's health inspectors have found a whole new way to beat back the rodents.
Forget the Subway, Build Streetcars Instead
Streetcars are a better option than Vancouver's proposed 2.8 billion subway, says Prof. Patrick Condon of the Design Centre for Sustainability at UBC.
Maryland Uses GIS To Track Open Space
The State of Maryland has created a new internet-based mapping system, which it hopes will help target conservation funds.
Duany Improves on Thomas Jefferson
Planner Andres Duany proposes a plan for Goodbee Square, near Covington, LA, that adds modern light-imprint urbanism to an old Jeffersonian idea.
Friday Funny: Google Maps for Stinkiness
At the Japanese website Nioibu.com, visitors are geomapping odd odors, from gasoline fumes to curry.
The Future Isn't What It Used To Be
P.J. O'Rourke tours Walt Disney's 'Innoventions Dream Home', and concludes that we've descended into a deeply unimaginative period in history. The dream home is the successor to 1957's House of the Future, built entirely of plastic.
Not Your Typical Brick
Bricks have been a building staple for a long time, but the sky's the limit for their aesthetic uses.
Obama Reaches Out to Governors for Infrastructure Funding Support
Presdient-elect Obama addressed the nation's governors at a meeting of the National Governors Association on Tuesday, building solidarity between officials at the state and federal levels for an infrastructure-based stimulus package.
Hawaii is Game for Electric Cars
The state is on board for a new plan that involves building an electric vehicle transportation system, complete with a slew of web-based battery recharging stations.
Relaxing Sign Rules
The city of San Angelo, Texas bucks a regional trend towards stricter regulations for signs used as advertising.
Great Lakes Compact Comes Just in Time
Between the invasive species, questions of drinking water safety, and dipping water levels, the Great Lakes have been taking a beating lately.
Mayor Takes Message To YouTube
The mayor of San Francisco delivers his annual state of the city message in ten 45-minute segments on YouTube rather than in person.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
