Illinois

Chicago Suburb Removes Pedestrian Mall

The Chicago suburb Village of Oak Park opens the Marion Street Mall to automobile traffic again for the first time since 1974.

January 14, 2008 - Chicago Public Radio

Wind Power Goes Small Scale

A wind turbine installed in one weekend is saving homeowners about 80% on their electricity bills.

December 18, 2007 - The New York Times

Chicken Ban Considered in Chicago

Chicago city officials have proposed a ban that would forbid residents from keeping chickens.

December 13, 2007 - Associated Press

Bankrupt Developer Leaves Chicago Exurban Area Desolate

The first new residents of the Clublands subdivision were promised a neighborhood. Instead they live among half-finished homes, unpaved roads, and darkened street lights as the community's developer wrestles with bankruptcy.

December 9, 2007 - The Chicago Tribune

Illinois Politics Delaying Chicago Transit Bailout

The governor of Illinois and legislators outside of Chicago are fighting over transportation funding, which is delaying the bailout for Chicago transit.

December 3, 2007 - St. Louis Post Dispatch

The Suburbs Keep On Growing

Even with increased awareness of global warning and more focus on urban living, the process of outward development continues in cities across America -- driven by homebuyers' continuing desire to own a piece of the American Dream.

November 29, 2007 - The Chicago Tribune

Chicago Takes Sustainability To The Back Alley

The city of Chicago has announced plans to green its 2,000 miles of alleyways by installing permeable ground coverings that will allow rainwater to seep back into the ground and replenish groundwater supplies.

November 26, 2007 - The New York Times

Combatting 'Food Deserts'

Chicago struggles to overcome its battle with "food deserts" -- areas in the city with little or now access to groceries.

November 11, 2007 - Chicago Sun-Times

Congress To Look At Chicago's Olympic Bid And Transit Needs

At a time when funding is a major concern, a congressional hearing later this month will look at the transportation needs of Chicago as it tries to win hosting duties for the 2016 Olympics.

October 17, 2007 - The Chicago Tribune

Chicago Launches Pay-By-Phone Parking Meters

The new program allows motorist to add time to their parking meter by dialing a toll free number.

October 8, 2007 - Chicago Sun Times

Looking For Creative Solutions To Chicago's Congestion

Congestion problems are becoming more acute in Chicago, and local planners and policymakers are urging the city to get creative in the way they address the issues.

September 22, 2007 - The Chicago Tribune

Chicago Transit Authority Blasted For Derailment As Fare Hikes Loom

The report couldn't have come at a worse time, as Chicago prepares for fare hikes and transit cuts to make up for budget shortfalls.

September 17, 2007 - The Chicago Tribune

Historic Preservation Meets American Idol

A high-profile advertising campaign/contest is looking to bank on the coolness of historic preservation by inviting Chicago residents to vote for their favorite crumbling landmarks. The winner of the contest will receive $1 million in rehab funds.

September 8, 2007 - The Chicago Tribune

Chicago's Northwest Suburbs Working To Promote TODs

Leaders of suburban cities and villages in northeastern Illinois are coming together to promote transit oriented development around commuter rail lines leading into Chicago.

August 25, 2007 - PioneerLocal (Sun-Times News Group)

Chicago Transit Authority Plans For Possible Budget Shortfall

Facing the prospect of not receiving crucial state funding, the Chicago Transit Authority has released a "doomsday" plan to guide the system's reaction to the budget shortfall. Some services would have to be cut, but not as many as expected earlier.

August 8, 2007 - The Chicago Tribune

Chicago Misses Out On Congestion Pricing Funding

Though officials proposed several promising schemes, a lack of quickly executable plans knocked the region from contention for federal funds.

July 31, 2007 - The Chicago Tribune

Controversy Over Public Housing Rehab In Chicago

Chicago has plans to replace more than 50 high-rise public housing buildings, a renovation project that is expected to cost more than $1 billion. The plan has elicited criticism from housing advocates who argue that many residents will be displaced.

July 29, 2007 - NPR

Suburb And City Battle Over Airport Expansion

With expansion of nearby O'Hare Airport planned and moving forward, the suburban Chicago community of Bensenville is being slowly drained of residents and buildings to make way for the project. But some residents aren't going without a fight.

July 28, 2007 - The Chicago Tribune

From Parking To Parks

The city of Chicago has leased four parking garages to generate more than $122 million for improvements to the city's parks.

July 7, 2007 - The Chicago Tribune

Looking For New Sources Of Funding For Transit

As transit agencies in Chicago and other metro areas deal with major budget deficits, a recent report evaluates other possible revenue sources to fund public transportation.

July 3, 2007 - Illinois PIRG

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

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The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

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A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.