Indiana

International Effort Needed to Prevent Recurrence of Lake Erie Algal Bloom

On Monday, August 4, half a million people in the Toledo, Ohio metro region could once again drink from their water taps after a weekend without safe drinking water due to a toxin resulting from an algal bloom in the city's water supply, Lake Erie.

August 7, 2014 - The Wall Street Journal

Google Maps Methane Leaks in Three U.S. Cities

Google, partnering with the Environmental Defense Fund, has created a series of maps locating methane leaks around three cities in the United States. The question of just how much methane is leaking in a given city comes down to infrastructure.

July 19, 2014 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Powersource

Missouri Legislators Vote to Cut Income Tax, Raise Sales Tax for Transportation

After voting to override Governor Jay Nixon's veto of an income tax cut, legislators agreed to allow voters to determine whether to increase the state sales tax by .75% in November for ten years to increase funding for transportation programs.

May 18, 2014 - Columbia Daily Tribune

U.S. Coal Exports to Europe Breaking Records

If President Obama is waging a "war on coal," as his critics claim, then Europe must be enjoying a love affair with America's high-carbon fossil fuel, and the most polluting variety at that. How could the world's greenest continent turn so brown?

May 8, 2014 - The Wall Street Journal - Business

Ohio River Bridges Project Price Tag Climbs Again, but Why?

The price tag for massive project to bridge the Ohio River in Louisville, Kentucky complete with dual approach tunnels, has long been a source of controversy. Another sudden cost increase has one commenter wondering how this keeps happening.

April 19, 2014 - Urbanophile

Beyond Oil: Trains Turn to LNG Fuel and Hybrid Locomotives

According to a new EIA report, the cost advantages of liquefied natural gas make it an attractive alternative to diesel fuel for major U.S. freight railroad companies. Hybrid diesel-electric locomotives on order for 5 states will power HSR routes.

April 16, 2014 - Progressive Railroading

County Income Taxes for Transit? Hoosiers to Decide

When it comes to allowing voters to decide whether to increase local or state taxes for transportation, the most common option by far is the local or state sales tax. But what about income taxes; has it been tried before? And for public transit only?

March 28, 2014 - Nuvo

Petroleum's Coke Problem Plagues Chicago

Petroleum coke or petcoke, similar to coal, is a nasty though salable byproduct of the oil refining process. Produced from refining tar sands crude in Indiana refineries, it is stored in huge piles in Chicago, blowing dust in the Southeast Side.

December 28, 2013 - NPR Morning Edition

In Absence of Gas Tax Increases, States Look to Tolls

States are increasingly looking to alternative transportation revenue sources due to the failure of state and federal gas taxes to keep up with inflation and transportation needs. More states are turning toward tolling to make up the gap.

November 13, 2013 - Stateline

In Indiana, Highway Building Is an End in Itself

As the first segment of the new $2-3 billion freeway called I-69 linking Evansville and Indianapolis nears completion, Southwest Indiana leaders are already agitating to build the state's next "massive boondoggle," writes Aaron Renn.

October 24, 2013 - Urbanophile

Rebuffing Planner Recommendations, Illinois Officials Approve New Expressway

The approval of the Illiana Expressway by the CMAP Policy Committee rejects the recommendation of the organization's own planners and years of regional cooperation. Yonah Freemark says the decision will have an effect on regional planning nationwide.

October 19, 2013 - the transport politic

Decision Over Proposed Chicago Area Tollway Divides Regional and State Planners

Amid heavy political pressure, a plan to build a new expressway between Chicago's suburbs and Indiana backed by Gov. Pat Quinn and the Illinois Department of Transportation was dealt a significant defeat by Chicago's regional MPO this week.

October 9, 2013 - Daily Herald

Amtrak Calfornia locomotive at station in San Jose

Will Amtrak Regional Service End in California, Illinois and Indiana?

Unless these states come to an agreement with Amtrak by Oct. 16 to help subsidize regional rail service, required by the Passenger Rail Investment & Improvement Act of 2008, Amtrak will cease operating them. Agreements were reached with 16 states.

October 8, 2013 - Governing

EPA Power Plant Rule Hinges on Unproven Technology

In order for new coal power plants to meet the EPA's new rules for reduced emissions, they will have to rely on unproven carbon capture and storage (or sequester) technologies, putting the legality of the rule in doubt.

September 24, 2013 - The New York Times - Energy & Environment

Northbound Amtrak

End of the Line Looms for Short Amtrak Routes

In 19 states across America, "small-town mayors, state budget hawks and fans of passenger rail" are debating whether to subsidize passenger rail service or see it disappear thanks to a 2008 Congressional mandate. States have until Oct. 1 to pony up.

September 13, 2013 - The Wall Street Journal

Can a Dollar and a Dream Bring Back Gary, Indiana?

Just south of Chicago, the city of Gary is suffering from post-industrial blight, decaying infrastructure, and declining finances - an all too common trajectory in the Rust Belt. A program selling vacant homes for $1 hopes to stabilize neighborhoods.

August 15, 2013 - The New York Times

Indianapolis Revival Is a Team Effort

What's made the difference in the trajectories of similarly-sized Midwest cities Detroit and Indianapolis? According to David Masciotra, cross-sector partnerships centered around sports entertainment have been the driving force behind Indy's success.

August 13, 2013 - The Atlantic Cities

The Great Lakes' Great Disappearing Act

Over the past 14 years, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron have experienced an unprecedented drop in water levels, and many fear they won't be coming back. In a multi-part series the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel explores the causes and implications.

August 2, 2013 - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Indianapolis Street

For a Model Complete Streets Policy, Look to Indianapolis

Smart Growth America has recognized the best of the 130 complete streets policies approved last year across the United States; and the one passed by Indianapolis has received the highest ranking.

April 12, 2013 - DC.Streetsblog

Bush Stadium Indianapolis

Holy Cow! Indy Ballpark Transformed by Unique Adaptive Re-Use Project

The conversion of an historic art deco baseball stadium in Indianapolis into loft apartments is one of the most inventive adaptive re-use projects we've ever seen.

March 26, 2013 - The Architect's Newspaper

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

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