Washington
Property Rights Votes Face Six States
Libertarians are pushing ballot initiatives in six Western states to vastly reduce the government's power to regulate land uses. The initiatives seek to limit regulatory takings of land by requiring the government to compensate owners for any losses.
Planning For A Downtown Revitalization
The city of Everett, Washington, is still working on a new plan for its downtown, but private investment is already starting to transform the area.
Car-less In Seattle
Pedestrian pioneer Alan Durning describes what his family of five is learning by living without four wheels in Cascadia's largest city. Can they survive without the essential currency of the modern American community?
Washington State Will Vote On Property Rights Initiative
Supporters and opponents of the controversial proposal are preparing for a major campaign in the fall.
Permanent Housing for Homeless Alcoholics
King County, Washington, offers permanent apartments for "chronic public inebriates" who are allowed to drink in their new homes.
In Seattle, Detached Garages May Be Approved For Apartments
With an aim toward affordable housing and helping homeowners pay their mortgage, Seattle considers allowing backyard apartments, much to the chagrin of local opponents.
Report Links High Car Crash Fatalities To Sprawl
The Cascadia Scorecard documents an emerging body of research indicating that car-centered urban design contributes to a high death and injury toll from car crashes and a high obesity rate, among other ills.
Older, Close-In Suburbs Could Make Difference In Mid-Term Elections
The midterm elections to take control of the House may hinge on "close-in" suburbs, once seen as strictly the domain of Republicans. These older suburbs may now give the Democrats a slight advantage due to changing demographics.
Server Farms: The Hot New Land Use
The Washington farmland town of Quincy has signed deals with Yahoo and Microsoft to house huge new Internet data centers -- server farms -- and land prices are spiking. Low power costs and high connectivity can create a 'technology gold rush'.
Around Puget Sound, Long Commutes Worth It For Some
Some people prefer the suburban sprawl, in spite of soaring gas prices and hour-long commutes. Schools, open space, and lower cost of housing may offset costs.
Brownfields to Art Parks
When is a brownfield not a brownfield? When it's transformed by art works, as in two U.S. cities.
Friday Funny: The Committee To Save Big Ugly Things
Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels has produced a spoof political ad to mock the preservation of the city's controversial Alaskan Way Viaduct, although he may run into ethics violations for using a City Hall production crew.
Streetcar System Moves More Than People
For less than the cost of a recent school levy, Tacoma, Washington, could have a brand new old-style streetcar system.
Seattle's 100-Year Plan For A Green, Livable Future
An open space preservation coalition led a visioning exercise for the future of Seattle, to "design Seattle's green network for the next century".
Why Not Tell The Truth About Rising Gas Prices?
The policy director of Climate Solutions (based in Washington state and British Columbia) opines that rising gas prices have beneficial effects on the environment, and consumers need to be given the truth so as to make real changes in lifestyle.
Seattle Bus System Just B.S.?
Dan Savage weighs in on the city's plan to increase the number of buses in circulation.
Seattle Viaduct Project Could Define City Development
The controversial highway redevelopment isn't as massive as Boston's Big Dig, but it represents equally weighty issues for the future of the city.
Historic Tacoma Churches Need More Than Faith
As congregations dwindle and development pressures increase, more "grand old churches" are contemplating selling their property to make way for hospitals, condos, and apartments.
Free Parking Eliminated In Seattle
New solar-powered pay kiosks are increasing city revenue at formerly metered or free spaces, and new plans are afoot to rollback after hours free parking, meaning nights and weekends could cost drivers.
Up, Up, And Beyond In Seattle
The Seattle city council passes sweeping changes to downtown height limits, allowing for taller buildings.
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
