Washington
Light Rail Changes Upset Seattle Residents
Residents near Seattle are upset after transit officials altered plans for proposed extensions of the area's light rail system. Concerned citizens claim that the transit authority's decision to scrap two lines puts politics above effective service.
Farmers Agree To Flood Their Land For Wildlife
In an unusual victory for both property rights and wildlife, the Nature Conservancy has entered into a unique arrangement with three Skagit County, Washington farmers to rent and flood 210 acres of cropland on behalf of migrating waterfowl.
Rethinking Seattle's Alaskan Way Viaduct
A new paper questions the planning assumptions regarding the replacement of Seattle's Alaskan Way Viaduct.
Tacoma (Re)Considers Streetcars
An advisory task force has been formed to consider rebuilding a historic streetcar system in Tacoma, Washington. Infrastructure and funding issues are proving to be major hurdles.
Planning Infrastructure For Climate Change
Seattle's Daily Journal of Commerce investigates how climate change will affect the region's infrastructure and how the region's infrastructure will affect climate change in this two-part piece.
Is Bellevue a New Brooklyn?
Bellevue, Seattle's largest neighboring city, grapples with Robert Lang's categorization of it as a "boomburb" -- having nearly as many foreign born citizens (32%) as New York's Brooklyn neighborhood (38%).
Healthcare Giant Buys Out Neighboring Church
After decades of pressure from a neighboring multi-billion dollar healthcare agency, a dwindling congregation cashes in $8 million offer, while a new parking garage and emergency room will replace the historic church.
Replacing State Gas Taxes With Alternative Funding Measures
With gas taxes not keeping pace with inflation, state politicians are looking to eliminate gas taxes in favor of alternatives such as sales taxes, vehicles-miles-traveled fees, and new forms of road tolls.
Pedestrian Safety Is The Focus In Seattle
After several recent fatalities, including the death of a city council deputy, local officials have launched a citywide pedestrian safety initiative.
The Price Of Professional Sports Teams
With growing doubt over the economic development potential for major league teams, Seattle is the latest city to reject public financing for a professional sports venue.
Relocating An Entire Town To Avoid Continued Flooding
Moving communities that lie in high hazard areas seems logical, but someone has to pay the bill.
Bringing Major Grocers Downtown
The recent opening of Whole Foods in downtown Seattle highlights the challenges of attracting major grocery stores to the urban core.
Seattle Considers Replacing Highway With Park
Seattle considers replacing an earthquake-damaged major shoreline highway with a waterfront park.
Regulatory Takings Or Eminent Domain?
Property rights initiatives in four western states are hoping to draw in support from voters afraid of the spectre of eminent domain. But many see this as an inaccurate ploy.
Property Wrongs: Lessons from Oregon
Report by Seattle-based Sightline Institute documents a growing backlash against "property rights" initiatives in Oregon communities deeply affected by Oregon's Measure 37 and implications for western states.
Tip-Toeing Towards Tolls
A recent editorial encourages the Washington State legislature to take the first step towards highway congestion pricing.
Seattle Breaks Ground On Airport Light Rail Link
As part of its $6 billion regional transit plan, Seattle transit officials have started construction on an airport extension.
Public Housing Community Goes Green In Seattle
A drab World War II-era public housing project in Seattle has been replaced with what local officials hope will be an environmentally- and economically-sustainable community.
Series Covers 'Planning In The West'
A series of articles and reports addressing growth in the Western United States, including Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Idaho and other states.
Seattle Hosts 'Sustainable Neighborhood' Expo
High Point in West Seattle, the country's largest urban sustainable, mixed-income community, will be host to the first ever green living expo.
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
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
