United States
Vacant Buildings: Renovate, Demolish, or Disguise?
To battle blight caused by the plague of vacant properties left by declining populations and the Great Recession, cities and property owners are resorting to some sly tactics.
Who Will Benefit from JPMorgan's Record Mortgage Penalty?
Ben Protess and Jessica Silver-Greenberg provide a breakdown of how JPMorgan's $13 billion settlement over its sale of bad mortgage investments will be distributed to various public entities. How much will trickle down to struggling homeowners?
Will Amtrak Bend to Bow Wow Lobbying?
Rep. Michael G. Grimm has introduced what may be this legislative season's most unobjectionable, and adorable, bill: the Pets on Trains Act of 2013.
Where in America is Cycling Growing the Most?
Detroit is the unlikely name atop the League of American Bicyclists' new list of cities that have grown their share of bike commuters the most between 1990-2012.
An Eloquent Visualization of State-to-State Migration
Data analyst and graphics wizard Chris Walker has created a stunning interactive visualization that depicts the migration patterns between each American state in 2012.
Is the VA Doing Enough to Protect Its Historic Properties?
With thousands of historic landmarks in its possession, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs plays a key role in protecting the country's historic heritage. A new study claims the agency is neglecting its duty.
With Bipartisan Bills, U.S. Congress Looks to Improve Bike and Pedestrian Safety
Bipartisan groups of legislators introduced identical bills in the U.S. House and Senate last week that would compel the USDOT and states to measure and improve the safety of non-motorized transportation users.
Despite Threats, Interest in Using Eminent Domain to Stop Foreclosures Grows
Since it announced a plan to combat foreclosures by using eminent domain, Richmond, CA has been beset by opposition from Wall Street and Washington. Despite the threats, other cities are exploring using the controversial tool.
Too Tired to Vote? Connecting Commute Times to Political Apathy
Have a long commute? If so, you are likely not very engaged in politics with one major exception - higher incomes can counter commuting stress. But for the rest of us, it may explain why we aren't as involved in civic issues we would like.
Why Aren't Americans Moving?
Four years after the Great Recession technically ended, the rate at which Americans are choosing to relocate continues to decline and is now at historic lows. What is causing this long-term trend?
A Transportation Funding Bill Named for the Tea Party
Make that a 'defunding' bill, technically described as a devolution bill. The concept is simple: roll back the federal gas tax to 3.7 cents per gallon, shift transportation responsibility to the states and use block grants to provide federal funding.
How to Turn $10 billion into $300 Billion: Create an Infrastructure Bank
It's certainly not a new idea - what's new is the current bipartisan Senate bill, cutely abbreviated as the BRIDGE Act, seeded with $10 billion of federal funds that would attract funds from the private sector to be loaned to worthy projects.
Ten Trends Guiding the Real Estate Market
At last week's fall meeting in Chicago, experts with the Urban Land Institute peered into their crystal ball to predict the trends that will guide the recovery of the real estate market over the next year.
Could "Impact Bonds" Target Places Rather Than People?
Localities are experimenting with social impact bonds (SIBs) to fund America's social service infrastructure. John Roman asks if such an instrument could be used to help transform blighted areas.
Record U.S. Oil Production, but How Long Will it Last?
A milestone was reached last month in oil imports: For the first time in 18 years, the U.S. produced more oil than it imported thanks to fracking and reduced consumption. But according to a new IEA report, shale oil growth will peak within a decade.
U.S. Traffic Fatalities Increase After Multi-Year Decline
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released its traffic fatality data for 2012. Though the overall number of deaths remains historically low, the percentage of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities continues to rise.
Are U.S. Workers Ditching Public Transportation?
Recent census data suggests that, while public transit use increased in U.S. cities during the recessionary period, it may be on the decline yet again.
Welcome Back the Streetcar
Once a fixture in American cities, then falling into obsolescence, streetcars appear to be seeing a comeback. In cities such as Tucson, investment in light rail has catalyzed substantial economic development in its downtown.
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.
Affordability Must Measure Transportation Costs, Say Feds
A new tool launched by the U.S. DOT and HUD builds on the Center for Neighborhood Technology's innovative Housing + Transportation Index to give Americans a better picture of the complete costs of their housing choices.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
