United States

How to Unlock America's Bottom-Up Innovation

Thomas Friedman uses Chattanooga, Tenn. as an example of the "innovative thrust building, bottom-up, in the U.S. economy today." In an opinion piece for the Times, he urges leaders in Washington to help unlock America's embryonic growth surge.

November 27, 2012 - Jonathan Nettler

Can Electric Cars Break Out of Niche Market?

Are you an environmentally aware, well educated, upper-middle class white man in your early 50s with a garage equipped with an electric outlet? If so, you meet the demographic to buy an electric vehicle. And that may be the EV's only potential group.

November 27, 2012 - USA Today

What Do America's Cities Stand to Lose from Rising Seas?

In an astonishing interactive graphic and accompanying opinion piece, Benjamin Strauss and Roberr Kopp outline several likely scenarios for the impact of rising seas on America's urban areas. New Orleans and Miami Beach could be completely submerged.

November 26, 2012 - The New York Times

The New Promise of Urban Ecology

Courtney Humphries takes a look at recent federal investment in research on the complex interrelationship between human settlements and the natural environment.

November 26, 2012 - Nature

Jockeying for a Gas Tax Increase from Fiscal Cliff Talks

It could be a win-win: Reducing the deficit, stimulating job creation, and avoiding the dreaded 'fiscal cliff'. Those pushing for a gas tax increase have joined other industries in using the need to raise and/or cut $500 billion to avoid recession.

November 26, 2012 - The Wall Street Journal

Aerial photo of the US 131/M-6/68th St. interchange in Wyoming, MIchigan

An Argument for Eliminating Federal Transportation Funding

Charles Marohn turns a critical eye toward the inertia of federal transportation policy and the shortsightedness of its most treasured investment. Since America seems to be stuck with a federal transportation bill, he suggests ways to make it work.

November 25, 2012 - Better! Cities & Towns

Adapting Modernist Landscapes for Contemporary Needs

Alex Ulam discusses the challenges of redesigning mid-century urban landscapes to accommodate contemporary tastes and social activities, drawing on examples like Dan Kiley's North Court at Lincoln Center and Boston City Hall Plaza.

November 25, 2012 - The Architects Newspaper

Sandy Inspires Solar Companies to Rework System

Hurricane Sandy caused power outages that also prevented the use of hundreds of solar panels in the greater New York area. Solar companies are now working on decentralizing the system to make solar energy a backup source, reports Diane Cardwell.

November 25, 2012 - The New York Times

Fighting Homelessness, or Fighting the Homeless?

Martha Bridegam investigates the aftermath of a forced eviction at a homeless encampment in San Francisco. Do the homeless deserve to be criminalized?

November 24, 2012 - The Global Urbanist

Fracking Debate Shifts To $

The public is increasingly showing support for hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas - and it's reflected at the ballot box as many pro-drilling candidates were elected. In fact, the debate has shifted from banning to what to do with new tax revenue.

November 24, 2012 - USA Today

Preserving History, Byte by Byte

Completed in 1791, the Mission Dolores is the oldest building in San Francisco. It has survived major earthquakes in the past, writes Alexis Coe, but preservationists are worried about its fate and have begun digitally preserving the landmark.

November 22, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

The Secret Plans for Containing New York's Next Housing Emergency

Hurricane Sandy exposed the need for New York City to be able to house large numbers of residents following natural disasters. Matt Chaban examines the Bloomberg administration's "secret" plan to build modular apartments out of shipping containers.

November 22, 2012 - The New York Observer

1870 Ridley Thanksgiving NY

From 'Leave It to Beaver' to 'Modern Family'

Kaid Benfield takes a moment to reflect on the changing nature of the American household and how it will shape our cities in the coming years.

November 22, 2012 - Switchboard

Hot Dog

America's Best Food Trucks

In case you manage to save some room today, or need to take a break from Turkey salads, Turkey sandwiches, and Turkey soup over the weekend, let The Daily Meal's list of the "101 Best Food Trucks in America 2012" be your guide to awesome eats.

November 22, 2012 - The Daily Meal

President Obama, Vice President Biden, & Ray LaHood

Leave Transit Projects to Transit Experts, Not Politicians

Stephen Smith sheds light on the problems of leadership holding back Obama's dream of high-speed rail.

November 21, 2012 - Bloomberg

Airport Expansion: A Losing Bet

Often depicted as drivers of local economies, airports have struggled to stay profitable as passenger air travel continues to languish. Steve Malaga presents the case that throwing money at this particular problem can actually make things worse.

November 21, 2012 - City Journal

How Can Architects Help in Disaster Relief?

Using post-Sandy New York as a case study, C.J. Hughes looks at the extent to which architects can be helpful in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster.

November 21, 2012 - Architizer

Crumbling concrete bridge

Why Do Americans Put Up With Decaying Infrastructure?

Compared to Europe's high-speed rail, paved roads, and underground power lines, America lags behind with its unreliable trains, potholes, and overhead power lines. Uwe E. Reinhardt questions why Americans put up with the decaying infrastructure.

November 20, 2012 - The New York Times

'Climate Dividend' Proposed for California Utility Customers

California residential utility customers will receive a 'climate dividend', about $30 twice a year as part of the nation's first comprehensive 'cap & trade' program if the CA Public Utility Commission accepts a staff proposal at its Dec. 20 meeting,

November 20, 2012 - San Francisco Chronicle

A Roadside Distraction from the Destination

As the holiday travel season begins, Becky Krystal reminisces on rest stops encountered along family road trips and observes that "stops are evolving from small, flypaper-plastered restrooms into airy, high-tech travel plazas and welcome centers."

November 20, 2012 - The Washington Post

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.

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.