United States
Solar's Record Year
A new report shows that solar panel installation has increased to record levels in 2010. Throughout the first half of 2010, 339 megawatts of grid-connected solar capacity were installed.
The Futility of Foreclosure Moratoriums
Christopher Leinberger argues that regardless of current coping strategies, the mortgage crisis is permanently reshaping cities and their edges.
A Developer in the Park
Sitting in a controversial niche in the development market, Thomas Chapman develops plans for parcels within national parks, only to take buyouts from environmental groups or the government. He's got a bold new proposal on the way.
Using Domes to Understand Concerns
Conflicts inevitably arise during design discussions and policy talks. A team of architects has created a new way of understanding each side's concerns, mainly by diagramming them into distinct domes.
On Ecological Urbanism
The American Society of Landscape Architects talks with landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh about "ecological urbanism" and the evolving role of landscape architecture in cities.
The Prophet of Parking
Those in the know know that it could be none other than UCLA professor Don Shoup, profiled here in the Los Angeles Times.
Railing Against Airport Connectors
Stephen Smith questions the reasoning behind this increasingly popular breed of capital project, arguing the real benefits of connectors rarely justify their hefty price tags.
HUD Awards Spur Sustainability Planning
HUD has awarded $98 million to 45 regions throughout the country in an effort to spur more sustainability planning efforts.
America Faces Huge Bill for Crumbling Infrastructure
The demise of a 20-year plan to improve rail linkages between Manhattan and New Jersey is symptomatic of America's $2.2 trillion infrastructure deficit, writes Rupert Cornwell.
Duany and Speck on the Results of Sprawl
In an op-ed, Andres Duany and Jeff Speck discuss how the effects of sprawl they revealed years ago with the release of their book Suburban Sprawl is today being proven.
Cities and States Large Borrowing Causes Concern
As the economic downturn has caused many states and municipalities to borrow large amounts of money, some worry there may be a glut of them going bankrupt.
Replacing The Current Gas Tax With A Different Gas Tax
AASHTO is pitching a replacement of the current fed excise fuel taxes with sales taxes - initially revenue neutral, but would increase with inflation, unlike stagnant excise taxes last increased in 1993. In 6 years, might raise an extra $43 billion.
Lack of Transit Intensifies Suburban Poverty
In the last ten years, more than two thirds of poverty growth has happened in suburban areas of American cities. According to Brookings', social services such as transit have failed to keep up in the face of decreasing tax revenue.
Talking Open Streets and Ciclovias
Next American City talks with urban designer and bicycle planner Mike Lydon about cycling, ciclovias, and open streets.
The Looming Era of VMT
The gas tax is becoming an increasingly outdated and unsustainable idea. This piece from Miller McCune looks at the prospect of replacing it with a tax based on vehicle miles traveled.
If You Build It, They Won't Walk
Trails and walking paths are commonly built in suburban areas. But their mere presence doesn't automatically mean they'll be used, according to a new study.
A NYT Discussion On HSR - Will It Happen? How? Why Not?
The New York Times editors are wondering if high speed rail is a practical consideration for the U.S considering recent political developments where it has become popular to reject federal rail funds, so they asked six experts to present their views.
The Future of Federal Transportation Planning in America
In this podcast, Next American City talks with Robert Puentes of the Brookings Institution about the future of transportation in America.
Homes for the New Economy
The factors that make homes attractive to buyers have changed considerably since the market crash, says Builder Magazine, which features three homes that exemplify the new realities of the market.
Obama Concedes Problems With "Shovel-Ready" Requirement
In an interview with the New York Times, President Obama admits that, quote, "there’s no such thing as shovel-ready projects."
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
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
