United States
The Challenge (and Importance) of Engaging the Public
David Villano takes an in-depth survey of the state of public engagement practices in the U.S., and the positive effects of the processes that work.
Cars and Houses Brought Back the Economy
The economy is up 3.5% in the 3rd quarter, thanks in large part to government subsidies for car and home buying. Otherwise, the impact of the stimulus has been muted, says The Washington Times.
Housing is Recovering - Will It Last?
Business Week looks at the recovering housing market, and believes that even though it was driven by massive government support there are signs that it might actually continue.
Spoooooky Roads
Celebrate Halloween with this slideshow of America's creepiest roads, accompanied by the scary tales that make them part of urban (or rural) legends.
Drive A Hot Rod, Save The Planet
How can a Porsche be better for the environment than a Prius? If you use transit to commute, and only take the hot rod out on the weekends. Slate writer Joe Eaton sold his Volvo for a combination of transit and fun.
Transportation Planning In Federal Climate Legislation
In this short radio broadcast, U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer welcomes the support of influential land use planner Mike McKeever of Sacramento, who testifies in support of the bill that incorporates smart growth strategies first employed by his MPO.
The Trouble with Transition Towns
Alex Steffen weighs the challenges of Transition Towns and, instead, advocates for bright green, optimistic democracy.
Alex MacLean: Surveying a Changed Landscape
Photographer Alex MacLean talks about his book OVER: The American Landscape at the Tipping Point.
$3.4 Billion for the Smart Grid
Earlier this week, the Obama Administration announced a significant investment in smart grid infrastructure like improved transmission lines and smart meters in homes.
The End of An Era for Arts Centers
The new Dallas Performing Arts Center marks the end of a boom in the development of arts centers and a moment in American architecture, says Nicolai Ouroussoff.
Are States Outdated?
Alan Greenblatt reports on increasing chatter among liberal blogs over whether states as a form of government are obsolete, while regional interests are more valid and under-represented.
Guns on Trains Could Derail Amtrak
The Senate transportation spending bill, signed last week, contains a provision requiring Amtrak to allow guns on its trains or lose its funding.
Forbes Picks Safest Cities in U.S.
Forbes Magazine jumps into the fray once again with their list of "America's Safest Cities." Violent crime, workplace deaths, fatal crashes and natural disasters are all a part of the data considered.
Coalition Promises $4 Billion to Green Affordable Housing
A collection of non-profits working with HUD is promising to spend $4 billion on updating affordable housing across the country to be more sustainable.
Portable, Stackable Housing Units
GOOD Magazine highlights designer Michael McDaniel's Reaction Housing System, a temporary shelter that can be stacked up and loaded onto a flatbed 20 at a time.
Coal & Oil - Biggest Health Culprits, Says National Academies
The National Academy of Science has released a report showing that health effects from burning fossil fuels cost the economy about $120 billion a year. Global warming was not included due to uncertainty, so it's focused mostly on air pollution.
High Speed Rail: It's About Place
So says William Schroeer the State Policy Director at Smart Growth America, speaking at the High Speed Rail Conference in D.C. last weekend.
Jane Jacobs, Economic Guru?
Jacobs' ideas about urban planning bumped her to the top of her Top Urban Thinkers list, but economists are turning to her other books to rethink local economies.
What Does Main Street Look Like?
What does Main Street America look like today? A journalist, a public radio producer, and two Harvard PhD students set out to visit actual Main Streets across the country to find out.
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
