United States

Obama Reaches Out to Governors for Infrastructure Funding Support

Presdient-elect Obama addressed the nation's governors at a meeting of the National Governors Association on Tuesday, building solidarity between officials at the state and federal levels for an infrastructure-based stimulus package.

December 5, 2008 - The Christian Science Monitor

This Season, Some Light Displays Sacrificed

Around the country, cities have been forced to scrimp by cutting back on holiday-themed light displays.

December 4, 2008 - USA Today

NEWS SUMMARY: Cities Cutting Back

December 4, 2008 - Nate Berg

Great Lakes Compact Comes Just in Time

Between the invasive species, questions of drinking water safety, and dipping water levels, the Great Lakes have been taking a beating lately.

December 3, 2008 - The Christian Science Monitor

Clearing the Way for Mixed-Use, But Economy Puts Projects On Hold

The people of Salt Lake City have gotten behind the switch to mixed-use, and developers have been clearing away old sprawl. But the flailing economy has put projects on hold, leaving the city with a landscape full of holes.

December 3, 2008 - Utah Stories

Woes Awaiting New Transportation Secretary

Of primary importance will be dealing with the National Highway Trust Fund, long the source of federal transportation funding, but not having seen an increase in the gas tax for 15 years, it is essentially broke - spending more than it brings in.

December 3, 2008 - The Washington Post

L.A Billboard Policy 'Worst in Nation'

Kevin Fry, president of Scenic America, explains the threat to the urban fabric posed by lax billboard policies. He also explains how cities can avoid L.A.'s problems enforcing outdoor advertising codes.

December 2, 2008 - The Planning Report

For Cities, Cutting Back May Simply Mean Streamlining

Tough economic times spell troubles for city budgets. One way to cut back on costs is to rethink operation of seemingly untouchable public safety services like police and firefighters, according to this column from Neal Peirce.

December 2, 2008 - Citiwire

3 Plans to Rescue the Economy and the Earth with Public Transportation

Treehugger.com talks to Andy Kunz of urbandesign.org, The Apollo Alliance, and Transportation for America about their proposals to move America forward with expanded public transportation initiatives.

December 2, 2008 - Treehugger.com

Intercity Bus Use Highest in 40 Years: Study

A new report from the Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development finds that a combination of high gas prices and airline industry woes have contributed to a dramatic increase in intercity bus ridership.

December 1, 2008 - Forbes

Transportation Secretary Will Have to Hit Ground Running

Outdated funding mechanisms and systemwide maintenance issues ensure that the next transportation secretary will have a full plate during the Obama administration.

December 1, 2008 - The Washington Post

The Problem of Less Driving

This year, oil prices in America rose to heights drivers had never seen. So they cut back on driving. But that reduction is now causing oil prices to fall back down, and many say drivers will soon revert to old habits.

November 30, 2008 - The Wall Street Journal

Holidays Bring No Savior As Retail Centers Empty

Not even the Christmas season is expected to turn things around for struggling retailers, which are dropping like leaves and littering vacancies in shopping centers across the country.

November 28, 2008 - Los Angeles Times

The Cautionary Tale of Vallejo

Vallejo, CA declared bankruptcy last spring, felled by fiscal mismanagement and falling property taxes. Cities around the country are looking to Vallejo's example as they teeter near the edge.

November 26, 2008 - Governing Magazine

Public Lands Under an Obama Administration

Environmentalists and resources extracting industries alike are scrutinizing President-Elect Obama's election comments for indications of what his administration's public lands policies will be like.

November 25, 2008 - McClatchey Newspapers

2009 City Crime Rankings Released

CQ Press has released its annual list of cities with the best and worst crime rates. Groups from the U.S. Conference of Mayors to the FBI decry the list for being simplistic, but CQ defends its data.

November 25, 2008 - CNN

Worse Times Ahead for Housing

Latest figures are indicating that as many as 4 in 10 mortgage holders in America could soon be "underwater," with the potential for millions to simply walk away.

November 25, 2008 - McClatchey Newspapers

Save Detroit - Raise The Gas Tax

Fortune Magazine's Martin Sloan is interviewed on Marketplace on why he thinks it would be good for Detroit, and America, to have a higher gas tax. At the same time, he has advice to Congress as to what they should do with fuel-efficiency standards.

November 25, 2008 - Marketplace Morning Report

Senior Housing Options Decline Amidst Housing & Financial Crises

Unable to sell their homes, thousands of aging seniors throughout the U.S. who would have moved to assisted or independent living or retirement communities are staying put - in homes they would love to leave but are financially tied to.

November 25, 2008 - The New York Times

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.

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.