United States

The Obama Administration: An Opportunity to Rebuild and Renew America

Congressman Earl Blumenauer of Oregon thinks that an Obama administration, working with Congress, could effect change and create a new vision to Rebuild and Renew America.

November 17, 2008 - Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)

Cold War Adaptive Reuse

The underground missile silos of the Cold War-era are still around, but they're not being used. Some people have moved in to reuse one in Kansas as a home.

November 16, 2008 - Studio 360

Infrastructure: A Slow Fix For A Long-Term Problem

Dismissed earlier in the year as a method too slow to revive the economy, infrastructure investment is now receiving renewed attention as a bailout for the country.

November 16, 2008 - Nate Berg

The Future Homes of Post-Crash America

Just as good economic times pushed housing sizes to mansion-like proportions, the downturn in the economy will force builders and consumers to size down and get energy efficient, according to this commentary from James S. Russell.

November 16, 2008 - Bloomberg

Redressing Strip Malls

Strip malls could be the next frontier for urban redevelopment, according to Chris Nelson.

November 15, 2008 - The Oregonian

U.S. Rail Renaissance

California's $10 billion high speed rail bond was not the only transit initiative to pass on Election Day. Over 70% (double the customary rate) of all transportation initiatives passed, including 18 that raise sales or property taxes.

November 14, 2008 - The Wall Street Journal

Housing Comeback in 2010?

An industry expert predicted at ULI's fall meeting that the new home market could pick back up by 2010, followed by a rally in the resale market in 2011.

November 14, 2008 - ULI's The Ground Floor

CNU to Focus on Networks

Mike Lydon of Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company reports on the recent Transport Summit in Charlotte, NC, where presentations ranged from discussions of 'context-sensitive' road design to crafting the 2009 federal transportation bill.

November 14, 2008 - Mike Lydon

HUD Announces Mortgage Guidelines- But Can't Enforce Them

The Department of Housing and Urban Development says the new rules will help buyers understand broker's fees will limit fee increases, and they are currently seeking legislation to give them the power to enforce the rules.

November 13, 2008 - The Wall St. Journal

Has SF Opened the Door for Tax-Free Transit Benefits?

San Francisco recently became the first city to mandate tax-free transportation benefit plans for companies with more than 20 workers. Currently unbeknown to many employers, the move may cause other cities to catch on.

November 13, 2008 - Chicago Tribune

In Total, $75 Billion Approved for Mass Transit

Last week, a majority of transportation initiatives were approved by voters. This is good news for transit advocates, but risks still loom.

November 13, 2008 - The Wall Street Journal

Obama Administration to Create Office of Urban Policy

When President-elect Obama takes office in January, he says, an Office of Urban Policy will be established, and a Director of Urban Policy will be in place to "coordinate all federal urban programs."

November 12, 2008 - The Washington Post

Military Town Real Estate Remains Unfazed by Housing Bust

Military towns are seeing home sales go up despite decreasing home values elsewhere across the country, thanks in part to a steady wartime economy.

November 12, 2008 - Chicago Tribune

Treading Lightly into a New 'New Deal'

Many are arguing for a new "New Deal" under President-Elect Obama. Economist Paul Krugman says there are many lessons -- good and bad -- Obama should learn from the first "New Deal" before taking the plunge.

November 12, 2008 - The New York Times

Green Building Industry Staying Afloat

While many construction and development projects are finding trouble getting funded, sustainable design firms are hanging in there.

November 12, 2008 - The Architect's Newspaper

Freight Rail Flourishes Due To Innovations

In a time of plummeting oil prices, one might think rail would lose business to trucks, but the freight business is more detailed. In this interview with Burlington Northern Santa Fe CEO Mathew Rose, one gains an insight into freight rail's future.

November 11, 2008 - Business Week

Obama to Overturn Bush on Climate Change?

President-elect Barack Obama is set to overturn as many as 200 Bush-era decisions, including those aimed at addressing greenhouse gas emissions and recognizing climate change.

November 11, 2008 - Washington Post

The Year Without A Santa Claus

Cities facing budget cuts are cutting back on Christmas decorations and events. Has the Grinch stolen Christmas?

November 11, 2008 - The Wall St. Journal

Perils Of Green Energy

As renewables replace polluting, carbon-intensive power sources, the reliability of the nation's electricity will be impaired because of the inability of the grid to accommodate power produced from distant sources, according to a new report.

November 11, 2008 - The New York Times

New U.S. Streetcars A Boon to European Makers

A surge in streetcar system construction in the United States is benefitting a number of tram builders like Siemens of Germany and Skoda of the Czech Republic.

November 11, 2008 - International Herald Tribune

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.