United States
The Work of Community Development
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a plan to help the nation's hardest hit homeowners and neighborhoods. But by concentrating assistance in the most devastated areas, few places will be saved, writes Charles Buki.
Yellowstone Considers Cellphone Towers, Wireless Internet
Environmental groups aren't happy to hear that Yellowstone officials may be installing more cellphone towers and providing wireless internet in the near future, fearing that the technology will detract from and destroy the park's natural scenery.
Infrastructure Funding Boosts Likely in 2009
Repairing the nation's infrastructure is a good move on to-be President Obama's part, as it also creates jobs "that lead to the creation of still more jobs."
Bailout Should Transform Detroit into 'Transportmaker'
As the federal government prepares to bail out the flailing U.S. automotive industry, it should think about changing the face of the industry from carmaker to "transportmaker", according to Robert Goodman.
The End of the Age of Malls
Fewer and fewer malls are being built in the U.S., and as they fade from the American landscape, retailers feel the pain.
GM Killed Mass Transit: Now it Must Help Repair it
Now that General Motors is facing financial ruin and seeking a federal bailout, Harvey Wasserman argues that before it receives any help, GM must redress its participation in the conspiracy to destroy America's mass transit system.
Big City Mayors Seek Bailout
Facing budget and pension fund shortfalls of hundreds of millions of dollars, three big city mayors have requested in a letter to Treasury Secretary Paulson that some of the federal bailout money be directed to cities.
President of Opportunity: Just Add Funding
President-Elect Barack Obama is seen by many urbanists as a great opportunity for improving the built environment of the U.S. Anthony Flint sees big plans brewing but wonders how they'll be funded and if Obama will be able to handle them all.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Redressing Strip Malls
Strip malls could be the next frontier for urban redevelopment, according to Chris Nelson.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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
