United States
Bikers vs. Environmentalists
Planners in Montgomery County, MD are nixing a proposed bike path because of its nearness to 'ecologically sensitive parkland'. Bicycle proponents think this argument doesn't hold water. Says one,'they're already running a big highway through there.'
Congressperson Asks Americans To Drive Slower
One of Congress' newest members sees it fitting that Americans should drive slower to save fuel - an appropriate sacrifice for a war she sees partly waged for oil. Her first bill, HR 6458, lowers speed limits to 60/65 mph (urban/rural areas).
Many Schools Located Next to Major Highways
New research from the University of Cincinnati shows that nearly a third of U.S. schools are located within a quarter-mile of major highways, posing a significant air pollution threat to students.
How U.S. Infrastructure Crumbled
With America facing a $1.6 trillion infrastructure deficit, Joanna Guldi of the Commonweal Institute laments for the era the "infrastructure state."
The Meaning of 'Independence'
Jay Walljasper reflects on the historical meaning of American independence, and how today's meaning is leading people away from working towards the common good.
Are Eco-Restrictive HOA Rules Being Hung Out to Dry?
Homeowner Associations have traditionally frowned on eco-friendly additions such as clotheslines. Recent legal challenges may change the rules.
Cities in a State of Rapid Decay
While the mortgage crisis has hit hard in California and other prosperous regions, the cities that are sliding fastest into decline are still in the Rust Belt, with disappearing populations and bleak job prospects.
Will New England Face a 'Frozen Katrina'?
With heating oil expected to be 36% more expensive, natural gas twice that amount, and LIHEAP funding lower than it was in the 1980s, there are grave warnings that the northeastern U.S. could be facing a "frozen Katrina" this winter.
Plans Vary for Foreclosure Relief Funds
Foreclosure-stricken cities and states are looking forward to receiving federal relief funding. Their plans for using the funding vary.
Best Towns in the U.S.
Outside Magazine looks at the best cities and towns for working, living and playing, with a focus on places that have experienced a renewal.
Flood Forecasting Goes 3D
New modeling software could soon be available that would allow monitoring across the internet of flood levels in specific areas- like your backyard.
Freakonomics Investigates Suburbia
Urban experts weigh in on the future of the suburbs.
The Microsoft Sphere
Microsoft has introduced a spherical computer display that lets users touch the globe to interact with it. There are many likely applications for planning and public participation.
Media Outlets Need Auto Industry Ads to Survive
More than a quarter of all local TV ad revenue comes from car companies. Could plummeting profits from SUVs mean even worse local news?
The Man Behind Secret Corporate Tax Deals
The practice of secret bidding that goes on between cities vying for business to locate in their town has been going on since the 1920s- and there's one man responsible for it all.
Americans and Business Curb Energy Use
American businesses and consumers are changing their habits and finding ways to save energy.
Did Enviros Misjudge The Effect Of High Gas Prices?
The public has relegated global warming well behind other issues, including high energy prices. This article examines the role of environmental groups in this backslide as the public warms to more drilling to reduce gas prices.
Three Cheers for the Automobile
Former Congressman Ernest Istook discusses why the automobile is the ultimate manifestation of freedom, mobility, and personal choice, and argues for a re-allocation of public spending away from mass transit and other alternatives.
Hurting Economy Could Expand Privatization of Infrastructure
As the economy continues to struggle, many expect governments to increasingly look at privatizing roads and other infrastructure.
Colleges Discouraging Cars
Colleges across the country are trying new incentive programs to get students to leave their cars behind when school starts.
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
