United States

Can America's Passenger Rail System Ever Catch Up?

As Europe and Asia invest in high-speed rail, the U.S. continues to play politics with Amtrak -- leaving customers unhappy and taxpayers footing the bill.

December 4, 2007 - The Washington Post

The Most Walkable Cities In America

A new report from the Brookings Institution ranks the 30 largest U.S. metro areas according to the number of walkable places per capita.

December 4, 2007 - The Houston Chronicle

How To Reduce Greenhouse Gases At Low Cost

Study finds U.S. "brimming" with opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while saving money with small innovations and modest cost.

December 4, 2007 - The New York Times

Easier To Love A Streetcar Than A Light Rail

The engineering jargon name "light rail" is just not lovable. Maybe that's why the more familiar streetcar is gathering support in cities across the country, writes Alex Marshall in this column from Governing.

December 4, 2007 - Governing

Roadside Digital Billboards Pass Muster, But Opponents Question Safety

Digital billboards are slowly cropping up in cities across the country. Federal officials have ruled them safe, but many opponents are calling them a blight and a safety hazard.

December 3, 2007 - Stateline

The Most Expensive Homes Of 2007

While the country overall is experiencing a housing slowdown, it hasn't stopped the extremely wealthy from plopping down record setting sums for prime real estate.

December 1, 2007 - Forbes

A Fire Chief's View Of Smart Growth

A recent post on a fire chief's blog provides insight on the challenges that clustered, higher-density housing developments present to firefighers.

December 1, 2007 - Mutual Aid Blog

Going Green Is An Uphill Battle In The 'Burbs

Eco-friendly developments are struggling to achieve approval due to zoning restrictions in the suburbs of New York and New Jersey -- a story that is more and more familiar in suburbs across the country.

November 30, 2007 - The New York Times

Fixing Traffic Without Help From Uncle Sam

Desperate to find ways to relieve traffic congestion, local planners are getting creative with transportation plans and potential sources of revenue.

November 30, 2007 - The Christian Science Monitor

Clamping Down On Urban Noise Could Help Fight Climate Change

Could the secret to getting more people to adopt higher-density (and therefore more sustainable) living be designing a soundproof apartment?

November 30, 2007 - Multi-Housing News

Making It Cool To Walk To School

A newly released study looked at various programs designed to encourage more students to walk to school, and helps to identify a recipe for success.

November 29, 2007 - Health News Digest

Investing In A City's Rebirth

With urban areas on the rise, investors are taking a closer look places like Detroit and Philadelphia, where depressed real estate values can equal opportunity for those with local knowledge.

November 29, 2007 - Inman Real Estate News

Can The U.S. Cut Its Energy Consumption?

A Canadian economist says the U.S. is heading for a major collision between rising energy prices and its lifestyle of excess.

November 29, 2007 - The Houston Chronicle

Where The Affordable Housing Is...And Isn't

California is home to the least affordable housing markets, while Michigan and Ohio are the places with the lowest home prices.

November 29, 2007 - Inman Real Estate News

Which Cities Are Set To Make A Comeback?

History tells us that cities ebb and flow. This first of a three part series looks at a number of U.S. cities that have been in decline, and begins to explore which cities are poised to return to prosperity.

November 28, 2007 - Inman Real Estate News

Adressing Congestion Now More Politically Feasible

Congestion issues are high on many lists of urgent urban issues. Politicians and governments are now easing up to the formerly-avoided expense of improving highways and roads.

November 26, 2007 - The Christian Science Monitor

Europe Takes A More Discerning Look At Wind Energy

Wind energy has matured in Europe and US to the point where it can be compared to other competing energy sources. While still encouraging its use, governments are now considering the disadvantages associated with this carbon-free energy source.

November 26, 2007 - The New York Times

The Need For Planning In An Aging Society

Community design, the availability of amenities, and ease of mobility have a tremendous impact on the aging population, but the 50+ community is often ignored when these elements are being planned.

November 26, 2007 - Robert Hodder

The Suburbs: Post-Levittown

In this article from The Wall Street Journal, Joel Kotkin discusses the history of suburban development, and looks at how they have changed in the years since Levittown.

November 26, 2007 - The Wall Street Journal

A Coming Future When Cars Are Not Privately Owned

Citing the failure of 2nd generation alternative fuels and the looming issue of traffic congestion, the Chairman of Ford Motor Company ponders 'radical' solutions for the future.

November 25, 2007 - 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.

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA

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.