United States
U.S. DOT Joins the Blogosphere
Transportation Secretary Mary Peters (or, more likely, her communications team) has taken up blogging, but the new PR outlet comes with a title that's not so friendly to all modes of transportation.
Pittsburgh, Los Angeles Top List Of Cities With The Worst Air Pollution
The American Lung Association has released its 2008 State of the Air report, which ranks cities with the worst air pollution.
Rethinking The Fountain
For thousands of years, fountains always featured a water basin. Then landscape architect Peter Walker designed Harvard University's Tanner Fountain, and a revolutionary new idea was born.
Green Incentives Don't Help Small Businesses
While cities are eager to encourage businesses to go green, many government incentive programs are not designed with small businesses in mind.
Even With Soaring Prices, U.S. Gas Is Still Cheap
With gas averaging $3.45 a gallon, the U.S. still only ranks as the 110th most expensive place to buy gas -- out of 155 countries.
For These Homeowners, The Smaller The Better
Smaller, environmentally friendly homes -- ranging from as much as 1000 to as little as 70 square feet -- are a hot trend in modern architecture. Eco-conscious (and wallet-conscious) buyers are increasingly interested in these new "micro mansions".
Is Residential Energy Use Affected By Urban Form?
In the current issue of Housing Policy Debate, Reid Ewing and Fang Rong argue that sprawling urban form contributes to higher residential energy use. Two responses -- one from Samuel Staley and another by John Randolph -- rebut the paper.
Smart Growth's Role In The Housing Crisis
The housing markets most affected by the subprime mortgage fallout are those with the toughest land use regulations, argues Wendell Cox.
'Gas Tax Holiday' Won't Help Americans
New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman holds no punches in expressing his displeasure in the 'gas tax holiday' proposal now that presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has joined presumptive Republican nominee John McCain in endorsing it.
Questioning The Value Of Stadium Subsidies
Taxpayers typically contribute more than 50 percent of the cost of a new stadium or arena these days, but what are they getting for their money?
Did Rising Gas Prices Burst The Housing Bubble?
A new reports says high gas prices have contributed to falling house prices in the nation's suburbs.
Economic Woes May Cut Down Sprawl
The downturn in the economy could bring about major changes to the pattern of suburban sprawl development.
City Mayors To Candidates: Notice Us!
Mayors of Reading and Scranton, Pa. plead for presidential candidates to address substantive city-region issues, such as transit access, investment in high-tech industries and increased federal funding for sustainable infrastructure improvements.
Earth To Houston: Wake Up And Smell The Greenhouse Gas Emissions
While the American Dream Coalition celebrates the 'freedom and affordability' of Houston -- Robert Steuteville wonders why the group ignores the environmental and financial consequences of such an auto-dependent city.
More Americans Struggling With Energy Poverty
Rising natural gas, heating oil and electricity prices are becoming a major financial burden for millions of Americans, and without more generous relief programs many could face service shut-offs.
The Decline Of The Suburbs?
The sub prime crisis is affecting both the growth of planned suburbs and prompting the decline of new suburbs. Is the US heading for Slumburbia?
New Maps Show Broad Range of Earthquake Risk in U.S.
New earthquake hazard maps from the U.S. Geological Survey show increased earthquake risk areas beyond typical hotspots like California. Geologists say planners and local officials should react to the maps by updating building codes.
Does LEED Have a Big City Bias?
The vast majority of LEED-certified green buildings in the U.S. are located in major cities, leading some to wonder whether there might be an inherent bias in LEED's standards.
Solving Civic Problems in a Post-Fact Society
How does a rapidly changing news media affect big city planning? Badly, according to this post from Next American City.
Housing Prices Drop Lower as Commute Distances Rise
Homes farther out from the central city and with longer commutes are being hit harder by the downturn in the housing market. Those located close to city cores and transit are faring better, according to this report from NPR.
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
