United States
Sprawl's Economic Effect On Agriculture In South
As new developments consume agricultural lands in the fast-growing South, the cooperatives that cater to farmers feel the pinch. While some can 'retool' by selling pet food and lawn fertilizer, others must close as another casualty to sprawl.
Struggling U.S. Malls Mix It Up As Asia Booms
While they flourish in Asia, huge shopping malls are losing their popularity in the U.S. to big box retailers. One way developers are reacting is by recreating the formerly all-commercial shopping experience to include a mix of uses.
Internet Resources for Urban Planning Students and Scholars
Smyth Lai, a reference librarian in Portland, Oregon, offers his review of leading resources for planning students and scholars.
The Planning Process' Built-In Problems
This editorial from the San Francisco Examiner discusses why the planning system is not public-friendly, and by reducing public hearing and reporting requirements, the process will be less intimidating to the public.
Elevator Technology Rises To New Heights
This audio report from NPR describes "smart elevator" technology that is slowly moving its way into the U.S. in places like elevator-dependent New York City. These new elevators group passengers into different elevators based on their destination.
New Generation Of City Managers Needed
As current city management professionals inch toward retirement, a shortage of younger candidates may mean tough times ahead for professionally managed cities.
Subsidizing Public Transportation with Speeding Cars
Harvesting wind energy from cars? Mark Oberholzer comes up with the innovative idea of harvesting energy from the wind of passing cars.
Can Existing Buildings Be Renovated 'Green'?
While using green building practices has become popular in new construction, the same is not true for renovation projects.
Historic Streetcars : Urban Investment And A Smart Transit Choice
Historic streetcars are on a comeback in the USA. Cheaper than light rail, they also are an asset in encouraging reinvestment in older parts of downtowns as illustrated by Tampa's 2.5 mile line that connects neighborhoods.
The Rise of the Megapolitans
Megapolitans are regions that combine at least two, and often several, metropolitan areas. Researchers Robert E. Lang and Arthur C. Nelson developed the megapolitan concept in part to depict where the next 100 million Americans will live.
Good Times Threaten Community Development Corporations
Community development corporations were created about a generation ago to build housing in impoverished neighborhoods of New York City where private developers had given up. Now that these areas are flourishing, these CDCs face an uncertain future.
El Nino and Global Warming: A Dangerous Combination?
An interview with Greenpeace USA executive director, John Passacantando on the unusually warm winter in Northeast, Exxon Mobil's funding of global warming skeptics, and the squelching of the views of U.S. government scientists on climate change.
Are Census Projections Good Assumptions?
Chris Williamson offers advice on how to make sure you don't confuse Census Bureau projections with actual planning.
New Anti-Planning Blog Established
Infamous planning opponent Randal O'Toole has begun a new blog where he argues against virtually all forms of land use and other government planning.
A Call For Tougher Building Codes Along The Coast
Outgoing National Hurricane Center Director Max Mayfield urges adoption of tougher building codes and land use rules to avert "major disaster" in the southeast.
Casting A Vote For The City Of The Future
Finalists in The History Channel's futuristic city design challenge will now present their visions to the public in an online poll to determine the grand prize winner.
Public Libraries Act As Refuge For Many
Public libraries are increasingly being called upon to provide disaster services and support for those chronically in need, such as the homeless and seniors, yet their budgets continue to be cut.
Small Bay Area Commuter Train Hopes To Revolutionize Passenger Rail
Caltrain, the nation's oldest commuter rail system west of the Mississippi, unveiled a plan to electrify the line that operates 96 daily trains from San Francisco to San Jose using technology that requires changes in federal and state regulations.
Should Taxpayers Foot The Bill For Wildfires?
A debate over who should be responsible for the costs incurred by wildfires is raging between the Federal government and state and local officials.
Mini-Me McMansions: The Modern Day Playhouse
Sales of high-priced playhouses that replicate real-life homes are increasing.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
