United States
For Economic Development, Casinos Don't Pay
While more states are approving commercial casinos in hopes of creating jobs and increasing tax revenues, economists are increasing skeptical of the benefits of legalized gambling.
TODs Prove To Be A Boon For Urban Regions
In this special report, the WSJ examines the growing popularity of rail-based TODs, examining their effect on land values as well as the challenges they may face in obtaining approval.
The Housing Bubble and the Baby Boomers
The troubling ratio of mortgage debt to housing value is going to pose a problem for millions of baby boomers, who are set to retire with almost no equity, according to Dean Baker of the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington, D.C.
Building TODs Without The Transit
With pedestrian-friendly urban design increasingly popular, many suburban communities are building urban village-type developments usually designed around transit stations -- except they don't have transit.
More U.S. Cities Make Kyoto Protocol Pledge
More than 500 American cities have signed on to voluntarily comply with the Kyoto Protocol, an international set of standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that the U.S. has repeatedly refused to sign.
How Aerial Trams Can Play A Role In Urban Transit
Aerial trams are an effective, if idiosyncratic, mode of transportation. Reconnecting America's Jeff Wood reflects on how and when to explore this dramatic transit option.
Cities Take Action On Climate Change
While the federal government resists taking action on climate change, municipalities are implementing their own plans and guidelines to reduce energy consumption and the production of greenhouse gases.
Making Housing Work For Grandparents And Grandchildren
With more and more grandparent raising their grandchildren nationally, developers are responding to the demand for housing that can accommodate both age groups and provide the specialized services each needs.
A Browner Shade of Green: The New Water Rules and the Next Chapter of Sprawl
Stormwater mitigation rules are supposed to help protect the environment, but the current regulations also end up encouraging sprawl over urban redevelopment.
'Green' Was The Theme At AIA Convention
Over 20,000 people descended on San Antonio to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the American Institute of Architects -- whose conference focused on how sustainable design is changing the way buildings are located, designed and constructed.
The Price Of Cheap Energy: High Carbon Emissions
A state's carbon emissions is largely correlated with the source of its electricity -- the more coal power, the larger the carbon footprint, and the lower the electric rates.
Small Rural Towns Take Reins In Providing Internet Service
Rural towns are making moves to provide their own high speed internet services. Many rural areas are underserved by big internet service providers, and public officials recognize the importance of internet access to the future of their communities.
Houston's 'Opportunity Urbanism' Demonstrates Future Of Cities
A recent report by Joel Kotkin and the Greater Houston Partnership offers an alternative to Richard Florida's Creative Class model for the future of cities -- using the Sunbelt metropolis as a case study.
Cities In US And UK Consider Public Wi-Fi
In both the US and the UK, local governments are looking to offer wireless internet access in public spaces as a way to get more people out on the streets and near businesses. But they are carefully considering the idea's sustainability.
Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis: Successful, But Buses Need to Go
Minneapolis' signature street has fulfilled its promise as an urban oasis. But belching buses and sidewalk cafes don't mix.
Google Maps Begins To Integrate Transit Information
The internet firm has launched new features making it easier for users to learn about transit options when getting directions.
Why Americans Like Big Homes
Americans generally see bigger as better, and a desire for status combined with local government's desire to attract high-income residents often drives the development of large homes on large lots.
Google's 'Street View' Sparks Privacy Questions
"Street View," a new feature of Google Maps, offers panoramic street-level views of major urban areas. Where do you draw the line between public & private?
Planning For The Afterlife
Most cities and planners seem unprepared to deal with the land use issues surrounding the nation's burgeoning cemeteries.
All Disaster Planning Now Under Control of the White House?
In the case of a national emergency such as a Katrina-type storm or an act of terrorism, the White House will assume control over the other branches of government, according to a new Presidential Directive.
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
