United States
Will Falling Gas Prices Revive SUV Sales?
Gas prices averaged $2.44 nationwide on Sept. 22, 47 cents less than a month ago (per AAA) and continue to fall as oil prices hover at $60/barrel; yet surveys show consumers continue to rank fuel economy as their top consideration.
The Big Buildup
Huston Eubank, director of the World Green Building Council, answers Grist's questions.
Benefits Of Plug-In Hybrids Overrated
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles have been promoted as achieving over 100 mpg. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy reports on the energy and emissions benefits of this new technology, showing it varies on geography and technology.
California Sues Auto Industry Over Global Warming
With the State of California recently moving to seek damages from car makers, could auto manufacturers be the new tobacco industry -- ripe for litigation due to the global warming emissions from the vehicles they produce?
Henry Cisneros Leading The Creation Of Workforce Housing
Despite a scandal-plagued post-Clinton-Cabinet professional career, Henry Cisneros has emerged as one of the nation's top affordable-housing developers. Now, "traditional" development companies are also edging into the market.
Judge Rules Against Bush Forest Roads Policy
Judge reinstates Clinton-era protections against logging, mining, and road building in national forests.
It's The Middle Class, Not The Creative Class
Joel Kotkin argues that cities need to win back the middle class by focusing on their basic needs -- affordable 'market-rate' housing, schools, and public infrastructure -- if they are to be genuinely successful at urban revitalization.
Smart Growth, Defined
Thirty-two organizations have come together to release "This Is Smart Growth," a new publication from ICMA and the Smart Growth Network, which illustrates and explains smart growth concepts and values, using 40 examples from around the country.
Are We In The Midst Of A Downtown Comeback?
The heyday of the American downtown was short -- from 1880-1920, so if we are experiencing a downtown 'comeback', exactly what are we coming back from? Guest blogger Michael Manville examines the what, how and why of downtown revitalization.
Flat Roofs Have Fans And Foes
As the price of land increases, many real estate developers are looking at flat-roof designs as a means of increasing the square footage of houses, much to the chagrin of historical preservationists and municipal officials.
Al Gore Delivers Major Speech On Global Warming
In a major "policy speech" Al Gore proposes a strategy to combat global warming. He is also working on a new book to be published next year.
Understanding First Ring Suburbs
A presentation from a recent meeting of city officials in New Jersey offers information about the direction of first-ring suburbs, many of which find themselves in the crossfire of the urban-suburban divide.
California Emission Law Has Its Day In Court
In U.S. District Court in Fresno on Sept. 15, a California deputy attorney general asked Judge Ishii to dismiss a suit by the auto industry that would void the state's new emission standards, applicable in 2009, that target carbon dioxide.
Sprawl: History Or Myth?
A critical review of Robert Bruegmann's book 'Sprawl: A Compact History' asserts that Bruegmann's work exemplifies several common myths about sprawl.
Go, West? Not So Fast
The Rocky Mountain West, an area where people were content to let others do what they pleased with their land, is moving towards increasing growth controls as the region's population explodes.
Some Say LEED Is Lacking
The LEED green building standards may not be green enough, as critics voice concerns over some allowed materials and an apparent building industry influence.
Bush U-Turn On Global Warming Rumored
Is the Bush administration planning a dramatic reversal of its policy on global warming?
The Disappearing Corporate Citizen
A new paper from the Brookings Institute, "Corporate Citizenship and Urban Problem Solving: The Changing Civic Role of Business Leaders in American Cities," provides insight into the diminishing capacity for the private sector to engage in planning.
The Rise And Fall Of The 6-Percent Commission?
Some argue that the 6-percent sales commission is a form price-fixing that is ripe for change while others suggest that lowering this figure would lead to less customer service for the consumer. Either way, the 6-percent commission is under attack.
Housing Crisis Due To Government's Failure To Plan
Local government's preoccupation with regulating development and its failure to provide public infrastructure and maintain an attractive public realm is at the root of the current lack of affordable housing.
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
