United States

Mid-Decade Census Numbers Fuel Confusion And Doubt

California cities are getting a look at the results of the U. S. Census Bureau's first American Community Survey of medium-sized cities; some officials grouse at the 'funny numbers'--they just don’t add up.

September 8, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

'Neutron Bomb' Mortgages Set to Blow in '07

Option adjustable rate mortgages(ARM) have in recent years been offered to thousands of middle-income homeowners who may soon face "personal catastrophe" as their loans reset, doubling their monthly payments.

September 8, 2006 - Business Week

Taking Extreme Commuting To The Next Level

"Sleepover commuters" are travelling across state lines, even several time zones, to get to work.

September 8, 2006 - Abhijeet Chavan

States Sue Each Other Over Inter-State Water Pollution

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is expected to act when pollution from one state affects a neighboring state. In the absence Of federal involvement, states have started to sue each other.

September 8, 2006 - The Washington Post

Critics Concerned As Cities Cash-In On Red-light Cameras

Critics cite many concerns--privacy, safety, accuracy, fairness--but cameras are gaining ground and cities are cashing-in on the hefty fines paid by offenders.

September 8, 2006 - MSN

Idaho Blueprint for Good Growth Mired in Controversy

An Idaho regional land use plan is on hold as members debate policy implementation.

September 7, 2006 - The Idaho Statesman

Court Pours Cold Water On Deltona's Hot Annexation Plans

Recent ruling by a Florida court says that the annexed property is not contiguous to the city, thus halting the proposed development plan.

September 7, 2006 - The Orlando Sentinel

Car-sharing: 'A Cure For The Twin Evils'

Boosterism for car-sharing runs high. Users pay less in parking and insurance and love the extra pocket change.

September 7, 2006 - MSN

Public Transit Boom In The U.S.

Congestion and gas prices are creating a boom for light rail and buses across the nation. Cities are using technology and imaginative enticements to counter Americans' reluctance to abandon their cars.

September 6, 2006 - The Economist

Inside Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin Fellowship

A detailed look at Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin Fellowship offers new insights about the iconic architect's "unorthodox design process." It also uses "melodrama, spiritualism and sexual innuendo" to reveal rivalries and politics at his studio.

September 6, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Bush Forest Plan Halted By Strong Opposition

Bush administration proposals to sell public land face strong opposition even from allies such as the National Rifle Association.

September 6, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

New Clean Diesel Fuel Debuts

In the most important fuel improvement since lead was removed from gasoline a generation ago, 97% of the sulfur from diesel fuel will be removed, dramatically reducing particulate emissions, resulting in improvements to health and longevity.

September 5, 2006 - The Oakland Tribune

The Criminalization of Homelessness

Treating homelessness as a criminal justice issue not only represents a waste of civic resources, but fails to address the root causes of homelessness, writes Tulin Ozdeger, an attorney at the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty.

September 5, 2006 - TomPaine.com

Eminent Domain: Still A Useful Tool Despite Its Recent Thrashing

While the public and the media like to bring attention to a few controversial cases, rarely does anyone recognize the all the good that has come from the sound use of eminent domain by local officials, says David M. Lewis.

September 5, 2006 - David M. Lewis

Keeping Amtrak On Track

Can a "mysterious new boss" lead Amtrak's recovery?

September 5, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Bigger Incomes, Bigger Homes, Less Satisfaction

Americans are buying bigger homes and on average, to house fewer people. Ironically, their satisfaction in housing choice has eroded somewhat over the last twenty years.

September 5, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

'Generation 1.5': A Bridge Between Generations Of Immigrants

Neither first nor second generation immigrants, those who migrated with their parents to America as children are often caught between the old world and the new.

September 4, 2006 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Let's Just Call Ourselves City Planners

We seem to be reluctant to identify our profession in clear, recognizable language, writes Eugenie Birch, FAICP, chair of the Department of City and Regional Planning at the University of Pennsylvania.

September 4, 2006 - Planning Magazine

Using Concert Halls For Urban Revitalization

Cities across North America are opening new concert halls in hopes of sparking cultural and economic development and boosting civic pride.

September 3, 2006 - The New York Times

A Modern House On The Cheap

A new book from the former editor of Dwell Magazine details the search for a stylish, modern urban home for around $100 a square foot.

September 1, 2006 - 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.

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.