United States

Why Big Box Stores Are Good For The Environment

Daniel Akst argues that large retail stores such as Wal-Mart are good for the environment.

November 4, 2005 - Grist

URISA Event Applauds Post-Katrina GIS Efforts

43rd annual conference of the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA) recognized the contributions of GISCorp volunteers for their support in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

November 4, 2005 - Abhijeet Chavan

Transit Oriented Development Catches On

Mixed use projects are opening near transit stations in Los Angeles and around the country as cities try to encourage density and discourage the use of cars.

November 3, 2005 - The New York Times

Planning for Post-Republican America

David W. Orr. believes that the Bush administration is about to self-destruct, and with it, its approach to science, environment, climate change and energy; it's time to start planning for what will replace it.

November 3, 2005 - CommonDreams

The New Suburbanism

Author and commentator Joel Kotkin and consulting firm, The Planning Center, team up to produce what they are calling 'A Realist's Guide to The American Future.'

November 2, 2005 - The Planning Center / Joel Kotkin

Environmentalists Worried About Alito's Record

Environmentalists in D.C. have spent the last 24 hours digging through Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito's extensive paper trail for clues as to how he might vote on environmental cases were he confirmed as a U.S. Supreme Court justice.

November 2, 2005 - Grist Magazine

Census Tracks Cities' Daytime Population Changes

U.S. Census Bureau has released first-ever estimates of cities' daytime population changes.

November 2, 2005 - The Washington Post

Prefab Goes Mainstream

As housing prices continue to skyrocket, prefabricated homes -- often stylishly designed by respected architects -- are quite a deal, and selling well. [Includes a slide show.]

November 2, 2005 - Business Week

The Legacy of 'Silent Spring' 43 Years Later

Forty-three years ago, Rachel Carson became the unlikely founder of the radical ecology movement. Her message is even more powerful today, writes columnist John Burnside.

November 1, 2005 - AlterNet

Bush's Odd Decisions After Katrina Will Leave Deep Scars

After the flood waters have receeded, Odd decisions by the Bush administration reagarding the rebuilding effort will make Katrina hurt again, say Neil Peirce.

November 1, 2005 - AlterNet

Hummer Vs. Hybrid

Fans of both 'extreme' breeds defend their choice in vehicle as war rages on in Washington DC over oil prices and HOV lane usage. Both

November 1, 2005 - The Washington Post

Wal-Mart Plans National Expansion Ahead Of New Zoning Laws

Wal-Mart's CEO recognizes that zoninig laws will becoming increasingly less friendly to supercenters, and so plans to ramp up expansion with plans to open between 550-600 stores in the upcoming year.

October 31, 2005 - CNN Money

Budget Cuts Imperil 2010 Census

A $17 million cut in funding could imperil critical source of planning information.

October 31, 2005 - Washington Post

Katrina's Implications for Disaster Management: Lessons Learned From New Orleans

Two months after Katrina, what have we learned? Graham Stroh analyzes Katrina's disaster management lessons on law enforcement, communication and social infrastructure.

October 31, 2005 - Graham Stroh

How Best To Rebuild New Orelans

Grist Magazine asks a motley crew of movers and shakers to put on their thinking caps and answer the question.

October 31, 2005 - Grist Magazine

Housing Prices Remain Steady Under Smart Growth Policies

The idea that limiting sprawl leads to a scarcity of homes and increased home prices just doesn't hold up, according to new research from California State University at Sacramento.

October 31, 2005 - California State University at Sacramento

New Urbanists Help Katrina Recovery

200 urban designers from around the world work to replan Missisippi coast.

October 30, 2005 - INTBAU News

How to Improve Public Schools

Every American city wants to improve its schools. Although few communities are satisfied with the progress they are making, there are some signs of encouragement.

October 30, 2005 - Smart City Radio

A 'Green' Spurt For US Businesses?

Wal-Mart's new plan to pare energy costs by shifting to renewables could prompt other firms to follow its lead.

October 28, 2005 - The Christian Science Monitor

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.