United States

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

Are Those Without Cars Second Class Citizens?

Joel S. Hirschhorn illustrates how non-motorists in America are discriminated against in many aspects of daily life.

October 28, 2005 - Grist Magazine

Americans Have A Right to Reject Automobile Dependence

The Katrina calamity in New Orleans offers an opportunity to question Americans' automobile addiction.

October 28, 2005 - Grist Magazine - Gristmill Blog

Winning Downtowns Stack Their Decks

The age of attractive parking structures has arrived.

October 27, 2005 - Michigan Land Use Institute

Architecture Community Struggles To Find Its Place In Rebuilding Effort

From monetary donations to offers of services, the architecture community is reaching out to help victims of Katrina and Rita -- in spite of some obstacles.

October 27, 2005 - Architectural Record

Adapting And Improving The LEED Program

Reporter Ted Smalley Bowen checks in with LEED's leaders and other interested folks to find out what's next for the world's fastest-growing green-building scheme.

October 27, 2005 - Grist Magazine

Is LEED Broken?

The U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program is rapidly becoming the dominant system for certifying buildings as eco-friendly.

October 27, 2005 - Grist Magazine

Top Sustainable MBA Programs

A bienniel survey, Beyond Grey Pinstripes 2005, identifies the top 30 MBA programs for 'sustainable-business education' and names Stanford the top school.

October 26, 2005 - GreenBiz

What Causes Suburbia's Social Disconnect?

The social disconnect felt in suburbia is caused by the same zoning laws that create sprawl.

October 26, 2005 - Louisville Cardinal

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.

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.