United States

New Bill Perpetuates 'Socialized' Energy

The Energy Bill just passed by Congress has just given $15 billion in subsidies to inefficient, economically non-viable and dangerous energy industries.

August 5, 2005 - Tom Paine - Common Sense

Guns, Germs, And Steel: The Impact Of Geography On History

Jared Diamond, author of the controversial book and PBS series Guns, Germs, and Steel talks about how geography and the environment have influenced the rise and fall of civilizations.

August 4, 2005 - Wired

Can Housing Policies Build A Better Urban Future?

Can housing policies and programs be used more strategically to revitalize weak market cities? A new report shows how to harness market forces for growth while protecting the poor.

August 4, 2005 - National Housing Institute

Eminent Domain Backlash Grows

An unexpected populist backlash against the Supreme Court's eminent domain ruling threatens a variety of projects that depend on the use of eminent domain.

August 4, 2005 - Wall St. Journal

Why Geography Matters

You can't fight terrorism without a good map.

August 4, 2005 - The Christian Science Monitor

Changing How We Imagine Living in Community

Artist and community planner Milenko Matanovic of the Pomegranate Center shares his thoughts on working towards the "ideal community."

August 3, 2005 - Grist Magazine

The History of the 'Metaplace'

An editorial on how Disneyland has influenced our notions of how towns should look.

August 3, 2005 - San Antonio Express-News

The Age of Residential Skyscrapers

From New York to L.A., skyscrapers are being reinvented as residential areas.

August 3, 2005 - The Los Angeles Times

The 'Urbanization of Insurgency' a Priority for U.S. Military

Megacities of the developing world are seen as the emerging primary battleground for America's military.

August 3, 2005 - ZNet - Z Magazine

Photo Essay: The Next Frank Gehry?

This rising starchitect is a "quintessential urbanist."

August 2, 2005 - Slate

Sound Blasting Marine Animals

The US quest to find offshore oil and gas reserves raises concerns about 'sound blasting' marine animals.

August 2, 2005 - The Christian Science Monitor

America's Last Four Truly Wild Areas

A project compiles satellite and land-use data to map human influence on land and identify that last remaining pristine areas of wilderness in the U.S.

August 2, 2005 - The New York Times

Has The Sustainable Food Movement Reached The Mainstream?

Only 1-2% of America's food is locally grown today. The average American dinner is trucked 1,500 miles.

August 2, 2005 - The Los Angeles Times

The Value Of Wilderness

Hillary Rosner points out flaws in the Wilderness Act.

August 2, 2005 - New West Network

Design For Environment Toolkit

The Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance put together the Design for Environment (DfE) Toolkit to help companies easily integrate environmental attributes into product design.

August 2, 2005 - Minnesota Office Of Environmental Assistance

Homeowners Take Advantage Of 'Green' Loan Incentives

Rewarding homeowners who have energy-efficient homes has gained momentum with loan companies.

August 1, 2005 - Sustainable Business Insider

Study Finds Parking Availability Encourages Driving

Study recommends imposing maximum parking limits, not minimum.

August 1, 2005 - San Francisco Examiner

Tunnel Safety A Main Concern For U.S.

Most US tunnels are antiquated, and ill equipped to handle a terrorist attack.

August 1, 2005 - MSNBC

The Joys Of Reclaimed Wood

Several lumber and furniture companies, are now offering a product line that prominently features salvaged wood.

July 31, 2005 - Sustainable Business Insider

Massachusetts Car-Sharing Company Secures Funds For Expansion

Zipcar plans to open offices in 11 other metro areas.

July 31, 2005 - Smart Growth Online

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.

Professor of Urban Planning

Harvard University Graduate School of Design

Transportation Planner I

KFH Group Inc.

Director, Strategy and Research

Greater Baltimore Committee

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.