Government / Politics
States' Water Negotiations Can Be Secret
Negotiations between the states of Georgia, Alabama and Florida can remain secret, according to a recent federal ruling.
Reopened Passenger Train Reconnects Balkans
A passenger train line across the Balkans had been closed for 18 years. As it reopens and reconnects the region to the rest of Europe, there are signs of improved relations in the war-torn region.
Getting Fruits and Vegetables into the Convenience Store
A neighborhood development group in Seattle is working with convenience store owners to add healthier food choices to their inventories.
2000 - 2009: The Decade in Planning
The editors' choice of the most significant stories in the realm of urban planning, design and development of the "aughts" (2000-2009). The decade began with one crash and ended with another, but in between we've learned a lot about making cities.
New Smog Standard A Victory for Science, Says NYT
In this editorial, the Times strongly supports the new, more stringent ozone standard proposed by the EPA. It views the new proposal as a sign that the Obama administration looks toward science, not industry, to set environmental and health standards
Indonesian High-Speed Rail May Be Too Good to Be True
Private investors are claiming that they can build a $3 billion, 220-mile high speed rail system in Indonesia by the end of 2011. But the plan may be too ambitious to pull off -- or just not a good idea in the first place.
Longest 'Complete Street' Proposed in Oakland
Long-held plans to build a bus rapid transit system connecting Oakland with nearby cities may also result in the creation of what some are calling the longest "complete street" in the state.
Rural-Urban Divide Blurring in China
As China's cities grow, the economic policy that determines who is a rural resident and who is an urban resident are in need of some changes, according to this article.
New Baltimore Zoning May Nix Downtown Parking Lots
New parking lots and obstructed views of historic buildings would be forbidden under a new set of zoning rules being discussed for downtown Baltimore.
Friday Funny: Buried Sea Lion Carcass Reeks of Retaliation to Nudists
A group of Southern California nudists is criticizing parks officials who buried a dead sea lion near their controversial stomping grounds -- a stinky development in the long battle between nudists and officials over the contested beach.
Hundreds of Counties Likely to Violate New Smog Rules
The Environmental Protection Agency is releasing new air quality standards that will likely place hundreds of additional counties nationwide in violation.
Preservation Office Delaying Stimulus Projects in California
California stimulus projects and job creation are being delayed by a state office tasked with reviewing federally-funded construction projects to prevent adverse affects on historic sites, according to a new report.
London to Open City Data Streams
London is making public more than 200 streams of city data, joining a host of world cities in sharing city-collected data with its citizens.
FasTracks Funding Gap Grows to $2.5 Billion in Denver
The Denver Regional Transportation District is forecasting an increasing gap between what it will cost to complete the region's FasTracks light rail system and how much taxpayer money will be available to fund its construction.
See, Click, Fix, News
This article looks at how a Connecticut journalist used the online nuisance reporting tool SeeClickFix to get locals involved in his newspaper's newsgathering and storytelling.
Arizona Eyes a Nuclear Future
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer has come out as a strong proponent of bringing nuclear power back into the state's energy fold.
Initiative Launched To Protect CA Transportation Funds
CA's chronic budget deficit has taken its toll on transportation funding, be it public transit operations or fixing potholes. An initiative has been launched to prevent diversion of transportation funds just as the Gov. proposed another scheme.
Texas to Study Per-Mile Gas Tax
Transportation officials in Texas are recommending a fresh look at the prospect of taxing the state's drivers by the mile.
NASA Says Agriculture Is Draining Groundwater in California
NASA satellite imagery reveals that two of California's main groundwater sources are being rapidly depleted by agriculture and exurban development.
Federal Foreclosure Prevention Plan Shows Underwhelming Numbers
A federal plan aimed at helping 3 to 4 million homeowners on the verge of foreclosure has fallen far short of expectations, enabling only about 31,000 loan modifications.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
