Government / Politics
Sex Scandal in the Planning Department
An Australian planner has confessed to having a series of affairs with prominent developers and subsequently approving their plans for major developments.
Baltimore Urban Renewal District Nixed
Plans to create an urban renewal district in South Baltimore have been denied by the city's Planning Commission, arguing that forcibly removing residents and businesses is not a reasonable method for saving the neigborhood.
Atlanta's Beltline Project Soldiers On -- But Without a Lot of Cash
After the Georgia Supreme Court ruled the Beltline project could not use school funds from a tax-increment financing funding source, what next?
Bonds, Lame Bonds
Unprecedented failure in municipal bond auctions is causing municipal borrowers to flee the auction market and driving up rates at which cities can borrow money.
Land Unused
Residents and city officials in L.A. battle over what to do with unused land surrounding the Silver Lake Reservoir.
City Overhaul Proposed in Toronto
Experts are calling for a major revision to the city operations of Toronto, suggesting the creation of region-wide toll roads, increased taxes and
User-Funded Infrastructure Repair Proposed in L.A.
City officials in Los Angeles are considering a plan to repair the city's crumbling sidewalks by forcing homeowners to pay for their repair when the property is sold.
Toll Road Idea Floating in Arizona
Legislators in Arizona are considering plans to convert some of the state's highways to toll roads in an effort to boost the state's transportation budget.
Environmentalists Split On Cap & Trade Approach To Climate Protection
In what may be viewed as a striking fracture to a unified approach to climate change, 18 environmental justice groups have announced their opposition to any type of carbon trading or even carbon offset approach, preferring use of carbon fees instead.
Carbon Tax System Unveiled in British Columbia
The government of British Columbia has announced a carbon tax system for the province -- the first in North America.
Measure 49 Stifling Subdivisions in Oregon
Subdivisions that were approved under Oregon's Measure 37 in 2004 and then overturned by the passage of Measure 49 last November are moving forward, but only a few houses at a time -- a result Measure 49's proponents say is a victory.
Study Says Traffic Growth Slowing In Metro St. Louis
A regional government report shows a slowdown in traffic growth in Metropolitan St. Louis, but state highway officials still plan to expand highways.
Getting a Grip on 'EcoDensity'
Vancouver's plans for "EcoDensity" should be better understood by the public before moving forward, according to this opinion piece.
The Missing Urban Discussion
This editorial from The New York Times bemoans the absence of discussion about urban policy in the presidential campaigns.
The 'Most Destructive Project on Earth'
A group of scientists has blasted the Canadian government for allowing tarsands oil exploration to wreak havoc on the environment, calling it the "most destructive project on Earth".
London's Mayoral Hopefuls Promote Their Green Sides
Candidates for mayor in London are touting their green credentials in the global city as is continues to win acclaim for progressive and environmentally conscious planning and administration.
Uproar Over Bond Funds Benefiting Railroads
When California voters approved the $20 billion transportation bond in Nov., 2006 they supported the expenditure of over $2 billion for 'goods movement' stemming from the state's busy ports. However, some local officials object to rail projects.
First City to Address Energy and Climate Problems Jointly
Many cities are working toward addressing climate change. Some are establishing task forces to figure out how to prepare for peak oil. Spokane, Washington, is the first city to do both together, with a strategic planning effort launched last week.
Ambitious Plans Unlikely, But Noble
This editorial argues that Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser's plans for a regional light rail system are ambitious and not likely to succeed, but they are a powerful example of the froward-thinking mindset more cities need.
Resort Towns Rethink Housing Subsidies
Resort towns in Wyoming are trying to preserve middle class populations and public servants by offering housing subsidies to relatively well-off families.
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.
Ada County Highway District
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
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
