Government / Politics
'Phenomenal' Impact of Mortgage Crisis on States, Cities
Numerous foreclosures and vacant properties mean dramatically reduced property and sales tax revenues and hence significant budgeting shortfalls.
Federal Transit Grants Favor Buses Over Portland Streetcar
Portland wants to expand its streetcar system, and is relying on federal funds to do it. But the Federal Transit Administration says it will give grants to only cost-effective proposals -- creating a heavy bias toward buses and away from streetcars.
Anti-Terrorism Intersects With Planning
This article from Progressive Planning calls on planners to more closely consider the way anti-terrorism planning affects the general practice of urban planning.
Green Building Requirements Proposed in Israel
Israel has announced plans to require green building standards on new constructions, but some say the requirements don't go far enough.
The Smoke Clears In Paris
Beginning tomorrow, smoking will be banned in all public restaurants, bars and cafes in Paris, a city where smoking is as much a part of the culture as an addiction.
America's Global Warming-Fighting Attorney General
California Attorney General (and former governor) Jerry Brown may be to global warming what former NY Attorney General (now Governor) Elliot Spitzer was to corporate reform, as his widely watched lawsuits, and threats of lawsuits, have gained fame.
Height Restrictions May Be Lifted In Paris
This report from NPR looks at plans in Paris that could lift building height restrictions and dramatically alter the city's skyline.
The Power Of The Threat Of Eminent Domain
In New York, eminent domain is not necessarily the direct work of the government, and often the threat of eminent domain is enough to clear the way for development. This editorial explains how.
California Experts on 'Establishing a Framework for Equitable Growth'
California's population is not only immense, it's incredibly diverse. Building the infrastructure to serve the state's current residents has proven a difficult task -- one that won't get any easier.
The Property Tax and the Fortunes of Older Industrial Cities
Discontent with one particular type of public levy, the local property tax, is gaining momentum across the country. Disgruntled homeowners are demanding that governors and mayors find alternative methods to raise revenue.
Guns or Bridges?
U.S. Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D) argues that the war in Iraq is diverting billions of dollars that are badly needed to shore up America's crumbling infrastructure.
Congestion Pricing: Unpopular On The Ground And In The Sky
Federal officials backed away from a plan to use congestion pricing to manage commercial air traffic in the New York region.
O, Embattled Town of Bethlehem
Competing ancient claims to land, religious fervor and the construction of a massive "security" wall make Bethlehem the most contested city on Earth.
Lack Of Foresight Hung Atlanta Up To Dry
Poor planning has put Atlanta in the drought-stricken position it's in now, and there are few signs that anything is changing on that front, according to this editorial from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
San Mateo: First California County To Subdivide Housing Need Allocations
"Regional Housing Needs Allocations" are generally dreaded by California cities who resist state mandates to provide affordable housing. Rather than being assigned the requirement by the regional COG, San Mateo's 20 cities chose to do it themselves.
U.S. Mayor Calls Bush Years 'Disastrous' for America's Cities
Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson condemns the Bush Administration's disregard for America's cities in this video.
Developer Sues After City Blocks Tacked-On Big Box Plans
Developers who submitted a plan for a retail development and then added a big box store to the plan after it had been approved have sued the city of Blacksburg, Virginia, for instituting new planning rules that requires extra governmental approval.
Miami On The Verge Of Major Downtown Makeover
County officials are moving forward with four mega-projects designed to improve downtown Miami. Critics wonder if they will really benefit the taxpayer.
U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty Challenged By Mexican Farmers
A 1944 international treaty that requires the transfer of millions of gallons of water from Mexico to the U.S. from the Rio Grande is being challenged by Mexican farmers who are routinely deprived of water every five years when the transfer occurs.
A Look At Redevelopment With and Without Eminent Domain
In this video from Reason, comedian Drew Carey looks at the use of eminent domain in Los Angeles and compares it with the efforts of nearby Anaheim to work with developers and avoid seizing land through eminent domain.
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.
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
