Government / Politics
Altering New York's Congestion Pricing Plan Could Make Transit Free
According to a privately-commissioned study, doubling the proposed New York congestion fee charged to drivers would generate enough money to replace all proceeds derived form transit fares in the city, making fares unnecessary.
L.A. Considers Rail Turnstiles
As one of the only major U.S. cities that has no turnstiles at its rail stations, Los Angeles is feeling the pinch of riders who don't pay. But now, local officials are trying to get turnstiles installed.
Lawsuit Settlement May Bankrupt City
After denying plans for a subdivision, the city of Half Moon Bay, California, was sued. The city lost and now must pay a settlement of nearly $40 million -- more than three times the city's annual budget. Many worry the city may have to fold.
Dry Southeast States Nearer To Water Deal
The governors of Florida, Alabama and Georgia have come to a tentative agreement on how to divvy up the water supplied by shared rivers, giving hope that the 17-year water rights battle between the states may soon come to an end.
Pennsylvania Toll Road Plan Hits Wall
Plans to convert a 311-mile section of Pennsylvania's Interstate 80 have been dealt a severe setback by the federal government, which recently returned the state's application.
Slowing The Development Process In New York
Daniel Doctoroff, deputy mayor for economic development and rebuilding in New York, discusses the changing (and more deliberate) way the city now goes about pursuing development projects.
Inclusionary Housing Bill Gets Approval In Philadelphia
The Philadelphia city council has approved an inclusionary housing bill requiring developers to include a certain percentage of affordable housing in all projects of 20 units or more.
Transportation Budget Is Billions Short In Oregon
Oregon's state transportation budget is falling short of the projected demand by billions of dollars. A committee of local politicians is laying blame at the state and federal levels.
New Car 'Carbon Fee/Rebate' Takes Effect In France
Come January 1, new car buyers in France may be charged a hefty carbon fee, or conversely, receive a carbon rebate, depending upon the emissions of the vehicle they purchase. The fee/rebate is strikingly similar to a twice-failed California bill.
Friday Funny: Payback For The Parking Czar
The head of traffic and parking enforcement in Rome, Italy was fired after parking illegally using a fraudulent handicapped permit.
Urban Issues? No Comment
With all the presidential debates going on this election season, not once have urban issues come up.
Business Carbon Tax Proposed In San Francisco
A ballot measure aimed for November 2008 will ask San Francisco voters to raise the commercial utilities tax and lower the city's payroll tax in an effort to reduce energy usage, increase use of public transit, and increase recycling.
Housing Demolitions Spark Protests In New Orleans
Plans to demolish about 4,500 units of public housing in New Orleans have angered many in the city and inspired a string of protests.
Chicken Ban Considered in Chicago
Chicago city officials have proposed a ban that would forbid residents from keeping chickens.
The Most Important Year In New Orleans History
According to Mayor C. Ray Nagin, Louisiana's recovery has reached the tipping point, setting 2008 up as the year New Orleans will truly come back.
Houston Makes Agreement With Advertiser To Cut 800 Billboards
The City of Houston has come to an agreement with Clear Channel Advertising for the company to remove about 800 billboards from the city -- the result of a citywide plan to clean up the city's "visual clutter" that started more than 20 years ago.
Main Street Preservation Aims Harm Economy
This article from Reason looks at a regulatory system in Alexandria, Virginia, that seeks to maintain the city's historic Old Town neighborhood. But is the regulation burdening local businesses owners to the point of hurting the economy?
Canada's Capital Errors
Thanks to a series of "lousy" public policy decisions, Ottawa - Canada's national capital - is growing increasingly dysfunctional, writes Jeffrey Simpson.
Small Towns Look To Keep Young Professionals By Increasing Affordable Housing
County officials in New York are looking to award more than $87 million to small towns to increase their stock of affordable housing -- an effort aimed at luring and keeping young professionals. But opposition to this development type is a hurdle.
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
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Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
