Government / Politics

Toll Roads Struggle To Gain Political Consensus

Pressure is building to come to a decision about whether or not to toll roads in Massachusetts. But many politicians are opposed.

October 9, 2007 - The Boston Globe

Will New York Force Homeowners To Plant A Tree?

To help reach its goal of planting 1 million new trees by 2030, the city is contemplating a new rule that would force homeowners and developers to plant new street trees when buildings are remodeled.

October 8, 2007 - The New York Sun

Measuring The Impact Of Maryland's Smart Growth Plans

Though former governor Parris Glendening is often seen as the father of smart growth, studies indicate that even with the state's efforts, little progress has been towards reigning in sprawl.

October 8, 2007 - The Baltimore Sun

Planning Skakeup In Salt Lake City

Responding to pressure from neighborhood residents and a poor grade from a government audit, the city's planning department will be reorganized to ensure proper procedures are followed.

October 7, 2007 - The Salt Lake Tribune

San Francisco Bay Area Ponders Gas Tax Hike

With concerns about global warming at an all time high, the region's policy makers think the time is right for a 10 cent gas fee.

October 7, 2007 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Taking The 'Public' Out Of The Public Library

The public library system in Jackson County, Oregon, is part of a growing trend: outsourcing and privatizing public services.

October 6, 2007 - The Kansas City Star

Property Value Compensation Measure Shot Down In Alaska

An Alaska property rights measure that would have required the government to compensate landowners for any public projects that reduce property values was defeated by more than a 2-to-1 margin.

October 6, 2007 - Mat Su Valley Frontiersman

Man Kills Himself After Zoning Decision

A barber shop owner in Clarksville, Tennessee shot and killed himself in front of the City Council after members voted against his request to rezone his home as commercial property.

October 5, 2007 - CNN

Report Calls For 'Unbalanced' Trasnportation Planning

A recent report calling for less emphasis to be placed on cars than on other forms of transport has sparked a lively debate in Toronto.

October 5, 2007 - The Toronto Star

Rail Project Takes Precedence In New Mexico Budget

A commuter rail project in Sante Fe is stressing New Mexico's state transportation budget, causing officials to announce delays on many road and highway projects. But many are upset that the rail plans will move ahead unhindered.

October 5, 2007 - The Albuquerque Tribune

Unlevel Playing Field Riles Georgia Development Team

The results of a competitive RFP process to redevelop Georgia's historic Jekyll Island has been deemed unfair by the Jekyll Island Revitalization Group. A formal challenge to the State's decision has been issued and a lawsuit may follow.

October 4, 2007 - Daily Report

Texas Mayors Block Feds From Building Border Wall

City officials in Texas Border towns are blocking federal officials from coming into their towns to build walls along the U.S.-Mexico border.

October 4, 2007 - The Houston Chronicle

Cities Want Piece of Canada's $14 Billion Budget Surplus

Canada's cities are asking that some of the $14-billion federal budget surplus be directed at them, and at upgrading aging infrastructure, rather than to servicing debt.

October 2, 2007 - The Globe & Mail

Cutting Off The Short Cut

With a historic small town feel and a population that has embraced its compact walkability, the town of Rowayton, Connecticut, has passed a ban on large trucks crossing though the town as a short cut.

October 2, 2007 - The New York Times

Oregon Winemakers Back A Return To Property Rights

With their vineyards threatened by 2004's land use law Measure 37, Oregon's winemakers are getting behind this November's ballot Measure 49 as a way to preserve their land and their business.

October 2, 2007 - The Oregonian

On Common Ground?

Despite a recent wave of crime, the Boston Common continues to bring people together from all walks of life.

October 1, 2007 - The Boston Globe

Many Ideas On Improving L.A. Mobility But No Consensus

A number of ideas for improving public transit and reducing congestion are floating around Los Angeles. But without consensus, it may be a long while before any of the proposed solutions is realized.

October 1, 2007 - Los Angeles City Beat

Transit Proposal Also Funds Roads, Putting Voters In A Pickle

A proposal to expand Seattle's light rail system also includes provisions for extensive road construction, putting transit advocates in the awkward position of voting for both transit and roads.

October 1, 2007 - The Seattle Stranger

Ontario's Election Campaign Ignoring Roads, Bridges

The deterioration of Ontario's aging roadways and bridges isn't emerging as an issue in Provincial elections.

October 1, 2007 - Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

What's Wrong With ADA

The Americans with Disabilities Act has generally been the subject of much controversy and debate, but especially amongst planners and developers.

September 28, 2007 - New Towns

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.

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.