Government / Politics
D.C. Mayor's Public-Private Partnership Criticized
A plan by city officials to trade public land to a developer in exchange for a new firehouse and library is under fire from residents and activists who believe the deal shortchanges the city.
A 'False Choice' For Boston's Back Bay
Planned construction on Storrow Drive yields a lose-lose situation for Boston's Back Bay neighborhood residents.
The Politics Of Public Art
One Florida towns desire to promote works of art in public spaces demonstrates the challenges when government (and taxpayer dollars) get involved with art.
Outsourcing Pollution: The Dirty Side Of Clean Alternatives
Physicist and renowned environmental leader, Vandana Shiva, talks about globalization, emissions trading, and environmental justice.
San Francisco Buses May Nab Double-Parkers
Motorists beware - if you double-park in a transit-only lane in San Francisco next year, that bus behind you could take your photo resulting in a $250 citation, if AB 101 is signed by Governor Schwarzenegger.
Senate Blocks Toll Road Conversions In Texas
The U.S. Senate recently approved a bill that prohibits the state of Texas from converting any of its existing highways into toll roads for at least one year.
'Major Disconnects' Cited in Federal Disaster Planning
New federal guidelines for disaster planning are being panned by state and local officials, citing a poorly-defined chain of command and unnecessary duplication.
Late-Session Bill May Make L.A. Entertainment Complex Eligible For Housing Funds
A controversial bill approved at the end of the California State Senate's regular session may allow developers of a massive entertainment development in downtown Los Angeles to compete for millions of dollars in affordable housing funds.
Ban On Truck Parking Ruled Unconstitutional In Florida
The city of Coral Gables, Florida, has tight regulations that keep its neighborhoods and homes beautiful. But a regulation that forbade residents from parking pickup truck on streets and in driveways at night has been ruled unconstitutional.
Alaskan Community Considers Property Value Compensation Measure
A measure on the Alaskan ballot this October could require a local government to compensate landowners if new land use regulations hurt property values -- a measure similar to Oregon's controversial Measure 37 that is meeting similar resistance.
Subdivision Residents Hoping For Permission To Pay For Road Maintenance
With little money available in county coffers, residents in an Indiana subdivision are hoping to create a special assessment district that will allow them to personally pay for road maintenance.
Billboard Ban Will Hurt Small Business
This column criticizes the recently-passed Kansas City ordinance that restricts billboard advertising within the city, claiming it will disproportionately harm local small businesses that are already having trouble getting noticed.
Controversial Legislation Tackles Land Use, Transportation, Regional Planning, & Global Warming
In what is arguably the most important environmental bill in California since last year's Global Warming Solutions Act, SB 375 attempts to reduce global warming by addressing land use and transportation through better regional planning.
The Formula To Guarantee Your Project's Approval
For those developers and planners frustrated by not being able to push projects past local opposition, writer Garret Keizer offers his formula for getting nearly any project approved.
Kansas City To Limit Billboards
The Kansas City Council has passed an ordinance that will tightly restrict outdoor billboard advertising within the city. The ordinance effectively bans new billboards from all city streets.
Short-Changing America's Youth
Columnist William Blackburn laments school trailers and their effect on the psyche of America's youth.
DIY Gray Water Recycling
This report from NPR looks at a homeowner who has transformed her house's plumping to reuse its "gray water" -- non-potable water from sinks that can be rerouted into gardens and toilets. Some lawmakers are discouraging this method.
Vegas May Be Too Bright
Home to the bright lights and elaborate signage of Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada, may revise an ordinance to more effectively regulate the bright signs and displays that illuminate the Las Vegas Strip and other parts of the county.
How Ireland Became A Leader In Immigration
By increasing the amount of migrant work permits and political rights, Ireland has beckoned immigrants from all over the world, becoming one of Europe's immigration leaders.
Closely Connected Northwest Cities Need To Plan Together
This editorial calls on the governments of Portland, Oregon, and its intimately-connected neighbor, Vancouver, Washington, to expand the reach of the metropolitan planning agency whose jurisdiction ends at the border between the two cities.
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
