Government / Politics
Eyes In The Sky
The Venezuelan government has plans to operate three remote-controlled zeppelins equipped with video cameras to monitor the streets of Caracas, the country's capital, where crime is high. Many are wary of the government's "big brother" tactics.
Uproar Over Land Grabs In Spain
The Spanish housing market is under threat from a growing number of accusations that local town councils are abusing their power to claim land for public developments -- and dedicating land to resort communities and golf courses.
Developers Say Impact Fees Create Uneven Burden
The city of Tucson, Arizona, is considering charging impact fees on new developments to pay for public services, but many developers and business owners say the burden is too heavy.
Have Cities Abandoned The Poor And Middle Class?
A new book argues that most American cities have fully embraced neoliberal policies that encourage gentrification, privatization, and corporate invasion -- at the expense of lower- and middle-class residents.
Colorado Toll Road Goes Private
The Northwest Parkway Public Highway Authority, owner of Colorado's newest toll road (opened 2003), has finalized the bid for leasing the 11-mile road after revenue did not match expectations.
Florida's Growing Tax Chasm
Despite stunning similarities in property values, tax burdens vary greatly in southern Florida, causing fed-up residents to seek relief.
The Link Between Impact Fees And Growth
The city of Tuscon, Arizona is considering adding new impact fees to cover the cost of municipal services, but the new fees might stymie growth and encourage sprawl.
Environmental Lawsuits Fuel Roadbuilding In California
California's Department of Transportation has resorted recently to forcing developers to pay impact fees to fund freeway projects, to the chagrin of developers, local governments, and taxpayer groups.
Cutting McMansions Down To Size
This CNN video report looks at an Atlanta city councilperson's proposal to fight back against McMansions and limit the size of houses.
Candidates' Opposition To Redevelopment Plan Garners Voter Support
The feelings of city council candidates about a downtown revitalization plan appears to have the most sway over voters in El Paso, Texas, who are making large contirbutions to those opposing the plan.
Citizens Use YouTube To Campaign Against Development Project
Believed to be a first for Fort Lauderdale (and possibly citizens elsewhere) residents opposed to a 15-story, 387 foot long boat storage facility in the City have created a website and video on YouTube asking City Commissioners to stop the project.
New York City Looks To Crack Down On Slum Lords
In an effort to bring 1,000 buildings up to code and to perhaps preserve the modicum of affordable housing left in the city, Mayor Bloomberg is supporting a bill that forces land lords to pay for improvements.
Economist Tells State To Stop Subsidizing Big Retail
Similar to a proposal being pushed by Arizona legislators, an economist in Minnesota has cautioned the state over providing too many subsidies and tax incentives to big retailers.
Planning Not A Priority For Philly's 'Would-be' Mayors
While Philadelphia may be hosting this year's National Planning Conference, a recent forum demonstrated that the current candidates for Mayor lack any sort of vision for the city's development.
Reports Say Disjointed Pennsylvania Should Try Regionalism
Nearly 80% of Pennsylvania's municipalities have populations less than 5,000. Recently released reports say it's time for the state to form regional coalitions that will help improve local economies and harbor regional planning.
How The West Can Win: Transforming The Energy Debate
Western states are leading the nation in innovations to build a clean-energy economy.
Developers And City Battle Over Affordable Housing Rules
Upset developers forced to set aside 25% of their development as affordable housing are facing off with city officials in Los Angeles over its inclusionary housing policies.
Urban Areas Receiving Rural Aid
Billions of dollars in federal grants and loans intended for the development of rural areas have been given to areas The Washington Post has found to be far more urban than rural, including beach resorts and suburbs.
MTA Subject To Tax On TOD Property
In accordance with state laws, the transit agency in Houston will have to pay property taxes on land it purchased for transit-oriented developments. Because the land will be developed privately, the law says it is not a public use and is not exempt.
Hearing The Public
Utilizing citizen surveys to gauge public concerns and support for projects is an increasing trend in municipalities across the country. Some say this method is much more effective -- and more inclusive -- than traditional public hearings.
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
