Government / Politics

California's $20 Billion Transportation Bond

Despite facing no organized opposition and proponents having spent over $5 million to date, support for the $20 billion transportation bond, which will finance new roads and public transit, stands only at 54 percent.

September 17, 2006 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Should The Senate Bail-Out Amtrak?

This editorial from The New York Sun argues that a $1.6 billion bail out from the U.S. Senate is not the right way to fix the nation's perpetually struggling passenger rail system. International examples of success should be considered.

September 16, 2006 - The New York Sun

Housing Crisis Due To Government's Failure To Plan

Local government's preoccupation with regulating development and its failure to provide public infrastructure and maintain an attractive public realm is at the root of the current lack of affordable housing.

September 16, 2006 - The New York Sun

Carbon Sequestration In the North Sea

Norway's oil giant Statoil has been injecting carbon dioxide deep into the North Sea floor for 10 years as a carbon sequestration method intended to reduce its "carbon dioxide taxes" to the Norwegian government.

September 15, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Series Covers 'Planning In The West'

A series of articles and reports addressing growth in the Western United States, including Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Idaho and other states.

September 15, 2006 - New West

California's 'Other' Global Warming Bill

With the media captivated by the landmark "Global Warming Solutions Act", a sister-bill has gone mostly unnoticed, yet will have an almost immediate impact in changing California's energy portfolio by targeting the 20% of imported, coal-based energy.

September 15, 2006 - Capitol Weekly

Transit Priorities Battle It Out In Los Angeles

With several plans for new transit lines developing simultaneously, local officials and politicians are trying to balance the region's enormous need with the fiscal realities in Washington.

September 14, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Public Libraries As Anchors For Urban Revitalization

Governments concerned about sound urban planning need to pay more attention to the role played by anchor public institutions, such as public libraries, in invigorating local economies, writes urban strategist and former Winnipeg Mayor Glen Murray.

September 14, 2006 - The Toronto Star

Voters Won't Create Appointed Zoning Board

Alabama residents voted down a proposition to create a zoning and planning district in the community of Fowl River over fears that the appointed 7-member board would have too much power to shape the town.

September 14, 2006 - Mobile Press-Register

Creating A Walkable Neighborhood In Auto-Centric Houston

Developers and planners working on plans for Midtown are coming up against the city's own car-friendly regulations as they envision a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly urban village in the center of Houston.

September 13, 2006 - The Houston Chronicle

Developer Avoids Infrastructure Costs In Nebraska

A large subdivision in Nebraska is generating controversy over a zoning change that allows the developer to avoid paying for road improvements and maintenance. Residents fear this will open the door for other developers to find the same loophole.

September 13, 2006 - Washington County Pilot-Tribune & Enterprise

Unincorporated Become Incorporated In Florida

Broward County, Florida, will take a large step Friday towards completing its plan to incorporate the county's 60 unincorporated areas by 2010. Only 14,000 people will still live in unincorporated areas, down from over 150,000 10 years ago.

September 13, 2006 - The Miami Herald

The Poor State Of Planning In Jamaica?

An Op-Ed by the Jamaica Gleaner offers a look into the state of planning in Jamaica.

September 12, 2006 - Jamaica Gleaner

The Youngest Mayor In America

After the recent death of previous mayor Bob O’Connor, Luke Ravenstahl has found himself to be the youngest mayor of any major city in the Country.

September 11, 2006 - The New York Times

Developers Reign in Bucharest

Development in Bucharest, Romania, is completely at the will of developers. Can city officials regain control? The Diplomat Bucharest asks the experts.

September 11, 2006 - The Diplomat Bucharest

Technology Unlocks World's Biggest Oil Field

Three times larger than Saudi Arabia's proven reserves, the oil shale deposits in the Western United States are already being tapped, and are expected to eventually produce 10 million barrels/day in potentially an environmentally friendly manner.

September 9, 2006 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Private Golf Course Almost Goes Public Through Eminent Domain

Spurred by a desire to increase a wealthy New York village's worth and appeal, a string of politicians spent over 10 years trying to use the power of eminent domain to acquire a private golf course and make it public. Despite Kelo, the push failed.

September 8, 2006 - The Weekly Standard

States Sue Each Other Over Inter-State Water Pollution

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is expected to act when pollution from one state affects a neighboring state. In the absence Of federal involvement, states have started to sue each other.

September 8, 2006 - The Washington Post

Idaho Blueprint for Good Growth Mired in Controversy

An Idaho regional land use plan is on hold as members debate policy implementation.

September 7, 2006 - The Idaho Statesman

Court Pours Cold Water On Deltona's Hot Annexation Plans

Recent ruling by a Florida court says that the annexed property is not contiguous to the city, thus halting the proposed development plan.

September 7, 2006 - The Orlando Sentinel

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.