Government / Politics

Eminent Domain Backlashes 'Aren't Strong Enough'

"Community rights" do not exist, and since legislators and much of the public have "gone squishy" over individual property rights, more action is needed to restrict eminent domain powers, according to this op-ed.

June 29, 2006 - Reason Foundation

First New U.S. Nuclear Facility In 30 Years Could Open In 2009

The $1.5 billion National Enrichment Facility in New Mexico just received its license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The facility will produce the enriched uranium that powers nuclear energy plants. Construction may begin in August.

June 27, 2006 - Associated Press via San Francisco Chronicle

U.S. Transportation Chief Resigns

Longest serving member of the Bush cabinet, Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta has resigned.

June 26, 2006 - The New York Times

Environmental Law Halts Bike Plan In San Francisco

A 1970 environmental law, the California Environmental Quality Act, was used to temporarily halt San Francisco's bike plan from being implemented. The law ensures environmental review of projects that plaintiff's felt was inadequate for the plan.

June 26, 2006 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Georgia County Battles Breakaway City Over Parkland

The Fulton County commission's decision to sell park land in one of the Southeast's wealthiest counties could set a precedent that would have far-reaching consequences for other government entities looking for solutions to a financial crisis.

June 24, 2006 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Poor State of U.S. Cities' Disaster Planning of 'Significant National Concern'

A new report from the Department of Homeland Security shows that, despite 9/11 and recent natural disasters, most U.S. city and state governments have not implemented adequate disaster plans.

June 23, 2006 - Michael Dudley

City Council Approves Dallas Comprehensive Plan

The plan seeks to expand the city's mixed use development and improve transit options. An alternative version of the plan, recommended by the City Plan Commission, was voted down as the city council opted for the original, slightly amended plan.

June 22, 2006 - Dallas Morning News

Is Sprawl Good For Montreal?

Wendell Cox argues for the "upside of sprawl", or "suburbanization" as he prefers to call it, in Montreal.

June 22, 2006 - The Montreal Gazette

Louisiana Island Has That Sinking Feeling

A small Louisiana island community faces the inevitability of losing their homes to the ocean, while the federal government plans a levee system that will exclude them.

June 21, 2006 - The New York Times

Miami's Metro Rail Expansion May Be Foiled By Local University

Even with projections that call for a large increase in students, faculty, and therefore congestion, officials at Florida International University are rejecting the Miami-Dade Transit Authority's best laid plans for alleviating traffic.

June 21, 2006 - The Miami Herald

Older, Close-In Suburbs Could Make Difference In Mid-Term Elections

The midterm elections to take control of the House may hinge on "close-in" suburbs, once seen as strictly the domain of Republicans. These older suburbs may now give the Democrats a slight advantage due to changing demographics.

June 21, 2006 - The New York Times

'Murky' Supreme Court Decision Limits Clean Water Act

Major environmental decision by the U.S. Supreme Court could limit the federal government's protection of wetlands.

June 20, 2006 - The San Francisco Chronicle

World Urban Forum Comes To Vancouver

The U.N.'s biennial forum on planning issues covers clean air and water, sanitation, pollution, safety, housing, poverty, alternative transportation and energy sources, and the increasing inequity between developing and developed countries.

June 19, 2006 - David Gest

Vietnam's WTO Bid Will Bring Corporate Market

As the small South Asian country prepares to enter the World Trade Organization, economists predict a drastic change of pace in the locally-driven economy as corporate retail is bound to take over.

June 19, 2006 - Der Spiegel

Massachusetts Policy Spurs Transit Oriented Development

With the help of the Romney administration, transit oriented development is taking off in eastern Massachusetts.

June 18, 2006 - The Boston Globe

Sign Police Invade Boston's Back Bay

The City of Boston combed Newbury Street yesterday to penalize two dozen stores who were in violation of its strict sidewalk signage code.

June 16, 2006 - The Boston Globe

Coping With The FEMA Trailer

Many of those who lost their homes in Hurricane Katrina or Rita struggle daily with the 240 square foot FEMA trailer.

June 16, 2006 - The New York Times

Arnold's 'Mean Green Machine'

The contest for California governor may hinge on who is perceived to be the greenest candidate. Schwarzenegger is rolling out a new, green image, but an environmental initiative on the ballot could undermine his message.

June 15, 2006 - Newsweek

Detroit Mayor Looks To Sell Golf Course, Decrease Deficit

In order to decrease his city's budget deficit, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is looking to sell Rackham Golf Course. However, the potential sale, which has upset the surrounding community, may be denied by a deed restriction.

June 15, 2006 - The Detroit Free Press

Boise Buses Struggle To Survive

The population is increasing, but Boise's bus system has been on the same route map for more than 10 years. Some public officials want to update routes and increase transit options, but others translate low ridership into no demand.

June 14, 2006 - The Boise Weekly

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

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