Government / Politics

Fixing The 1,000 Mile Pothole

State governors are risking their political capital on mega-fix-it projects at the statewide level, from the "Trans-Texas Corridor" to a $222 billion California infrastructure improvement plan.

January 19, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

New York City Lacking Adequate General Plan?

Stephen A. Hammer argues that Bloomberg should take cues from the London Spatial Development Strategy, which creates a "coherent, long-term vision" for the city.

January 19, 2006 - The Gotham Gazette

Los Angeles Undergoes Transformation To Central, Public City

Harold Meyerson argues that thanks to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, transportation and land use in the City of Angels now focuses on the public sector, not the private realm, as the Mayor takes on a strong central identity heretofore lacking.

January 17, 2006 - The Washington Post

Wal-Mart Forced To Increase Health Benefits In Maryland

A new state bill, opposed by the governor, will apply only to the corporate giant.

January 16, 2006 - The Washington Post

New Jersey: 'We're More Than A Turnpike'

No, this was not the new state slogan selected after close to 12,000 votes among five finalists.

January 16, 2006 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Not All Buying In To New Orleans Master Plan

New Orleans residents are challenging the plans for rebuilding.

January 15, 2006 - Black America Web/Associated Press

Public Parks More Important Than Schools?

Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne decides to use a budget surplus on expanding the state park system, when many expected more educational funding.

January 14, 2006 - The Boise Weekly

Not Even Chump Change For D.C. Residents In MLB Deal

A mysterious figure is waging a lone campaign to revamp the city's arrangement with professional baseball on the Washington National's new stadium.

January 12, 2006 - Washington City Paper

Judge Rules On Parade Case, Right To Assemble

The New York City law restricting "parading without a permit" is ruled unconstitutional, with implications for bikers and other organized groups.

January 12, 2006 - The Village Voice

Congestion Charges Begin In Stockholm, Met With Disfavor

Europe's second congestion pricing program has been put into effect. Unlike London's (a plan promoted by mayor-to-be Ken Livingston), the Stockholm program was initiated by the city's Green Party, though with the support of Social Democrats.

January 11, 2006 - Reuters (on-line)

New Orleans' Plan For Rebuilding To Be Released

New Orleans' official plan for rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina is expected to be released Wednesday, and may conflict with recommendations in the state plan.

January 9, 2006 - The New York Times

Unlikely Representative Brings Louisiana Recovery Plan To the Forefront

The relatively unknown State Representative Richard H. Baker (R) of Baton Rouge has outlined a massive government plan to help Katrina battered Louisiana rebuild.

January 6, 2006 - The New York Times

Funds Run Out for 'Reconstructing' Iraq

The Bush Administration is not going to renew reconstruction dollars for Iraq once the present funding ends in June 2007.

January 4, 2006 - The Guardian

Illinois Wrestles With Eminent Domain

This January Illinois lawmakers and citizens are set to do battle over the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that upheld the use of eminent domain for private economic development.

January 4, 2006 - The Chicago Tribune

Clean Air, Cheap Energy, Or Jobs?

Closing a massive coal-fired power planet will result in cleaner air, more expensive energy, and a massive job and royalty income loss for the Hopi Tribe and Navajo Nations.

January 3, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

EPA's New Fuel Efficiency Ratings May Reduce Vehicle Models

Auto manufacturers have been required to meet overall efficiency standards for their fleets. More realistic CAFE ratings may translate into fewer of the more popular but less fuel-efficient models on showroom floors next year.

January 3, 2006 - The Bellingham Herald

World Trade Center Redevelopment to Have Residential Component

With a decisive win in his re-election, Mayor Bloomberg spoke to his priorities for his final term as chief of the the US's largest city in his second inaugural address on New Year's Day: Affordable housing and the World Trade Center.

January 3, 2006 - The New York Times

Building Industry May Sue Air District Over Aggressive New Pollution Fee Rule

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District in December, 2005 approved the Indirect Source Rule, making it the first Air District in the US to regulate land uses, much to the ire of the building industry. Will they take the Air District to court?

January 2, 2006 - The Stockton Record

Affordable Housing Controversy in New York City.

What is the appropriate level of subsidization that affordable housing developers should receive? The article also describes New York City's unique inclusionary housing benefits.

December 27, 2005 - The New York Times

Solar Permitting Fees Plummet After Study Shows Wide Cost Discrepancies

The Global Warming & Energy Committee of the Sierra Club chapter in Silicon Valley decide to highlight the excessive permitting charges of some local cities... and results happen.

December 25, 2005 - San Jose Mercury News

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.