Infrastructure
Denver to Focus on Reviving Long-Neglected Area of the City
A $1.8 billion proposal to bury I-70 beneath a landscaped lid is just part of an ambitious plan to remake a 23-mile corridor of northeast Denver that includes the Elyria-Swansea and Globeville neighborhoods.
The Economic Benefits of Better Streets
New York's street re-designs have been praised for increasing safety and improving mobility for all users. But what effect have they had on the local economy? A new report from the city's DOT makes the business case for better streets.
Investment in Infrastructure Leads to Jump in S.F. Cyclists
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency's annual bike count reveals that cycling has increased 14 percent in the city since 2011 and 96 percent since 2006.
L.A. Union Station's Pilot Program Discriminates Against Subway Passengers
Los Angeles’s Union Station is trying something new to keep the homeless at bay: restricting waiting room seating to ticketed passengers.
Envisioning a Future Urban Dronescape
Jeff Bezos' proposal to deliver packages by aerial drone has the potential to upset traditional models of logistics and distribution, but it's most powerful effect may be on the urban airspace. Are blue skies ahead for Bezos' vision?
Crude-By-Rail Slowed by a Red Signal
With many oil pipelines stalled due to popular opposition and/or regulatory hurdles (e.g. Keystone XL and Northern Gateway, or even refineries opting for more flexibility) there seemed to be no end to the growth in moving oil by rail...until now.
Already Shedding Riders, London's Bike-Share Loses its Sponsor
Amid declining ridership, Barclays Bank has announced its intention to cancel its sponsorship of London's bike-share system after only paying half its promised investment. The announcement is just the latest challenge for the stumbling system.
Does Privatizing Water Systems Make Sense?
Private financing of water systems goes at least as far back as ancient Rome. But as the number of people served by private water companies grows, some cities that have tasted privatization have found it lacking.
PBS Explores Charging-by-the-Mile
The auto fleet is becoming greener - not just with hybrids and electric vehicles, but all new vehicles are required to be more fuel efficient. While that is good for the environment, declining gas tax revenues threaten the nation's infrastructure.
Israelis and Palestinians Find Common Ground on Water
An historic agreement between Israel, Jordan and the Palestinians aims to slow the disappearance of the Dead Sea and stabilize the supply of drinking water for all three groups.
AAA Wants to Boost Your Gas Taxes?
Yes - the nonprofit organization representing 53 million motorists in the U.S. and Canada sees value in raising the gas tax to improve the nation's roads, bridges and transit systems. UPS, a major road user, agrees. But there are many detractors.
New Hampshire to Reconsider Increasing its Gas Tax in January
New Hampshire will consider a Republican bill in 2014 to tie the gas tax to inflation, increasing it by about 4 cents next year should it pass. The Senate killed a House bill in May to increase the gas tax by 12 cents over 3 years.
The Top Protected Bike Lanes of 2013
I know, it's a bit early in the "Best of" season to get this specialized, but gosh darnit if these protected bike lanes aren't the cutest things. Chicago, Indianapolis, Austin, and the other winners: You've got a lot to celebrate.
Map of D.C. Metro Expansion Plans Unveiled
A preliminary map of D.C. Metro's long-term expansion plans that was unveiled this week has riders salivating at the prospect of a station finally being built in Georgetown. A third line could serve Virginia.
Want to Buy a Bike Share System?
After three years of operation, Melbourne's publicly subsidized bike share system is for sale. Though ridership has increased each year since opening, private investment is seen as crucial for expansion.
5 Secrets to Bike Share Success
Thriving bike share systems in DC and NYC are models for success. But other cities have struggled to create sustainable systems (DC's first effort failed, in fact). A new report offers a comprehensive guide to establishing bike share in your town.
Cincinnati Council's "Pause" Vote Imperils Streetcar Project
By a 5-4 margin, the Cincinnati City Council voted to pause the city's streetcar project in order to further study the costs of canceling it. If warnings from the federal government are to be taken seriously, the vote itself may kill the project.
Could Amazon Drones Increase Urban Property Values?
Developers at Google and Amazon are among those working diligently to produce a near future full of autonomous cars and delivery devices. Economics professor Casey B. Mulligan suggests such advances will increase the value of urban land.
The Sneaky Ways Cities Alter Our Behavior
If you think your city is doing all it can to make its public spaces pleasant for all residents, think again. From “pig’s ears” to the "Camden Bench", Frank Swain explores the "secret tricks" cities use to make spaces uncomfortable and unattractive.
Blumenauer to Propose Deficit Commission's Gas Tax Increase
If it was good enough for Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles, the Republican and Democrat authors of President Obama's deficit commission bearing their names, the phased, 15-cent fuel tax increase should be adopted, says Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.).
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.
Ada County Highway District
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
