Infrastructure

World's Delta Cities Team Up to Address Shared Issues

A new group of cities is emerging to collaboratively tackle issues related to sea level rise in delta and waterfront cities.

October 7, 2010 - WorldChanging

Light Rail Plans Emerge in Saudi Arabian Capital

The Saudi Arabian capital of Jeddah is looking to build a $5.6 billion light rail system.

October 7, 2010 - Agence France Presse

Water Infrastructure Questions Linger in California

Prop. 18, the financial centerpiece of legislation meant to overhaul California's aging water supply infrastructure, was removed from the statewide ballot slated for November.

October 6, 2010 - The Planning Report

Major Monorail Project Stalled in Brazil

A $776 million monorail system planned in the Brazilian city of Manaus to ease transportation issue when it hosts the 2014 World Cup has been suspended.

October 6, 2010 - Business News Americas

Walled Communities in Beijing Fight Crime, Spark Controversy

Small enclaves of low-wage workers in Beijing have been walled off from their surroundings in an effort to reduce crime. The separating walls have become a local controversy.

October 6, 2010 - The New York Times

Bike Path From London to Paris Could Be Smoother

The BBC tries out a new bike route connecting London to Paris and finds room for improvement.

October 5, 2010 - BBC

USA Today Takes Survey On Whether To Invest in HSR

USA Today's traveler reporter asks, "Should the U.S. invest in High-Speed Rail?" (readers check their answer and results are available). He cites the usual critics but also notes the challenges it must face in order to build a successful line.

October 2, 2010 - USA Today-Travel

Friday Funny: Bike Path FAIL

Keep your eyes on the road - or maybe not, with this bike path fiasco from FAILBlog.

October 1, 2010 - FAILblog

America's Faulty, Dangerous Transportation Systems

Safety is an escalating issue in America across the maritime, air, highway and rail networks, as revealed in this extensive investigation by The Center for Public Integrity and News21.

October 1, 2010 - NEWS21

Small But Important Steps in Amtrak's High Speed Rail Plan

Amtrak has unveiled a $117 billion plan to build and increase high speed rail in the U.S.

September 30, 2010 - Fast Company

Managed Roads Favored Over Expansion in Twin Cities

Officials in the Twin Cities are looking to shift away from major road expansion projects and focus more on creating managed lanes that are intended to put a price on avoiding traffic within the two cities.

September 29, 2010 - Minneapolis-St.Paul Star Tribune

Paying for Roads: Drivers Versus Cyclists

This piece from The Vancouver Sun asks who pays their fair share for roads and transportation infrastructure costs: car drivers or cyclists?

September 29, 2010 - The Vancouver Sun

A New Waterfront in the Works for Seattle

Seattle is panning to tear down an aging viaduct that runs along its waterfront and replace it with a tunnel beneath downtown. When the viaduct falls, the city is looking to increase public space on a new waterfront.

September 28, 2010 - The Seattle Post-Intelligencer

HOT Lane Litigation Condemned By Legislators

Arlington County's litigation of construction of three High Occupancy Toll lanes based on civil rights violation (because of exposure to air pollution of those living near I-95/395) has prompted the bi-partisan wrath of 2 of VA's top state senators.

September 27, 2010 - The Washington Post

Future Olympic Host Working Around the Clock

Sochi, Russia, is set to play host to the Winter Olympics in 2014. Preparations are fast underway, with construction work happening practically around the clock.

September 26, 2010 - The Voice of Russia

Immigrant Growth Powers Houston As A Global City

The growth of George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Continental Airlines' largest hub but also one of he principal destinations away from the coasts for international carriers, has vastly increased passenger traffic and allowed Houston's reinvention.

September 24, 2010 - Next American City

Daley's Success As Chicago's 20-Year Mayor

Neal Pierce argues that retiring Mayor Daley's achievements in Chicago "stand out as beacons for mayors, American and worldwide, to emulate." He attributes some of his success to sheer political skill, but also examines seven effective policy shifts.

September 24, 2010 - Citiwire

Broadway's "Self-Reinforcing Cycle"

In the last 2 years, New York's Broadway has given up 3.5 miles of traffic lanes and parking to bike lanes and pedestrian access, and gained a significant improvement in congestion and accident rates.

September 24, 2010 - New Urban Network

Amid Growth, the Colorado River is Running Dry

Freshwater resources are running out and being overused -- a global crisis that can be seen in the declining flows of the Colorado River.

September 22, 2010 - Smithsonian Magazine

Irrigation Project Spurs Protests in Peru

A proposed irrigation project near the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru that would divert water away from small villages has sparked violent protests.

September 22, 2010 - Guardian

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.