Infrastructure

Aging Canada to Strain Transit, Infrastructure

A new report warns that an aging Canadian population will drive up infrastructure costs in public transit, water management, and roads and sidewalks.

February 17, 2009 - Canada.com

Troubling Wall

The border between the U.S. and Mexico is being built into 700 miles of wall in Texas. Architect Lance Hosey looks at the environmental, ecological and sociological problems it creates.

February 15, 2009 - Architect Magazine

A 'D' for America's Infrastructure

That's the grade given by the American Society of Civil Engineers, in their 2009 Report Card on America's Infrastructure. This editorial argues argues that stimulus funding won't be enough to fix it.

February 14, 2009 - Mlive.com

The Infrastructural City

A new book pulls back the glitz of Los Angeles and uncovers the complex infrastructure of the region.

February 14, 2009 - The Los Angeles Times

With Higher Densities Come Smaller Footprints

This article's author reports his and economist Matthew Kahn's recent findings on metropolitan areas and carbon emissions. As it turns out, living in a high density area is one of the best things one can do for the environment.

February 12, 2009 - The DC Examiner

Seattle Tunnel Plan's Price Tag Causes Concern

Plans to replace Seattle's aging inner-city freeway with a $4.2 billion tunnel and expanded bus service have many lawmakers concerned about being able to raise enough money to make it happen.

February 11, 2009 - The Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Where Will the Money Go?

Now that the $838 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed the Senate, where will the money go? Stimulus Watch has a breakdown of every project by state, and by type. Here are links to the transit, roads, energy, and housing projects.

February 10, 2009 - Stimulus Watch

Buffing Up The Bronx

City planners are rezoning an area of the Bronx known for auto shops and storage units to try to create a new bustling neighborhood like SoHo.

February 9, 2009 - The Daily News

Kunstler Receives Seaside Prize

Attendees packed the room for the presentation of the Seaside Prize to James Howard Kunstler and to hear new urbanist luminaries discuss the current state of the economy.

February 8, 2009 - The Walton Sun

Subsidize Green Neighborhoods, Not Green Cars

DC writer Alec Dubro questions the pursuit of the green car, concluding we should cease its financial support. Though people may prefer the car culture, it would make more sense to pursue a ‘post car future’, citing Portland’s compact neighborhoods.

February 6, 2009 - The Progressive

Puget Sound Suburbs Could Follow Cities' Tougher Runoff Rules

After a recent state ruling requiring Seattle and other Puget Sound cities to control polluted stormwater runoff, smaller cities and suburbs could be brought on board as well.

February 6, 2009 - Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Dig After Design for Shovel-Ready Infrastructure

Before officials get too excited about using stimulus money to repair the nation's infrastructure, they should carefully consider design, according to this oped.

February 5, 2009 - The Orlando Sentinel

Opinion: Beware Toll Road Privatization

Author, WSJ columnist and Huffington Post blogger Thomas Frank cautions against the public-private partnerships that are leasing public toll roads, warning that it isn't in the public interest; that they will become affordable only to the wealthy.

February 4, 2009 - The Huffington Post

Camouflaging Infrastructure

Artist Joshua Callaghan paints over utility boxes in his community to make them disappear into their surroundings.

February 2, 2009 - Joshua Callaghan

Improving Transit Efficiency The German Way

Traffic is a nightmare in Cali, Colombia, the Latin American country's third-largest city. But a massive redesign is taking place, with German transit efficiency guiding the way.

January 30, 2009 - Der Spiegel

Inmates Transported on new Phoenix Light Rail

County sheriff’s deputies seek to cut inmate transportation costs by utilizing the Metro Light Rail. Passenger safety concerns have obviously been raised.

January 29, 2009 - The Arizona Republic

With No Projects Ready, Metro Boise to Miss Transportation Funds

Congress is expected to offer up to $16 million of stimulus money to the state of Idaho for transportation projects. But in the Treasure Valley -- home to Boise and a third of the state's population -- there aren't any projects that are ready to go.

January 29, 2009 - The Idaho Statesman

ASCE Report Warns of "Deteriorating Conditions"

The American Society of Civil Engineers has released their 2009 report card on America's infrastructure. Its GPA is equivalent to a D.

January 29, 2009 - Report Card for America's Infrastructure

Concerns Over Tolls and Sprawl May Determine Bridge Width

Plans for a new bridge over the Columbia River in Oregon have local officials in a debate over lanes, tolls and sprawl.

January 29, 2009 - The Oregonian

Wind Power Proposed For Windy Alaskan Villages

The Alaskan government has announced plans to build wind turbines in six small villages along the state's windy western coast. Locals applaud the investment.

January 28, 2009 - Anchorage Daily 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.