Infrastructure

Infrastructure Deficit Called a 'Quiet Collapse of Prosperity'

Big city mayors testifying before a Senate committee are asking for more federal infrastructure investments, but admitted that even the $1.6 trillion estimated by the American Society of Engineers wouldn't be enough.

June 14, 2008 - CNN

Municipal WiFi: Boon or Boondoggle?

Santa Monica, CA is succeeding where other larger cities have failed, creating a public WiFi system that actually makes money.

June 12, 2008 - Marketplace

Crime, Rising Costs Draw Concerns for World Cup Host

With the first game of the 2010 World Cup exactly two years away, many in host country South Africa are concerned about rising inflation, increased violence, and skyrocketing costs of stadium construction.

June 11, 2008 - ESPN

Services Lacking in the Servants' Slums

Upwardly-mobile city dwellers in India are heavily reliant on the neighboring slums that house their servants. But many public services are lacking beyond the walls of the affluent developments.

June 10, 2008 - The New York Times

Dreaming of a Superhighway Across Maine

Officials in Maine are considering a plan to build a cross-state superhighway.

June 9, 2008 - The Ellsworth American

Portland Congressman Leading Push for Federal Infrastructure Investment

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon) has been selected by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to lead a campaign to 'Renew and Rebuild America.'

June 8, 2008 - The Planning Report

12 Kilometers of Subway, or 175 of Trams?

Vancouver has plans to spend nearly $3 billion on a 12-km stretch of subway. But a recent study shows that same amount of money could be used to create a tram system covering more than 175 km in the city.

June 6, 2008 - The Tyee

Unfortunately, More Trains Means More Noise

A peaceful suburb wanting to preserve its tranquility is pitted against a large rail company attempting to lessen freight congestion around Chicago by running its trains through it and other suburbs on an existing rail line it hopes to purchase.

June 5, 2008 - Associated Press via Miami Herald

Can a Tunnel Cure Atlanta's Congestion?

This article from Reason argues that a double-decker traffic tunnel can effectively reduce congestion in Atlanta -- one of the most congested cities in America.

June 4, 2008 - Reason

Providing Public Services a Challenge for Karachi's Mayor

Tackling urban infrastructure problems in Karachi, Pakistan, is an uphill battle for Mayor Syed Mustafa Kamal. With few services, continuing violence and a rising population, he has his work more than cut out for him.

June 3, 2008 - NPR

Aging Water Infrastructure Worries Nashville Officials

This piece from NPR looks at water issues in Nashville, Tennessee, where local officials are trying to make the city's aging infrastructure a priority for voters.

June 3, 2008 - NPR

Opportunities in Tornadoes

Parkersburg, IA, reeling from a recent tornado that devastated the town, could look to nearby Charles City for a silver lining.

June 2, 2008 - Des Moines Register

Goldman Sachs Sees Gold in Humboldt, CA

Humboldt's port shows promise, but would require massive investment. Goldman Sachs expresses an interest, surprising locals.

June 2, 2008 - Times-Standard, Northern California

Politicians Call on Seattle to Think Creatively About Freeway Problem

In this guest column, Washington Governor Christine Gregoire, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, and King County Executive Ron Sims argue that Seattle needs to find a creative solution to the problem posed by its aging inner-city freeway.

May 30, 2008 - The Seattle Times

Toilet-To-Tap: Getting Past The 'Yuck Factor'

As the cities in the arid Western United States face huge water shortages, officials and scientists are trying to convince the public that recycled wastewater can be clean and safe.

May 29, 2008 - Governing

The Job Of Quenching Las Vegas' Thirst

With some predicting that this fast growing metropolis will run out of water within the decade, the head of the region's water authority has a tough job ahead.

May 29, 2008 - Metropolis Magazine

Budapest To Encourage Cycling

Thick congestion has politicians in Budapest looking at ways to improve mobility -- mainly by encouraging bicycle use.

May 28, 2008 - AFP

Turkey Hopes Planned Dam Generates More Than Electricity

Plans to build a massive dam in Turkey have many hopeful that its creation will revive the local economy.

May 28, 2008 - The Christian Science Monitor

'They Want to Make a Dam, and Now They Know They Shouldn't'

A group of Indians from the Amazon attacked a government engineer at a recent meeting where he was discussing a proposed hydroelectric dam on the Xingu River that could displace 15,000 indigenous people and destroy traditional fishing grounds.

May 23, 2008 - Associated Press via National Geographic

Soccer Tournaments Spur Transit Projects in South Africa

In preparation for two major soccer tournaments -- the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2009 Confederations Cup -- South Africa is moving ahead on schedule in constructing major public transit systems in the events' host cities.

May 22, 2008 - BuaNews via AllAfrica.com

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

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The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

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A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.