Infrastructure

Simple Solutions To California's Water Shortage

Years of low rainfall are causing many in California to think hard about diminishing supplies of water. In this commentary, author Peter Gleick argues that wise water use and management -- not big-scale infrastructure projects -- is the solution.

January 7, 2008 - The Los Angeles Times

Historic Sites Disappearing As Three Gorges Reservoir Rises

The reservoir at China's Three Gorges Dam will fill to capacity this year, flooding more than 400 square miles of land, including some precious historic sites.

January 7, 2008 - NPR

L.A.'s Subway Plans Should Look To Public-Private Partnerships

L.A.'s regional transit system needs a spine, and the "Subway to the Sea" from downtown to the westside could be that spine. But to make it happen, the city needs to think about a public-private partnership, according to this commentary.

January 6, 2008 - The Daily News

Seattle Viaduct's Days Numbered Despite Lack of Replacement Plan

Washington Governor Chris Gregoire has vowed to dismantle Seattle's crumbling inner city freeway in 2012, putting extra pressure on transportation planners, local officials and the public to agree a replacement solution.

January 6, 2008 - Nate Berg

Big Dig: The Good, Bad, and Ugly

TollRoads News reviews the "terminally inept Bechtel/Parsons Brinckerhoff joint venture at the Massachusetts Turnpike's Big Dig project", and examines how the project is improving mobility -- estimated to be worth $168 million per year.

January 3, 2008 - TOLLROADSnews

Water Woes Result In Rationing For Some Texas Communities

A string of droughts and a water-intensive invasive plant species have diminished water supplies in Northern Texas, requiring rationing for 11 cities in 2008.

January 2, 2008 - The Houston Chronicle

Plans to Elevate Honolulu's Proposed Light Rail Meet Opposition

The American Institute of Architects has come out against plans to include elevated tracks as part of the layout of Honolulu's proposed light rail system.

January 2, 2008 - Hawaii Reporter

China Abandons Yangtze Dam Plans

The dam would have forced the flooding of one of China's most visited tourist sites and displaced more than 100,000. Plans are still in the works for a hydropower dam on the river, but the exact location is uncertain.

December 31, 2007 - The Guardian

Planned Communities Take Nosedive in Idaho

Proposals for planned communities have taken a sharp downturn in Idaho since last year. A deteriorating housing market and the lack of infrastructure are being cited for delays in development.

December 30, 2007 - The Idaho Statesman

The End of The Big Dig

With the end of 2007 comes the official end of Boston's "Big Dig."

December 29, 2007 - NPR

The Year's Best In Livable Streets

Streetsblog has announced the winners of its livable streets awards, commending such public works as bike lanes and low emissions policies.

December 29, 2007 - Streetsblog

Ohio Growth Posing Environmental Threats

Growth and urban development are posing significant threats to air quality in Northeast Ohio, and many planners are looking at ways to reduce the threats.

December 28, 2007 - The Plain Dealer

California Experts on 'Establishing a Framework for Equitable Growth'

California's population is not only immense, it's incredibly diverse. Building the infrastructure to serve the state's current residents has proven a difficult task -- one that won't get any easier.

December 27, 2007 - The Planning Report

The Property Tax and the Fortunes of Older Industrial Cities

Discontent with one particular type of public levy, the local property tax, is gaining momentum across the country. Disgruntled homeowners are demanding that governors and mayors find alternative methods to raise revenue.

December 27, 2007 - Lincoln Institute of Land Policy

Citywide Wi-Fi On Verge of Self-Sustainability In Minneapolis

The Minneapolis citywide wi-fi network is expected to become self-sustaining by February, according to officials.

December 26, 2007 - Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune

O, Embattled Town of Bethlehem

Competing ancient claims to land, religious fervor and the construction of a massive "security" wall make Bethlehem the most contested city on Earth.

December 25, 2007 - National Geographic

Treating Wastewater Closer To Home

Treating wastewater at the neighborhood level can save money on public infrastructure while providing environmental benefits.

December 24, 2007 - Ecoworld

Growth In Focus After City Halts Water System Expansion

The desert city of Tucson, Arizona, recently decided to halt the expansion of its municipal water system. This decision has been taken as an oppotunity by planners to discuss the city's future growth.

December 24, 2007 - Tucson Citizen

Lack Of Foresight Hung Atlanta Up To Dry

Poor planning has put Atlanta in the drought-stricken position it's in now, and there are few signs that anything is changing on that front, according to this editorial from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

December 23, 2007 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Portland's Streetcar Possibility Affecting Two Major Transportation Projects

Pending plans to extend Portland's streetcar system are causing two current transportation infrastructure projects to cautiously tip-toe forward and not make any moves that would prevent the future option of the streetcar from being included.

December 22, 2007 - The Portland Tribune

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.