An interview with U.K. deputy prime minister John Prescott; he talks about the urban policy differences between the U.S. and U.K. as well as London's bold congestion charging experiment.
"In Britain we use our laws a bit more than you do to require (developers) to use brownfields before they can go into greenfields. And we allow the government to go a bit further than you do in dealing with decay within redeveloping areas; your laws tilt more toward the property owner's side. But you're more innovative about using tax credits for housing. We have many things in common, though. In both countries there's a real desire to return to cities. Old warehouses and old waterways that were once seen as liabilities are coming back to life. To make city life more attractive, though, we both have to deal with the decline of public transport, concentrations of poverty, crime and falling educational standards."
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
FULL STORY: John Prescott 'Takes Five'
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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.
Ascent Environmental
Borough of Carlisle
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