San Francisco, Portland, and San Diego lead the charge to ensure everything from power grids to building codes are prepared for arrival of electric cars.
The first wave of electric cars is expected to hit the markets at the end of 2010, with the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt, which will travel up to 100 and 40 miles, respectively, on fully charged batteries. Urban areas in the west are starting to plan now for their arrival, encouraged by excited consumers.
"In cities like San Francisco, Portland, Ore., and San Diego, a combination of green consciousness and enthusiasm for new technology seems to be stirring public interest in the cars."
Preparations include everything from creating infrastructure to revising codes. San Francisco is revising its building code to ensure that new buildings have chargers, some nearby high-tech companies are ordering charging stations to be installed immediately, and Pacific Gas and Electric is hard at work ensuring that the power grid will be ready to support neighborhoods with heavy electric car use.
FULL STORY: Cities Prepare for Life with the Electric Car
'Economic Mapping' to Help Regional Planning
Identifying potential hubs and activity centers allows regions to foster economic growth and density.
Plan to Link 50 Miles of Dallas Trails Seeks City Partnership to Complete Funding
Dallas' Circuit Trail Conservancy has raised $23 million dollars to fund the construction of connectors that would link 50 miles of trails, now they're looking for an additional $20 million in bond money to get the project fully funded.
London Gets £13 Million to Boost Electric Vehicles
London is one of the four U.K. cities that will become international pioneers of green vehicle technology, after getting £13 million (€17m, $18.5m) to boost the number of plug-in cars on their roads.
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.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
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