Technology

Obama Taps D.C. CTO Who Opened Up City Data

Vivek Kundra, the Washington D.C. chief technology officer who created an innovative publicly accessible database of city information, will be heading to a new office in D.C. -- at the White House.

March 15, 2009 - Citiwire

Carbon Capture A Ploy?

CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) is an abbreviation that may become more common if the coal industry has its way. But The Economist argues that carbon taxes are a better way to improve the environment than investing in CCS technology.

March 14, 2009 - Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Lose Pay Phones, Fight Crime and Blight?

Jacksonville, Florida officials are considering removing pay phones on sidewalks and in downtown parks, which are often viewed as nuisances that hinder efforts to make neighborhoods cleaner and safer.

March 13, 2009 - The Florida Times-Union

Understanding Algae

Treehugger recently heralded fuel-producing algae the hottest green technology going. GOOD Magazine takes a clear-eyed look at the promise and the pitfalls.

March 12, 2009 - GOOD Magazine

Planning Paris' Makeover

Though challenged with facing a multi-tiered government, Nicholas Sarkozy has nonetheless devised one of the most ambitious plans ever for Paris. To reimagine this bolder, greener "Grand Paris," he has put 10 teams of architects and planners to work.

March 11, 2009 - AFP

Reducing Emissions By Measuring Carbon In Fuel

CA's Air Resources Board has issued a new regulation to reduce carbon from fuels - and the ethanol industry isn't happy.

March 10, 2009 - Los Angeles Times

Taking a Closer Look at the Slum

Slums have garnered some positive attention lately, from academics (Teddy Cruz) to royalty (Prince Charles). This article looks at just what it is we can learn from them, as well as the challenges that face legitimizing the world's shantytowns.

March 5, 2009 - The Boston Globe

From Concrete Box to LEED-Certified

Prisons around the country are looking less and less like the typical concrete box; Washington state has 34 LEED-certified prisons, some of which offer "green work" programs.

March 5, 2009 - The New York Times

Green Building Myths Debunked?

A new study shows that green buildings are far more expensive than they are made out to be, and that it may take longer than advertised for energy savings to cancel out costs.

March 4, 2009 - The New York Times

How to Spend $8 Billion in High-Speed Rail Funds

Transportation reporter Tom Belden of the Philadelphia Daily ponders how and where the $8 billion in stimulus funds allotted to high-speed rail should be spent, referencing a report by the Progressive Policy Institute.

February 26, 2009 - Philadelphia Daily

Oil Sands On Obama's Agenda

In his first foreign trip, President Obama will meet with Canadian PM Harper to discuss, amongst other topics, the environmental impact of mining Alberta's oil sands.

February 24, 2009 - The Washington Post

Defining The Neighborhood Through Mapping

In an effort to get a more precise look at the city and its distinct neighborhoods, the Los Angeles Times is starting a collaborative mapping project to set clear and adaptable boundaries for L.A.'s neighborhoods.

February 22, 2009 - Los Angeles Times

Top 10 Cities for Economic Upheaval

Forbes releases its first ever list of "America's Fastest-Changing Cities", documenting the cities that have undergone the most drastic economic shifts.

February 22, 2009 - Forbes

California Budget Approved, But Concessions Are Controversial

At 3 AM, Feb. 19, the state Senate secured its third Republican vote necessary to pass a budget and fill the $42 billion budget deficit. This article looks at one of many environmental rollbacks demanded by Republicans.

February 20, 2009 - Los Angeles Times

Is Rural Internet Worth the Cost?

This piece from NPR looks at the debate over plans to use more than $7 billion from the stimulus plan to expand broadband Internet access in rural areas.

February 19, 2009 - NPR

Infrastructure Needs to Get Smarter

The Wall St. Journal reviews the latest in smart technology for infrastructure, from vehicle infrastructure integration to smart utility meters.

February 18, 2009 - Wall St. Journal

Out with the Trains

In this op-ed, Michael Andregg touts Personal Rapid Transit over 'financially unsustainable' light rail, which he blames politicians for encouraging.

February 18, 2009 - The Pioneer Press

Energy Revolution Needed To Solve Climate Change

Nobel laureate and new Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu is interviewed on what it will take to solve the climate change crisis - three major technological improvements plus carbon pricing. While no fan of coal, he acknowledges improvements are needed.

February 16, 2009 - The New York Times

Renewable Industry Sags Due To Credit Crisis

The New York Times reports that the renewable energy industry is hurting badly in this recession. Lack of available credit is the main reason, and while the stimulus bill may help, it will not be the solution.

February 9, 2009 - The New York Times

Randal O'Toole asks, Dude, Where's My Driverless Car?

For decades, people have been talking about how driverless cars would make highway traffic a thing of the past. Randal O'Toole asks, where are they?

February 9, 2009 - The Antiplanner

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.

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