Colorado
Urban-Rural Rift in Colorado Results in Secession Vote
Come November, 11 of Colorado's 64 counties, mostly in northeast, will vote to form a new state. Jack Healy explores what's behind the 51st State Initiative, what set it off, as well as other secession movements, mostly by rural areas in the U.S.
Rebuilding of Roads and Bridges are Key to Colorado Flood Recovery
This month's deluge resulted in damage or total destruction of "an estimated 200 miles of state highways and 50 bridges" in over 12 counties, estimated to cost $475 million. Contracts have been awarded for "initial work to be completed by Dec. 1".
Downtown Denver Has a Case of Development Fever
With construction cranes dotting downtown Denver's skyline, the area's growth is apparent to anyone gazing skyward. A new report released this week on the "State of Downtown Denver" quantifies the area's "unprecedented growth".
Colorado Floats Sales Tax for Transportation
A transportation study group is rolling out a proposal to place a .7%, 10-year general sales tax on the 2014 ballot with two-thirds of the revenue going for roads and one-third for transit. The state's 22-cent gas tax hasn't been raised since 1991.
Juice Up for Free While You Fly at Denver Airport
In a move that may quell 'range anxiety' for travelers, the far-flung Denver International Airport will soon be offering ten free charging stations for travelers to charge their electric vehicles while they're away.
Denver Struggles to Reclaim Civic Center Park
A $15 million investment has so far failed to cleanse Denver's downtown park - part of the city's first National Historic Landmark - of rampant drug use and crime. What more can the city do to speed up change?
Home Builders Sow Seeds for Urban Agriculture
In the Stapleton neighborhood of Denver, developer Forest City has recognized the growing interest in urban gardening by partnering with The Urban Farm Company to offer ready-made raised-bed gardens to homebuyers.
Red or Blue, States Demand Walkable Urbanism
A new study by the Sonoran Institute finds unmet demand for walkable neighborhoods in the western American states of Idaho, Montana and Colorado. In these states, houses in walkable areas sell for markedly more than in sprawling areas.
Colorado Builds a Highway That Discourages Driving
Upgrades to U.S. 36, the highway that connects Denver to Boulder, feature a variety of elements intended to reduce congestion and offer alternatives to the traditional solo auto commute. The effort is being called a "21st-century mobility project."
Subdivisions With Protected Open Space Are More Profitable, Study Shows
A new study out of Colorado State University suggests that suburban homebuyers are willing to pay more for a house in a subdivision that includes protected land.
Denver Micro-Housing Competition Demonstrates Global Interest in Compact Housing Solutions
Although he recognized that Denver does not have an immediate demand for micro-housing, architect Jeff Sheppard launched a design competition that proved global interest in the this hot housing type, writes David Hill.
Going, Going, Gone: High Plains Drains its Water Supply
Years of record drought and more intensive farming are draining the High Plains Aquifer, distressing farmers from Colorado to Texas. Rural communities are suffering from dwindling water supplies.
Consummating the Marriage Between Bikes and Geeks
There may be something to the premise that bike amenities attract young technology professionals. Jayme Moye looks at one Boulder software company that's building on the natural affinity between the two subcultures with a bike-themed hackfest.
Colorado Unshackles Transportation Spending, Auto Alternatives Stand to Benefit
For the first time, a new law allows Colorado's cities and counties to spend revenue raised by the state's fuel sales taxes and license plate fees on projects other than roads and bridges.
Can Transit and Smart Planning Transform Colorado's Poorest Neighborhood?
With a new area plan oriented around the arrival of Denver's West Light Rail line, planners are hoping to spur a transformation of the city's Sun Valley neighborhood. Can the area diversify without displacing existing residents?
Mixed-Use Redevelopment Aims to Bring High-Design to Notorious Denver "Mousetrap"
A $100 million project proposing to create a design neighborhood at a former printing plant adjacent to a notorious interstate intersection is being made possible by Denver's light rail expansion, and the involvement of a renowned architect.
Denver Densifies as Developers Anticipate Transit Expansion
Before the first line of the multi-billion dollar FasTracks regional transit expansion opens to the public, developers are clamoring to build near Denver area stations. In a city that was beset by sprawl for a half-century, the shift is good news.
First Leg of Denver's Multi-Billion Dollar Transit Expansion Set to Open Next Month
After passing a trial run with few problems this week, Denver's 12.1-mile West Rail Line is set to open to the public next month.
Healthy by Design: On the Growth of Health Impact Assessments
Joe Gose examines the growing use of health impact assessments to guide decision-making through a case study from the La Alma/Lincoln Park neighborhood near downtown Denver.
The Next Leader in Regional Connectivity: Denver?
Alex Schafran considers Denver's unique position as a trailblazer in suburban retrofitting and sustainable region-building, as an ambitious mass transit project grapples with a tradition of sprawl and fragmented politics.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
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
