Florida
Light at End of Tunnel for Southern States' Water Fight
The tri-state fight over water in Alabama, Georgia and Florida is still raging, but some believe a negotiated settlement is not far off. However, there is potential for the fight to go all the way to the Supreme Court.
"Hometown Democracy" Amendment Pending, Florida Cities Scramble
A controversial ballot measure in November could put all Florida general plan changes to a public vote. The St. Petersburg City Council is attempting some sleight-of-hand with their land use map to avoid facing the voters.
Getting it Built, Three Years Early
Tampa's light rail line to the airport could be completed three years early, if an upcoming ballot measure passes that would create a tax increase to pay for the rush job.
Sand, Surf, Traffic, Fatalities
Unlike at other beach resorts, the New Smyrna Beach traffic accidents happen on the beach itself. Sea turtles receive protection from the traffic allowed on the beach, but not children. On Sept. 5, a 4-year was run over fatally, the 2nd this year.
The Example of Miami, a Global City
Miami could be the next major American city, and one that other global cities should try to emulate, according to this interview with economist Saskia Sassen.
Skaters Vs. The Dead
No, it's not a teen zombie movie -- a skate park planned for Miami is causing an uproar because of its proposed location, adjacent to the historic Miami Cemetery.
The Rise of the Global City
In 1991, author and sociologist Saskia Sassen predicted that cities would make a comeback in her book The Global City. Now that her prediction has come true, Christina Larson talks to Sassen about what makes a "global city."
From Baseball Star To Affordable Housing Rehabilitator
Former major league baseball player Maurice Vaughn has made a new new career of buying, then rehabilitating public housing projects. The Times describes Mo's life and transformation as well as that of his six-year-old company, Omni New York LLC.
Miami Approves 50-story Electronic Signs
The Miami City Commission has controversially approved a pair of 50-story electronic signs to be built atop a parking garage next to the City's Arsht Performing Arts Center.
More Than Just Air at the Airport
Airports are becoming more than airports, with an increasing number expanding their services to being multimodal transit hubs.
The Sexiest Parking Garage Ever
Not that there's a lot of competition in that regard, but 1111 Lincoln Road in Miami, a 300 car parking garage with condos, fashion retail stores and a penthouse, takes the cake. James Russell pays it a visit.
Stepping Warily into the World of Form-Based Codes
Citywide form-based codes are gaining in popularity, with Miami's recently implemented code and a new code in Denver. But some architects worry about if and how these new codes will impact their work and the look of their cities.
A 'No' Vote On Florida's 'Hometown Democracy' Amendment
The City Council of Zephyrhills, Florida is the latest public entity to come out against Amendment 4, a proposition that would require a public vote on any changes to local land use plans.
Downtown Mixed Use Generates More Than 30 Times The Tax Revenue of Malls
Sarasota County, Florida finds that one mixed use building generates 36 times the property taxes per acre as the region's largest high end mall. Mary Newsom reports that "evidence is piling up to show the benefits of compact, in-town development."
Baseball Team's Move Could Spark Light Rail
A proposed move of the Tampa Bay Rays professional baseball team has officials in the region scrambling to make plans for a new rail line to accommodate the team's future home.
Mickey Mouse McMansions
The Disney Company is betting against the struggling Florida housing market with plans to build million-dollar luxury homes near its Orlando theme park.
Population Loss in the Sun Belt
Census estimates show that St. Petersburg, Florida, lost population between 2008 and 2009 -- a decline that's expected to continue.
The Gulf Oil Spill Illustrates a Corrupt Regulatory System
On the Commons criticizes the policy of 'enclosure' that has allowed "the systemic failures of the regulatory system and its political sponsors, Congress and the President," to go unnoticed.
Supreme Court Decides Against Private Property Owners
The Supreme Court ruled for state power and against landowners in a landmark decision that will allow a beach-widening project to go forward without compensation.
A New Direction for New Urbanists
At the 18th Annual Congress for New Urbanists, Andres Duany announced 'Agrarian Urbanism' as his new planning emphasis. He believes that the success of New Urbanism has stultified its progress and reduced its potential.
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.
North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA)
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
