Louisiana
How Drinking in New Orleans Debunks Assumptions about Public Behavior
An out-of-towner's visit to New Orleans unravels imposed assumptions about conduct in public places.
Boom Times for New Orleans Park Construction
Katy Rechdahl describes a "dazzling" boom for New Orleans parks.
Louisiana Lawmakers Facing Legal Drama Over Shrinking Coasts
Can Louisiana lawmakers succeed in retroactively overthrowing a lawsuit by the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority against 97 oil and gas companies, all while the state's coastline continues to disappear at alarming rates?
How to Improve Public Space in Downtown New Orleans?
An influx of residential and creative commercial space is transforming Downtown New Orleans. According to a technical assistance panel by the Urban Land Institute Louisiana, the trends represent a once in a lifetime opportunity to improve open space.
Report: Beware the 'Race to the Bottom' of Film Tax Credits
The California Legislative Analyst's Office released a report, "Film and Television Production: Overview of Motion Picture Industry and State Tax Credits," which recommends caution by lawmakers considering an extension of the state's tax credit.
Height Controversy in the Lower Ninth Ward
Two seven-story buildings, proposed for the former site of Holy Cross School in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward, have created heated controversy in New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward. In question is the character of the city’s riverfront neighborhoods.
Energy Economics: Europe Pays Steap Price For Opposing Fracking
When it comes to fracking, much dialog is about energy vs. environment. Not this one. NPR reports on the economic consequences of Europe's rejection of fracking. Many European companies are setting up shop in the U.S. where energy may cost 75% less.
Lessons for Detroit—from New Orleans
Detroit recently replaced New Orleans as the American city with the highest rate of blight. As Detroit undertakes its plans to shrink, which includes a massive blight removal campaign, what lessons from New Orleans bear repeating?
Sustaining the New Orleans Success Story
A new report called “Sustaining Prosperity: A Long Term Vision for the New Orleans Region,” authored by Joel Kotkin, celebrates the rebirth of New Orleans and sets a five point plan for ensuring New Orleans’ long-term prosperity.
"Make It Right" Takes Wrong Step in Selection of Sustainable Materials
In the search for cutting edge, sustainable construction techniques, Brad Pitt's Make It Right Foundation may have taken a wrong step in its selection of materials. The nonprofit is spending $150,000 to replace rotting stairs and decks.
New Orleans' New Stormwater Plan: Let It Flood
New Orleans is planning a novel approach to managing the city's perpetual threat of floods. Instead of trying to prevent and pump out every last drop, the city will slow and store stormwater under a 50-year, $6.2 billion program of retrofits.
Have Planners Made the Gulf Coast Better Since Katrina?
In the eight years since Hurricane Katrina, the Gulf Coast states have made great strides in adopting new visions for their cities and towns. A new report outlines the recovery's progress, pointing to successes in housing and transportation.
Louisiana Sues Energy Companies for Killing Coastal Defenses
For a century, energy companies have been digging up Louisiana's coast for exploration and pipelines. A state board that oversees flood-protection has now sued them for destroying the coastal wetlands that stood as a natural buffer against flooding.
Does New Orleans Need a New Tourism Icon?
The centerpiece of a $500 million plan for redeveloping New Orleans' riverfront is an 'iconic' sculpture, replacing the empty World Trade Center tower. Roberta Brandes Gratz argues the city should focus on small steps instead of a tourism boondoggle.
BP's Gulf Oil Spill Was Much Worse Than You Were Led to Believe
Mark Hertsgaard examines the effort undertaken by BP to cover up the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill. The focus of his story is the company's use of Corexit, a dangerous 'dispersant' that sickened many and helped conceal the true extent of the spill.
New Orleans is the New Hollywood
In 2002, Louisiana lawmakers passed a 30 percent film tax credit. Since then, the state has become the third most productive in the industry, second only to New York and California.
Brad Pitt Struggles to Make It Right in New Orleans
Brad Pitt's Make It Right foundation has built 90 cutting-edge homes in New Orleans' largely abandoned Lower Ninth Ward. Stores and services have stayed away, however, prompting many to wonder if the area will ever become a livable community again.
Making a Place for Artists in New Orleans
Appealing to artists is a common method of urban revitalization, but keeping artists and musicians around after a community is revitalized is an equally difficult task.
Enjoy the Images of the Superdome, Because You Helped Pay For It
Mark Byrnes explains the recent renovations - both inside and outside - of New Orleans' Superdome, home to Sunday's Super Bowl. The work was funded, at least in part, by FEMA.
Katrina and Sandy: Devastating Storms, But That's Where the Similarities End
Roberta Brandes Gratz examines the many differences, and few similarities, between the two most devastating urban storms of recent memory. Among the most elemental differences: one devastated neighborhoods, one a city; one was man-made, one natural.
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.
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
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
