Maine
Mainers to Vote on Transportation Bond on Nov. 5
At $100 million, it is the largest of the five bonds on the Nov. 5 ballot. While six other transportation bonds were voted on (and approved) since 2000, the need for this bond comes from a 2011 law that eliminated the indexing of the state gas tax.
Quebec Rail Disaster Revives Oil Pipeline vs. Crude-By-Rail Debate
In a scene reminiscent of the Denzel Washington movie "Unstoppable", but without the heroic ending, an unmanned, 72-car oil train traveled 7 miles to Lac-Mégantic, pop. 6,000, where it derailed, setting off a fireball downtown. 5 fatalities so far.
Amtrak Gives Ultimatum to States
States with Amtrak routes less than 750 miles (excludes lines within Northeast Corridor) will need to subsidize the budget shortfalls - the difference between fares and operating costs, or lose the route. States may cut some lines to prop-up others.
Should Maine Spend More on its Cities?
70 percent of Maine's economic activity and 90 percent of its population growth over the last decade took place in three metro areas. So why is the state "giving money to ‘well-off’ suburbs at expense of urban areas?" Matthew Stone investigates.
Harvesting the Tides of the Bay of Fundy
Experimental efforts are being made to harness the extreme currents off Maine's coast, as underwater tidal energy turbines could soon generate power for nearby homes and businesses.
Could a Toll Road Boost Maine's Economy at the Cost of its Identity?
Katharine Seelye writes on the clash between business interests and residents of rural Maine, where a proposed private toll road has revealed a difference in values.
Minority Births Now Majority
In another milestone demonstrating the coloring of America, the Census Bureau reported this week that 2011 saw 50.4% births of color. In addition to the ethnic make-up of the country, aging data was reported.
Report Touts Economic Benefits via Maine Transportation Projects
The report put out by TRIP, a Washington, DC non-profit sponsored by insurance companies and transportation labor unions, highlights about 50 trips that are likely to generate economic growth when completed.
Maine Nixes LEED Certification for State Buildings
Governor Paul Lepage of Maine has banned the use of LEED certification in state buildings. Lloyd Alter at Treehugger says it's all about the timber industry.
Maine's "Informed Growth Act" Repealed
The 4-year-old Informed Growth Act required large retail stores in Maine to go through an extra hoop to analyze their potential adverse impact on the community. The Maine House repealed the act last week.
Portland Questions More Food Chains in Maine
Two Virginia-based burger chains are interested in opening locations in Downtown Portland, but are facing opposition from city residents and officials.
Free Waterfront Land: Must Bring Jobs
Camden, Maine is giving away 3 1/2 acres of waterfront land. The catch? The buyer must pay up front, then gets money back for every worker they hire.
Using Crowds, and GPS, to Chart Roadkill
Ron Ringen has logged more than 1,400 animals for a roadkill project. "I'm almost a fanatic with it," he said. "You get hooked."
Transitioning A Waterfront Away From the Fishing Industry
The fishing industry has been in decline for years in Portland, Maine, which is hurting many of the industry-related businesses on the city's waterfront. Local business people see salvation in diversity.
Small-Town Seafood Shack Creates Big Traffic Problem
A popular seafood shack in small-town Maine is causing huge traffic problems. Officials are considering a $100 million solution.
Zoning Reform Makes Room For More Low-Income Housing
In Lewiston, Maine, planners are reforming old zoning laws governing "boarding houses", an old-fashioned term that refers to lodging where meals are provided. By allowing "lodging houses" instead in those zones, more affordable housing can exist.
Portland, Maine: Preserve Fishing, or Allow Condos?
The Portland waterfront is zoned to exclude anything but marine uses, but with a slump in the fishing industry property owners are pushing for the freedom to build for other uses along the water.
From Memories to Master Plans
Maine mill town asks citizens to record their memories at downtown "Heart Spots" as part of the master planning process.
African Immigrants Revive Mill Town
When a Somali population moved into a dying city in Maine, the benefits of the "new injection of energy" they brought with them has been clear ever since--particularly eonomic growth.
Cooling Markets May Halt Sprawl in Maine
For decades, development in Maine sprawled away from cities and across the landscape. The flailing economy may be the only thing that can change the pattern.
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
