Oprah recently featured San Luis Obispo, “America’s Happiest Town” (if the video above doesn’t work for you, that’s the link to it). Jenny McCarthy actually does the leg work for this video story. Highlighted features of the city are that…
Why Planning for Children Can Make Cities Better for Everyone
Many of the things we need to do to make cities better for children would also make them better for everyone. But many city planners and others who listen to the complaints of mothers often seem more interesting in saying…
City to Broadcast Bird Songs to Make Residents Happier
How can the city government make you happier? Perhaps by planting more trees. Perhaps by creating more parks and bike paths. Perhaps by broadcasting bird songs.. this is what one city might start doing with that specific goal in mind.…
Rocket Fuel in Your Water?
A “potent thyroid toxin” that is a component of rocket fuel, perchlorate, contaminates the drinking water of up to 17 million Americans in 26 states. The EPA is finally going to start regulating it.
How to Make “Access” a Sexier Word and Goal?
You probably have no idea what I’m talking about at this point. The term “access” in city planning refers to a person’s ability to get somewhere or something. Makes sense, right. And it’s what city planners are focused on, isn’t…
Los Angeles Has an Ecovillage — Did You Know?
Ecovillages are generally associated with rural or suburban areas, but they can be in the city, too. In fact, with the many naturally green features of the city, there are plenty who argue they should be in the city more.…
Obama Administration Proposes $53 Billion More for High-Speed Rail [VIDEO]
The Obama administration announced a proposal to dedicate $53 billion more towards high-speed rail in the next 6 years this week. That would significantly increase federal funding on high-speed rail. The administration awarded $8 billion to a national high-speed rail…
Betaville: Making Urban Planning More Democratic
Want to be more involved in the development and design of your city? Want a fun way to creatively engage via your computer? If so, Betaville may be just what you’re looking for. Here’ more from UrbanOmnibus: “A living city…
Peak Oil is a Comin’, WikiLeaks Confirms
As if it wasn’t already completely self-evident, WikiLeaks has released a number of cables showing that Saudi Arabia is probably going to run out of oil a lot sooner than they’ve been claiming, and that, of course, their ability to…
“Smart Growth” Soon to be in the Grave? Intelligent Cities the New Term
You’ve probably heard of “smart growth” by now. But to urban planners, that seems to mean it’s time for something new. While the goals of smart growth continue to be embraced, we are seeing a shift from that term to…