Articles by Andy Brett

Smart growth to revitalize urban centers

Building on the urban revitalization theme (and unable to resist playing off the title of biodiversivist's post earlier), Smart Growth Online is a great resource for issues relating to the development of green, livable, and desirable communities (without, of course, being too overbearing and centrally planned). Sharing many principles with New Urbanism itself (walkability, mixed use, transportation-centered development, etc.), it's definitely a good idea. I'm planning to get more familiar with some of their publications very soon, but for now I'll just post the link.

Norquist says it’s the small property owner

John Norquist, the president of the Congress for New Urbanism, has an interview on the PBS Online NewsHour regarding the Kelo decision. While the site notes that Congress took no position in the case, Norquists' comments do echo many New Urbanist themes.

But his comments also go against the idea of any kind of central planning by major entities, whether they be government or private developers. These large groups just don't have the foresight or the omniscience to know exactly what will be best for the city or even what will be the best way to promote economic development. A couple of my favorite quotes from Norquist, who's also the former mayor of Milwaukee:

The key to revitalization of American cities is the complexity of cities, the form of cities...[snip]...The small developer, the small business person, the small property owner, they're the ones that are the key to urban revitalization -- not having some big firms that's routinely hiring lobbyists and lawyers and goes down to city hall.

Well put.

Environmental economics takes center stage

It seems like everyone has one of these newfangled "weblogs" these days -- which makes it all the more exciting when you find a really good one. Started just last week by two economics professors (but featuring contributions from many more), Environmental Economics has already featured fascinating posts on pollution regulations, carbon credits, and the high price of oil, among other things. And, of course, they are syndicated for all the RSS junkies like me out there.

Going coast to coast by rail.

As Dave points out, we have quite the task ahead of us when it comes to transitioning from an oil-based economy to one where oil is marginal. If oil is marginal, there's no way we keep up the same amount of air traffic we currently have.

But then, how would someone get from coast to coast? Right now the options in this future economy are not pretty. You could pay a premium for the traditional 6 hour flight. You could drive a car at a similar premium.