Abstract This paper examines the financial planning and related public policy for the city of Charlotte, North Carolina. It provides a general outline of the city's budget, including expenditures, projects, funds, revenues and future spending plans.
Outline:
Expenditures, Encumbrances and Expenses
Capital Project, General, and Proprietary Funds
Analysis of Budget
Main Revenue Sources
Budgetary Levels
Long-range and Short-range Spending Plans Largest Appropriations
Public policy: Short-range and Long-range
From the Paper "The main revenue sources for the city include taxes paid by business, taxes collected for property, licenses, transportation and tourism. Charlotte is one of the largest banking cities in the nation and is a central "hub" for many companies within the trucking industry. Additionally, Charlotte is home to three major professional sporting franchises and has a large manufacturing and construction base. Because Charlotte continues to grow significant with each passing year, the revenues from the growth associated with business are extensive. However, the growth of the city due to population also impacts the budget of the city and the funds that are required to operate many of the programs required to address the needs of the population."
Tags: budget, city, expenditures, encumbrances, expenses, policy
Abstract The paper states that the rational planning of cities has been shown not to realise the practical nature of urban life. The paper describes that plans are not focused on bettering the lives of actual people but instead attempt to change their lives to suit the comprehensive plans of the planners. The paper argues that planning a conflict free environment is not only impossible but is actually detrimental. If disorder is not experienced, then individuals cannot fully develop as they will remain with the adolescent desire for purity and will reject the unknown. The paper calls for planning which realises the specific needs of communities .
From the Paper "To replace these lost informal controls Wirth saw it as necessary to implement formal moral order which would maintain control in cities. These formal controls could not be left to develop spontaneously in the same way as the informal controls of rural communities but must be a result of rational planning and execution. However, he did not argue that individuals should be coerced into accepting this new moral order. Instead, he saw it as necessary for these new values to be internally appropriated by the individual so that they would voluntarily act in accordance with society without the need for negative sanctions. These ideas have often been criticised as being functionalist. Although this may be true of Wirth's practical proposals, his theoretical work showed an awareness of these issues which he did not included in his more substantive writings. The architect Le Corbusier was one of the most famous and influential people associated with the real development of rational urban planning. He saw it as necessary to remove the dark and dank streets of old irrational cities and replace them with new, rationally planned environments which would enhance the lives of residents."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the cityplanning approaches in Amsterdam and the United States.
From the Paper "In this paper I will discuss city planning in Amsterdam, The Netherlands in an historical and cross-cultural context. For those of us who have certain unconscious assumptions about what cities are and can be biased on our acquaintance with our own urban areas, studying urban planning trends in Europe and elsewhere can be a revelation. In a nutshell, the dominant influence on American city planning (or lack thereof) has been the automobile. It matters that our cities are primarily auto storage depots, observes James Howard..."
Abstract The paper shows that currently the New York City Emergency Plan is solid and has been tested and re-tested many times over. The World Trade Tower bombing of September, 11, 2002 put the plan to the ultimate test. The paper discusses that, overall, the emergency plan worked very well, considering the size and scope of the emergency. However, it also brought out some areas in need of improvement. The paper shows that the key issues which need to be addressed are the need for secondary and tertiary backup plans for the command control center and hospital scheme. Also, it shows that it has become painstakingly clear, that even though the plan is in place, when the actual emergency occurred, police officers and other key authority figures did not know where to tell the public where to go or what to do. The paper discusses the potential disasters N.Y.C. might face and the steps taken to plan for them.
From the Paper "The theme of the program will be a simple question, "What would you do"? This question will be followed by a scenario involving a disaster. All ads will be designed to spark thoughts of the possibility of the occurrence suggested and evoke thoughts of what they would do if the same disaster struck right now. Information on certain disasters, such as hurricane and storm safety, fire safety, and other safety issues will be an integral part of this program. The ads are not supposed to invoke panic, but rather to alleviate it. Panic occurs when there is a lack of a plan of action. This advertising campaign is aimed at getting people to develop plans, where-ever they happen to be. People who have a plan do not panic as easily and will respond in a more efficient manner to unexpected events."
An illustration of an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) that every city should have in place and practice on a regular basis in order to save as many lives as possible in the event of a disaster occurring.
Abstract The paper defines the different types of disasters that can occur and explains why every local fire department should have a disaster plan in place. The paper presents the four phases of Emergency Management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. The paper focuses on the response phase by detailing the systems and structures that should be in place in every city in order to respond efficiently to any disaster.
From the Paper "The first portion of direction and control is establishing an Incident Command System at the site of the disaster. The second portion of direction and control is the establishment of an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) (FEMA, SLG 101, 2002). The functions of these two centers are different. The ICS is concerned with the immediate disaster and information dissemination to the EOC. Both the ICS and EOC are concerned with two phases. For both the ICS and EOC primary concern is protecting life and later the sustainability of services to sustain life. Direction and control is about the integration of services during a disaster. It is important for maintaining organization and structure."
Abstract This paper discusses how and why Columbia, Maryland is renowned for being a model of excellence in urban planning. Although, Columbia, Maryland is not the first nor the last to serve as a model for planned urban development, it is unique in many ways. The author illustrates how planners designed for convenience, encouraged community involvement, and offered resident amenities. It is shown how Columbia is a modern city that creates a positive environment for its residents.
From the Paper "He is called the "master planner" and is credited with coining the term "urban renewal" which basically means the "rehabilitation of both people and structures" and ?contributing to its translation into law,? with the building of the first enclosed regional malls and encouraging their adaptation in downtown areas. Urban and regional planning earned him the distinction of leader in urban development. Beginning as a suburban shopping center developer, Rouse progressed to the development of Columbia, Maryland. He then went on to create a foundation dedicated to rehabilitating the nation's most troubled urban neighborhoods. Rouse believed that ?intervention directed into the physical environment holds the key to social regeneration."
Tags: community, plan, environment, region, develop, city, village
Abstract This paper discusses how people have made homes in an urban environment over time. It looks at how Rome's inner-city housing as well as that of other European countries foreshadow the conditions seen in the American Industrial Revolution for the lower class. Included are discussions on housing trends over time for working- and lower-class Americans (e.g. development of suburbia, today's urban renewal in the inner-city.)
Outline"
Early European Urban Models
The American Industrial Revolution
Urban Planning Immigration
Times of Conflict
The Post-War and Post-Industrial Eras
From the Paper "Since the formation of cities in America, there has always been a certain appeal to Americans and immigrants to live there. Rich or poor, people are attracted to the urban culture for a variety of reasons. Though noisy and congested, city living offers citizens unparalleled convenience, as well as an exciting, inspiring living environment. Depending on the neighborhood, of course, services such as food and drug stores, and entertainment/educational venues like theaters and museums are just a short walk away. Regular trash collection and street sweeping leave travel corridors looking organized and sanitary. City homes are hooked into the existing infrastructure--electric, water, gas, and sewer. Travel by subway, bus, taxi, auto, or foot is a breeze. Newspaper, food, and dairy delivery are also among the amenities afforded to city dwellers. "
Abstract This paper discusses the basis for a technologically innovative and creative city. It discusses the importance of new technologies as a top-level priority in America, who remains a world leader in new sciences, which can creatively used to help advance humankind. The paper describes how this new city would help to lure foreign investment and researchers into a city that is ecologically safe and efficient.
From the Paper "Geography: The New Technological City I. Introduction: This city planning study will seek create a city that relies heavily on the new technology sector innovation, which has been part of the burgeoning economy in America. The American dream is about invention, and technology is the new way that Americans need to express their freedoms, as well as their ability to create modern advancements. By creating a city that is 'artist friendly' not only will people flock to help build this project; they will help to manufacture the tools and ecological means to make it sustainable. In this manner, the infrastructure of this new city will be the result of forging innovative creativity in the technology sector, which will be self-sustaining due to the availability of land, resources, and money management."
Abstract Singapore Airlines plans to start up a new business venture, a2, in the Australian domestic aviation market. a2 will introduce Sydney-Melbourne flights in the coming year and link up all major Australian cities by 2006. This paper discusses that the overall marketing goal for a2 is to position itself as the preferred corporate travel airline. The writer provides a thorough marketing plan for the new company including future projections, budgets, costs, competition market and expected profits.
Executive Summary
1 Introduction
2 Goal Setting
3 Situation Analysis
3.1 Market overview
3.2 Opportunities and threats
3.3 Strengths and weaknesses
3.4 Issues
4 Strategy Formulation
4.1 Marketing objectives
4.2 Marketing strategies
5 Action Plan 6 Financial Projections
6.1 Assumptions for the first year
6.2 Three-year projections
7 Resource Allocation and Monitoring
7.1 Budget
7.2 Measurement and review
8 References
From the Paper "a2's mission is to benefit Australian consumers and businesses by creating a more competitive environment in the current domestic duopoly aviation market. It aims to succeed by making the best out of its competitive advantages through
? strong financial backing from the parent company;
? highly qualified staff; and
? a continuing commitment in research and development.
a2's objective lies in the "product development" quadrant of Ansoff's matrix (Kotler, 2002). That is, it is offering new flight services to existing markets, as charted below."
Abstract This paper describes Ebenezer Howard's role in the advancement of urban planning. The author points out that Howard understood the necessity of asserting control over urban development. The paper further describes Howard's belief that controlling urban development improves city life, enhances productivity, increases efficiency and reduces the socioeconomic and political problems that uncontrolled urbanization produced. The paper relates that Howard believed that the negative aspects of urbanization could be minimized and eventually eliminated through logical urban planning to which he devoted his life.
From the Paper "In analyzing the advancement of urban planning, it is evident that innovative urban thinkers, like Ebenezer Howard, understood the vital importance of promoting and achieving effective urban development. Throughout the centuries, most cities expanded outward from their central core in a haphazard fashion in response to a variety of short-term economic, social and geographical factors. As this random process unfolded, cities became sprawling urban areas in which the quality of human life steadily declined, economic productivity suffered, and social and political tensions became chronic problems. "
Abstract This paper relates that, in the video "F.A.T. City", Rick Lavoie shows a group of participants how it can feel to have a learning disability and to be treated as if everything should be easy for them when, in fact, it is not. The paper then describes an effective teaching strategy talked about in the video as well as Lavoie's discussion on the concept of fairness. The author concludes that when she has her own classroom she will implement many techniques suggested by Lavoie and other professionals.
From the Paper "When working with children with disabilities, especially in a general education classroom setting, fairness means that everyone gets what he or she needs. So, when I am a teacher and need to modify or adjust some curriculum to meet the needs of a child with a disability and am met with opposition claiming that it is unfair, I will simply take the time to explain this truth."
Abstract This paper presents the application of a senior architecture student who is applying to the Urban Planning Program, planning to specialize in community and economic development. The student describes his intentions once he has graduated from the program and discusses the importance of the skills he will learn. The paper also briefly provides the writer's related work experience.
From the Paper "Urban planning is prescriptive rather than descriptive. Urban planning says how cities should be built, allowing for the incorporation of what already exists into the new design for an urban region and into the design of other structures surrounding the central core. The planned city itself is formed in answer to architecture and often to the way urban planners were sweeping away everything in a city core to accommodate a complete change to a modernist aesthetic. Urban planning policies and architectural fashions have contributed to the loss of a sense of place and community in modern cities. These policies did not necessarily intend that this be the result, and architects also were not trying to shift from the sense of place to a more isolated view of human beings. These results show, however, that planning can be directed too much at efficiency and not enough at either aesthetics or social meaning. The way people live is much affected by the environment in which they live. Left to their own devices, they will also shape that environment around their mode of life. Planners, however, shape cities around their current ideas of efficiency, often serving governmental rather than human needs, and constrained by economics, the interplay of special interests, and many other forces at work in the planning and implementation process. City after city has been reshaped to provide a more efficient movement of automobiles, trains, and subways through the city while ignoring the need of the people to feel part of the environment now hurting past. Melding principles of both architecture and urban planning can provide a way to adopt design to a more human-centered conception of progress in a region like my own country, where planing has not been given much attention to date."
Abstract This paper discusses Phenix City in Russell County, Alabama, otherwise known as "Sin City, USA." The paper discusses the history of illegal activity in Phenix City and how the city became a haven for criminals. The paper then goes on to describe the efforts to clean up Phenix City and how its image has begun to evolve over time. The paper concludes by discussing the name of the city, "Phenix."
Table of Contents:
I. A.K.A.
"Once Known as "Sin City"
II. Commonplace Sins
A Haven for Hellish Activities?
Cleaning Up Phenix City III. The name, "Phenix"
Excuses and Reasons
From the Paper "Hugh Bentley, a layman, decided to try to fire the churches into action against the sin and criminal activity in 1946. Bentley stressed that Phenix City's problem was a moral one and that until the moral breakdown was changed, things would not improve. January 9, 1951, Bentley's house was blown up with thirty-six sticks of dynamite, however, neither he nor any of his family was seriously injured."
"In 1954, Albert Patterson, a sixty-year-old Phenix City lawyer, adopted his campaign crusade to be cleaning Phenix City's gambling machine. At this time, Phenix City was described by Life Magazine as the "wickedest city in the United States, . . . everything from gambling to murder to arson to fraud." (Ibid.) June 1, 1954, Patterson won the Democratic primary."
Abstract This paper illustrates the issues of large urban port cities as seen in Dublin and New York City. The paper provides an in-depth history of each city and compares the social issues of the urban environment, ethnic diversity, poverty and crime.
From the Paper "New York City is generally considered the doorway to America. It is the largest city in the nation, seven million strong, and a main hub of financial activity. This is probably the most racially and ethnically diverse of the large American cities, the epitome of the melting pot. A third of the population is of African descent, fifteen percent are Jewish, twelve percent Hispanic. Other ethnic populations have a vocal presence, including the Irish, Italian, Chinese, Korean, Indian, and other Asians. If one city has represent urban America over the last 200 years, it would be the harbor city of New York, New York.
" Across the Atlantic ocean lies another city, a little farther from the ocean, though not much. It is the "fair city" of Dublin, that capitol of the Republic of Ireland. This is a fairly heterogeneous city, for it is the center of 4,000 year old struggle for cultural sanctity and independence. The vast majority of the citizens are Irish or British nationals, Christian and white. Most are Roman Catholic, and the largest "minority" are the British Protestants. One fourth of the citizens of Ireland, approximately 900,000 souls all told, now live in Dublin and its suburbs, and its name is becoming synonymous with Irish culture and tradition."
Tags: dublin, new, york, city, urban, city, cities, port, social, issue, environemnt, ethnic, diversity, poverty, crime
Abstract This paper explores the nature of the City of the Angels looking at a very mixed bag of primary sources about the nature of commerce and the city. The paper also looks at how the city has been defined by the nature of 20th century and now 21st century capitalism. It also looks at the way the suburb has been defined by capitalism and the ways in which Los Angeles as a city that cannot exist or be understood in isolation, has also been defined by the economics of suburbs and by the ways in which the bright promise of a city on the edge of the continent becomes so easily tarnished.
From the Paper "We may borrow an opening line of a famous Russian novel and bend it to our own purposes, we might say that while every city is unhappy in its own ways, every suburb is unhappy in precisely the same way. This aphorism that we have just coined may help us to understand the history of the city of Los Angeles ? although the history of this great American city is in fact one of the most difficult of all urban histories to write. It is difficult to talk about the nature of this city because it is not exactly a city ? if one's model of a city is a place like New York City that is. But it is also a difficult city to define and to describe if one is attempting to describe it as a suburb. For while in the popular imagination Los Angeles may be nothing more than a suburb (although one imagines that its reputation for being a suburb is one based, again, in East Coast sensibilities), it is not in fact a classic bedroom community. Los Angeles is both suburb and city, both Dream Factory and home, a city of significant and fascinating contradictions."
Tags: ethnic, struggle, natural, disaster, capitalism, city, american, image