Government / Politics
Zoning to Protect Manufacturing in N.Y.C.
Development in industrial areas is pushing out manufacturers, but new zoning regulations could help control the incursion.
The Race to Become the First State to Ban Polystyrene Food Containers
Both Maryland and Hawaii are in a race to become the first state to ban polystyrene food containers and beverage cups. The Maryland bill passed the legislature March 12 and awaits a decision by Republican Gov. Hogan. Too early to tell on Hawaii.
Replacing Diesel-Powered Trucks With Natural Gas, Hybrid, and Battery Power
The U.S. Department of Energy, in partnership with the California Energy Commission and the South Coast Air Quality Management District, awarded $18 million to nine companies and universities to advance natural gas technology for trucks.
Black Towns Face Threats From Flooding and Buyouts
Many of the historic towns would disappear if flood buyout programs force residents to relocate.
Finger-Pointing Around Outreach Campaign for Southern California Toll Road
To sway public opinion, the Orange County toll road agency hired a group of consultants. Critics say the cost and service delivered aren’t acceptable.
Opinion: Even the Green New Deal Repeats the Same Old Sprawling Mistakes
With infrastructure and housing prices in the national discussion more than ever before, the federal government still doesn't seem ready to really change its ways.
Environmental Impact Bond to Fund Atlanta Watershed Projects
The bonds finance new green infrastructure projects that otherwise would be considered too risky.
Bipartisan Support for Federal Diesel Emissions Reduction Bill
Established in 2005 to reduce toxic diesel emissions, the Diesel Emissions Reductions Act expired in 2016. A bipartisan effort appears to be in place to see it reauthorized this year.
Washington State Needs Funding to Address Culvert Issue
Orcas and tribes depend on salmon, but culverts are blocking the fish from reaching breeding grounds. The state is struggling to come up with funding to remove and repair the infrastructure.
Jeep Plant Isn't Getting a Warm Reception From Detroit Residents
Fiat Chrysler’s plan for a new Jeep plant in Detroit is off to a rocky start.
San Diego Unbundles Parking, Eliminates Parking Minimums and Sets Maximums
In addition to replacing parking minimums with parking maximums of one space per unit in transit corridors, the city council went a step further by requiring unbundling, that is, requiring separate payment for parking from the housing.
Report Identifies Priorities for Chicago's Mobility Future
A new mobility task force report looks to guide the city toward a more multimodal transportation system that addresses accessibility and congestion.
Detroit Drainage Fees Are Hitting Residents Hard
The city says the increased fees that many people are seeing reflect a more equitable billing system, but residents argue the charges are unfair.
Bill Would Phase-Out Most Diesel Emissions in California
The bill is directed at the medium and heavy-duty trucking industry, which, along with buses, account for 90 percent of the state's toxic diesel exhaust. Diesel emissions would need to be reduced by 80 percent by 2050. Will electric trucks be ready?
Michigan Gov. Whitmer Proposes 45-Cent Gas Tax Hike in First Budget
Gretchen Whitmer has outdone the new Democratic governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, who proposed a 20 cents tax hike. Like Walz's budget, gas tax revenue would replace some general funds directed to road spending, thus benefiting other state programs.
California Lawmakers Seek New Ways to Relieve High Rents
Legislators are trying to chip away at the law that restricts tenant protections around the state.
Dallas DOT Brings New Mobility Vision to the Region
The agency’s director wants to change the city’s transportation priorities and provide more mobility options to residents.
More States Look to Expand Tenant Protections
Cities and states around the country are reconsidering decades-old bans on rent control.
Scrutiny for HUD Secretary Ben Carson's Schedule
Housing and Urban Development Secretary ben Carson has outlasted most of the original Trump cabinet, but maybe it's because he follows his boss's example so well when it comes to scheduling his time.
New Mexico Legislation Charts Path Away From Coal, But It Won't Be Easy
The Energy Transition Act passed the New Mexico state House on March 12 and heads to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, the state's new Democratic governor who supports clean energy, but losing a coal plant early causes far-reaching economic impacts.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
