Government / Politics
Gov. Andrew Cuomo Proposes Plastic Bag Ban After Killing New York City's Bag Law
The Democratic governor proposed a ban on single-use plastic bags in his state-of-the-state address on Jan. 15. Nearly two years earlier, he signed a bill that prevented New York City from charging for bags as the District of Columbia and Boston do.
New Colorado Governor's First Executive Order: Get More EVs on the Road
Colorado will join California and nine other states in requiring that a percentage of new light-duty vehicle sales are zero-emissions, thanks to the first executive order signed by Democratic Gov. Jared Polis on Jan. 17.
Big Surprise: Congestion Pricing Tolls Don't Poll Well
As Seattle prepares a possible cordon area congestion pricing plan to tackle both traffic congestion and climate change, The Seattle Times did a poll on two applications of congestion pricing: urban tolls and adding express toll lanes to freeways.
ADU Construction Still Difficult in California
Accessory dwelling units should be easier to build in California, but the process is still slow and complicated in many cities, say housing advocates.
Transit Agency Chief to Propose Congestion Pricing for Los Angeles
Los Angeles Metro CEO Phil Washington will recommend to his board next Thursday that they pursue a congestion pricing program to reduce traffic congestion, improve transit, and subsidize transit fares in Los Angeles in time for the 2028 Olympics.
EPA Enforcement Activities Hit 30-Year Low
Under the Trump administration, criminal prosecution of polluters is an historically rare activity.
New Taxi Fee Could Have Lethal Consequences
New York City's ailing taxi industry is fighting what they call a "suicide surcharge," a new $2.50 fee they will be forced to charge riders below 95th Street in Manhattan. Eight drivers have already taken their lives as their business suffers.
Bill Would Make California's Urban State HIghways Safer for Non-Motorists
Sen. Scott Wiener introduced legislation to make state highways that run through villages, town, and cities, often acting as main streets, accommodate the safety needs of walkers, cyclists, and transit users when undergoing capital improvements.
New York Needs a Bike Mayor, Say Advocates
More people are cycling in the city, and a Bike Mayor would help promote biking and encourage better, safer infrastructure.
Chicago Music Venue Operators Still Concerned About Lincoln Yards Project
Assurances that the plan will not include large commercial venues have not calmed fears about the future of local independent clubs.
San Francisco Bay Area Transit Fare Discount to Start This Fall
Low-income transit users desperately need a break on fares. A discount is on its way, but won’t be available until later in the year, and transit advocates say it’s not enough.
Property Rights Battle Expected Along Trump's Border Wall
Property acquisition in Texas won't come easy.
Corruption Investigations Sullies L.A.'s Downtown Development Success Story
Bombshell revelations about an FBI investigation into corruption and conspiracy in Los Angeles City Hall made the news recently. At the center of the story is development financing from Chinese companies.
MBTA's Capital Spending Plan Subject to Agency-Wide Review
The MBTA’s plan to repair and improve the ailing system means major service disruptions are likely coming. Officials say they want to minimize the pain and suffering of riders.
Effects of Federal Shutdown Only Beginning to Show at Local and State Transportation Agencies
Effects of the partial shutdown of the federal government differ between state highway departments and local transit agencies. Some effects aren't yet apparent, but could be soon.
Progressive Carbon Pricing Policy Should Address Social Equity
Putting a price on carbon emissions is widely viewed as an effective tool to reduce emissions. It can also be applied to help those who stand to lose the most from climate change, thus enabling a socially just transition to a low carbon economy.
Breaking News: Court Blocks Citizenship Question on 2020 Census
A federal judge's decision accuses U.S. Commerce Secretary of playing politics with the U.S. Census.
Vermont to Pay People to Relocate
To encourage people to move to Vermont, new program will help remote workers with the costs of relocating.
Boston Mayor's Proposal Would Allow More Increases in City Linkage Fees
Developers pay impact fees to fund affordable housing and job programs, but the mayor wants the city to have more discretion around changing the requirements.
BART Considers Range of Options for Retired Vehicles
Hundreds of cars in the system will be going offline in coming years, and the agency is looking at a variety of ideas for what to do with them.
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Planning for Universal Design
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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
