Government / Politics

Monterey Park California

Roads or Transit: How Will 710 Extension Project Funds Be Used?

The available funding could shift transportation priorities in Southern California’s San Gabriel Valley. But transportation leaders appear to be leaning toward more of the same.

December 7, 2018 - Streetsblog LA

Nation's Newest Toll Road Opens in North Carolina

For a small fee, motorists can now bypass a congested arterial road with two dozen traffic lights outside of Charlotte. Built and operated by the North Carolina Turnpike Authority, the 18-mile, electronically tolled Monroe Expressway opened Nov. 27.

December 6, 2018 - WFAE

Macron Protest

President Macron Acquiesces to Yellow Vests' Demands on Fuel Tax Hike

Despite statements to the contrary just a week ago, Macron reversed position and caved to the demonstrators' demands that upcoming fuel tax hikes be suspended.

December 5, 2018 - CityLab

Los Angeles Road

Speed Limit Increases Needed to Improve Enforcement, Says L.A. City Proposal

In a strange confluence of factors, expired speed limits and a state statute have hampered speed enforcement. Unfortunately, the proposed solution also looks a like a problem.

December 5, 2018 - Los Angeles Times

Mall Parking Lot

'Tis the Season for Abundant Parking

On what is arguably a peak parking day, parking lots around the country still had plenty of space.

December 5, 2018 - CityLab

OC Streetcar Breaks Ground After Receiving Full Funding Grant Agreement

It's only the third full funding grant administration signed by Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. The $149 million capital investment grant will help fund the 4-mile modern streetcar line from Santa Ana to Garden Grove in Orange County, Calif.

December 4, 2018 - PR Newswire

Washington D.C. Aerial

D.C. Council Supports Clean Energy Legislation

The bill, which the council is likely to pass later this month, includes more ambitious renewable energy and clean vehicle mandates.

December 3, 2018 - Utility Dive

The Peninsula

Late Election Result: Transportation Sales Tax Appears to Pass in San Mateo County, Calif.

Transportation advocates have been patiently waiting since Nov. 6 for the results of a half-cent, 30-year county sales tax measure, 50 percent of which would benefit Samtrans bus and Caltrain needs and 5% bike/ped. It needs 66.67% of votes to pass.

December 3, 2018 - Curbed SF

Dar es Salaam

Compact Cities Are Environmentally and Economically More Sustainable

Sprawl leads to more emissions, but the economic costs are also high. Policies and strategies that ensure compact growth are essential.

December 3, 2018 - World Resources Institute

Chicago River North Branch

Plan Changes for Chicago’s Lincoln Yards Project

The massive proposed development project on the Chicago River is facing a host of questions about density, open space, and infrastructure.

December 2, 2018 - Chicago Tribune

egislative Assembly of Ontario

Ontario Orders a 'Carbon Trust Fund' to Replace its Cap-and-Trade Program

Premier Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservatives party have left their mark on Ontario's signature climate change policy.

December 1, 2018 - The Star

Macron Protest

France Drops Road Tolling Plans Amid Fuel Tax Protests

Controversial London-style congestion pricing won't be coming to French cities due to concerns sparked by the 'Yellow Vest' protests over an upcoming fuel tax hike, but President Macron stated the fuel tax increases will go forward in January.

November 30, 2018 - Reuters

Farmland New Hampshire

Farm Bill Compromise Reached After SNAP Controversies Resolved

After a political stalemate, lawmakers now say they have a farm bill that will pass both the House and Senate.

November 30, 2018 - The Washington Post

Electric Cars

Electric Vehicles Alone Will Not Reduce Emissions to Meet California's Climate Goal

According to a new report by the California Air Resources Board, even if electric vehicle sales were to increase tenfold, it would not reduce emissions from transportation enough to meet a 2030 climate goal. A major reduction in driving is needed.

November 29, 2018 - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Tardy Transit Funding Arrives in Los Angeles, Twin Cities

They had to wait the better part of a year, but two major transit projects finally have the funding Congress allocated in March.

November 29, 2018 - Los Angeles Times

Capitol Hill

House Democrats Prepared to Work with Trump Administration on Infrastructure

The incoming chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), points to gubernatorial races and a California ballot initiative to show there's no peril for legislators to hike the gas tax.

November 29, 2018 - Marketwatch

Interstate 65 Louisville

Ohio River Bridges Are More Than Just a Waste of Money, Says Critic

Aaron Renn says the bridge projects in and near Louisville, Kentucky, were too expensive and have not led to any positive transportation or economic results.

November 29, 2018 - Urbanophile

Compass Columbia comprehensive plan

Getting Started on Inclusive Planning

A toolbox for local governments to address inequality.

November 29, 2018 - Nate Baker

Planning Professor

Planning Academic Appointed to Federal Reserve Board Community Advisory Council

The Federal Reserve Board’s Community Advisory Council serves in an advisory role on matters affecting communities and consumers.

November 28, 2018 - University of Michigan Taubman College

Wheelchair Curb Cut

ADA Compliance Delayed in Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is part of Project Civic Access, a federal initiative to make public facilities accessible. Making the changes necessary for compliance has been challenging for the city.

November 28, 2018 - The Gazette (Cedar Rapids)

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.