Government / Politics
Houston Planning Director Patrick Walsh Passes Away at 45
Sad news for the planning community. Houston Planning Director Patrick Walsh, who took leave from his position earlier this year after a cancer diagnosis, has passed away.
Single-Occupant Vehicles Banned on Williamsburg Bridge During L Train Closure
Solo commuters crossing from Brooklyn to Manhattan on the Williamsburg Bridge are in for a rude awakening on April 27 when the L Train closes. To accommodate more buses and bikes on the 115-year old bridge, cars will need at least 3 people.
Cities Rally Around New Plans for Southern California’s Interstate 710
After more than 60 years, a slew of new road projects will leave the debate about the Interstate 710 gap in the past.
Climate Report Written by Federal Government Warns of Dire Impact on Economy
The second volume of the Fourth National Climate Assessment, released on Black Friday to presumably draw less attention from the American public, was well-covered by the media. Unlike Volume 1, there was greater focus on economic impacts.
Neighborhood and School Integration Don't Always Go Hand in Hand, Study Finds
In cities across the U.S., the relationship between residential and school segregation isn’t always clear.
Acquisitions Disputes for California High-Speed Rail Project Drag On
Delays in acquiring properties are costing the project significant amounts of time and money.
What's Next After Carbon Pricing Initiative Fails Twice?
Carbon pricing proponents in the U.S. saw their second defeat in two years in the same state when Washington voters soundly defeated I-1631, a carbon fee that would fund emission reductions. Unlike I-732 in 2016, environmentalists were unified.
Big-Box Retailers Say Property Assessments Are Too High; Communities Suffer the Consequences
"Dark store theory" argues that nearby depreciated properties should figure into property valuations. The resulting property tax cuts mean local municipalities end up taking a huge hit.
Fuel Tax Hike Revolt Threatens French President Macron's Leadership
Anger at fuel tax increases planned for January, part of a pro-Green agenda espoused by President Emmanuel Macron, has sparked a populous movement involving hundreds of thousands of protestors that have taken to the streets, erupting into violence.
Nashville Scored an Amazon Prize, But the Long-Term Outcomes for the City Are Less Clear
Critics say the new operations facility will make some of the city’s problems even worse.
Op-Ed: Seattle Should Do More About Crime in Business Districts
To combat a rash of incivility and outright criminal acts, three Business Improvement Area directors argue that Seattle needs to commit more law enforcement resources to business districts.
Detroit Program Keeps Homeowners Facing Foreclosure Housed
The buyback plan diverts properties from Wayne County's tax foreclosure auction, keeping them in government hands until residents can repay the purchase price.
What Makes a Transit System Great in the U.S.
Transit should make people's lives better, with density a key component of successful systems.
Minnesota Gubernatorial Candidate Campaigned on Increasing the Gas Tax and Wins
Democratic candidate Tim Walz was not shy about his intention to hike the gas tax to pay for improvements for roads and public transit, and he was predictably slammed by his Republican opponent. Similar scenarios played out in Wisconsin and Michigan.
Sound Transit's Lynwood Link Gets the Federal Funding it Was Waiting For
A great sigh of relief from transit planners in the Pacific Northwest (and probably the rest of the country as well).
St. Louis Lawsuits Focus on Delinquent Properties
Special suits give property owners an opportunity to fix up rundown properties before the city sells them.
Fair Housing Bill Targets Voucher Discrimination
A bipartisan bill tackles landlords' unwillingness to rent to housing voucher holders.
Toll Lane Expansion in Inland Empire Begins After Voters Reject Gas Tax Repeal
The day after California voters soundly rejected a repeal of a one-year old 12-cents gas tax increase and new annual vehicle registration fees. the Riverside County Transportation Commission launched a study to extend toll lanes on Interstate 15.
Opinion: To Overcome Segregation in Dallas, Look to the Past
A frank assessment of past policy wrongdoings is necessary to overcome inequality in the city.
Pacific Northwest Gears Up for Another Fossil Fuel Export Fight
Just two years after killing what would be the world's largest methanol plant at the Port of Tacoma, the project has reemerged at the Port of Kalama. According to the EIS for the plant, global CO2 emissions will be reduced, though increased locally.
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
