Government / Politics
Trump Golf Course Destroyed Protected Scottish Ecosystem
The president promised to protect the unique natural area when he received permission to develop a resort there.
California's $100 Billion High-Speed Gamble
The state has less than one-third the funds necessary to build the 800-mile line connecting Northern and Southern California, depending on the cost estimate. The immediate goal is to build a 119-mile section in the Central Valley.
Jennifer Keesmat, Former Chief Planner of Toronto, Running for Mayor
If Keesmaat wins the election, it would complete one of the highest-profile transitions from planner to politician in recent memory.
Seattle Commits to Dockless Bike Share
After the failure of its municipal bike share system Pronto!, Seattle was one of the first to regulate the operation of dockless bke share companies in the city. Now it's one-year pilot program is permanent.
Trump Administration Clashes on Vehicle Emissions Standards Rollback
It's the U.S. EPA, under the new acting administrator, against two top officers in the Department of Transportation. Both agencies (along with California) determine fuel efficiency standards. Guess which wants to proceed cautiously in the rollback?
Study Critiques the Fiscal and Racial Consequences of Capping Property Taxes
A new report by the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities finds major flaws with property taxes in several states, and proposes a solution that could mitigate the least desirable consequences of limits to property tax increases.
Rollback of a Different Kind, Ordered by the EPA, Will Benefit Air Quality
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, acting at the behest of the new acting EPA administrator, will keep Obama-era regulation limiting air pollution from heavy trucks in place.
An Electric Scooter Pilot and a Twitter Faux Pas
A public service announcement about safe use of electric scooters turn into a full-fledged controversy last week in Portland.
A Third Court Win for Children's Climate Change Lawsuit
Strike three for the federal government in trying to dismiss a lawsuit launched by 21 children in Oregon who sued the Obama administration in 2015, claiming the government was endangering their future because of its failure to reduce climate change.
The Greening of California's Republicans?
One finding from a new statewide survey, "Californians and the Environment," suggests that the environment is becoming a more bipartisan issue, but that finding is still subject to interpretation. What isn't is the top environmental issue: water.
Wanted in Atlanta: A Department of Transportation
While the Atlanta Department of City Planning includes a Office of Mobility Planning that spearheads efforts to provide new opportunities for non-automobile modes of transportation, the city lacks a consolidated transportation department.
Federal Gas Tax Legislation Would Also Tax Bikes, EVs, and Transit
Rep. Bill Shuster, who chairs the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, wants to hike gas and diesel taxes by 15 and 20 cents per gallon, respectively, add two new user fees on bicycles and electric vehicles, and test VMT fees.
Evidence of Race's Role in Land Use Decisions
Analysis of a city's zoning and land use decisions over seven decades reveals the role race plays in decision making.
Tolling of Portland Interstates Could Be Decided by Voters in 2020
Should plans to toll Interstates 5 and 205 in Portland get the go-ahead from the Oregon Transportation Commission and the Federal Highway Administration, they would still be subject to a state referendum.
Another Major Climate Win for Big Oil in Federal Court
A New York federal district court rules on a climate change lawsuit like its West Coast counterpart did last month: Don't hold oil companies accountable for climate change and sea level rise. Baltimore and Rhode Island file climate change lawsuits.
San Francisco Suburb to Vote on Massive Project to Double Population
Brisbane, a city of about 4,700 on the southern border of San Francisco, will vote on a controversial ballot measure in November to approve or reject a mixed-use development including up to 2,200 residential units on a 660-acre vacant brownfield.
Regional Transit in Detroit: An Idea Whose Time Has Not Yet Come
Transit supporters in the Detroit region suffered a setback last week, but the hope is that they've only lost a battle, not the war, for regional transit.
Los Angeles (and Climate Change) Seriously Threaten Air Quality at Mono Lake
With water levels habitually low, officials from the Eastern Sierra say they are "headed for a showdown” with L.A.
California Achieved its Climate Goal; Now the Hard Part Begins
New York Times climate reporter, Brad Plumer, comments on California's landmark accomplishment in reducing emissions, observing that with the low-hanging electricity generation fruit picked, reducing transportation emissions will prove formidable.
New York City Clamps Down on Short-Term Rentals
New York City just approved new regulations on short-term rentals that could greatly reduce the number of listings in Airbnb's largest domestic market.
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
