Government / Politics
North Dakota House Rejects Law Legalizing Vehicular Violence Against Protestors
The North Dakota House of Representatives rejected a law designed to make it easier for drivers to run over protestors.
Fake Cemeteries May Help Curb Sprawl in Spain
In order to stop new development in areas previously consumed by forest fires, Spanish firefighters are using a little known law that prohibits new building's within a 500 meter (0.3 miles) radius of a cemetery.
Caltrain Electrification: Casualty of Republican Animus for High-Speed Rail?
California's GOP congressional delegation has written the U.S. DOT asking them to delay a vital $647 million grant needed to electrify the 55-mile, San Francisco-to-San Jose commuter line on which 92 diesel-powered commuter trains operate daily.
Legislature Wants to Change How Utah Transit Authority Operates
A bill introduced in the Utah State Legislature would curtail the UTA's ability to partner in new transit oriented development projects.
St. Louis Debating and Reforming its Development Incentives
The city of St. Louis is in the midst of an intense political debate—with mayoral consequences—on the subject of development incentives, which critics say just help the rich get richer.
The End of Federal Environmental Protection in the United States?
The end of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may not come from the hands of President Trump or Scott Pruitt, the nominee to head the agency, but from a bill introduced Feb. 3 titled, "To terminate the Environmental Protection Agency."
The Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning Responds to Trump's Travel Ban
The Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) released a statement on the Trump Administration executive order that enacted a 90-day suspension of visas and other immigration benefits to all nationals of seven Middle Eastern countries.
San Francisco and San Jose Propose Joint Pilot Program for Speed Cameras
Legislation proposed by San Francisco Assemblyman David Chiu would authorize a red camera pilot program to last five years and apply only to the two cities. California lacks laws permitting automated speed enforcement.
Airbnb Still at Odds with Barcelona City, Calling New Rule for Hosts a 'Joke'
After Barcelona City Council conducted inspections and imposed sanctions on illegal tourist rentals in the city, Airbnb responded by announcing restrictions on multiple listings in the downtown area. The city council responded bluntly.
Army Corps to Grant Permit for Completion of Dakota Access Pipeline
Elections have consequences. Per a Jan. 24 executive memo, the Army Corps of Engineers indicated that it will grant Dakota Access LLC the final permit to tunnel under the Missouri River and complete the controversial pipeline.
House Republicans: No More 'Planning 2.0' for Public Lands
The congressional battle over public lands is only just beginning. The latest action: the House voted to rescind the Bureau of Land Management's recently approved "Planning 2.0" rule.
Another Sign Code Goes Down in Flames
The sign code for North Redington Beach, Florida has been found in violation of the First Amendment, following a dispute with a local café.
Revoking a National Monument Not Easy, Even with Republican Congress
But that's no reason not to try, figures Republican Rep. Rob Bishop of Utah, chair of the powerful House Natural Resources Committee, who has his sights on the Bears Ears National Monument, barely a month old.
Republican Coalition Proposes a Carbon Tax to Fight Climate Change
Will a carbon tax have a better chance of success at the federal level if Republicans propose it? We're about to find out.
Public Space Offering Surprising Lessons While Hosting Trump Protests
Christopher Hawthorne examines the unprecedented protests of the Women's March and the more recent airport protests for lessons in the understanding and appreciation of public space.
Vouchers Can Work, But...
School vouchers might expand educational choice and thus make city life more appealing to middle-class families—but the most appealing versions of a voucher system are also the most costly.
Georgia State Senate Pumps the Breaks on Cityhood Processes
Atlanta's quickly growing region means many communities are seeking to incorporate. Several controversial processes, however, have compelled the state to reform the incorporation process.
Legislation to Toll Indiana Interstates and Hike Gas Tax Introduced
Tolls on interstate highways are being pushed in Indiana as a means to increase road funding, no easy task even if a waiver is given. The bill would also increase the gas tax and charge electric vehicle owners a fee for road maintenance.
Oklahoma Gas Tax Hike Faces Multiple Hurdles
Oklahoma is among a number of Republican-controlled states considering gas tax legislation, particularly since it faces a budget gap of $900 million. Bills to hike the tax are expected to be proposed this month, but they face formidable challenges.
Federal Lands Transfer Bill Withdrawn
Facing backlash from hunting and angling groups, Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz withdrew legislation that would have transferred millions of acres of federal lands to state governments in the West. But news wasn't good for other environmental bills.
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
