Government / Politics

South Platte River

In Denver, a Former Brownfield Becomes a Park

After a 14-year battle to bring the project to life, the Platte Farm Open Space brings much-needed green space to a north Denver neighborhood.

April 1, 2021 - Next City

Texas

Austin City Council Urges TxDOT to Reconsider I-35 Expansion

In a letter to the department, the city called for an increased focus on shifting demand away from single-occupancy vehicles and boosting other forms of transportation.

April 1, 2021 - KVUE

Cleveland, Ohio

Ohio Legislators Restore Public Transit Funding

The state legislature has largely reversed Gov. DeWine's cuts to public transit in the state, but advocates argue the new plan doesn't go far enough to address the needs of transit-dependent residents.

April 1, 2021 - Ohio Capital Journal

Offshore Wind Turbine

Offshore Wind Zone Proposed for the East Coast

A "priority offshore wind zone" between Long Island and New Jersey could accelerate permits and help the industry gain a foothold in the United States.

April 1, 2021 - The New York Times

New York City

'American Jobs Plan': Potential Sea Change for Federal Infrastructure Spending

After a week of speculation and rumor, the Biden administration today revealed its promised infrastructure plan.

March 31, 2021 - James Brasuell

Arizona Sprawl

Arizona Landlords Filed Evictions After Receiving State Assistance

Despite receiving $10 million in rental assistance through a state-run program, landlords in Arizona have filed thousands of evictions since the pandemic began.

March 31, 2021 - Arizona Republic

Freeway houses

U.S. DOT Says Mileage Charge Is Not in Biden's Plan

Secretary Pete Buttigieg's statement that the per-mile-tax concept "shows a lot of promise" caused a stir, but a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Transportation later claimed it won't be part of Biden's forthcoming infrastructure package.

March 31, 2021 - Business Insider

Amazon Fulfillment Center

Warehouse Sprawl Prompts Calls for Regional Planning

As e-commerce giants like Amazon build more and more facilities, advocates say a regional approach is needed to prevent sprawl and look beyond local benefits.

March 31, 2021 - NJ Spotlight

London Crowded Street

What Is the Future of London's 'Low-Traffic Neighbourhoods'?

As local councils debate making permanent changes implemented last year, can pedestrian and cycling advocates hold on to their victories?

March 31, 2021 - The Guardian

COVID-19 Test

CDC Director Expresses a Feeling of 'Impending Doom'

Dr. Rochelle Walensky sounded the alarm during the White House COVID-19 Response Team's press briefing on Monday, warning Americans that the pandemic trajectory in the United States is the same as in Europe. The latter is experiencing a third wave.

March 30, 2021 - CIDRAP News

Colorado Springs, Colorado skyline

Colorado Springs Drafts New Regional Annexation Plan

A regional planning proposal in El Paso County, Colorado calls for uniform standards for unincorporated developments, which would make it easier to receive city services if annexed in the future.

March 30, 2021 - The Gazette (Colorado Springs)

Tenants' Rights

HUD Has Money for Tenant Organizing. Why Isn’t the Agency Spending It?

HUD can provide $10 million to tenant organizers each year, but the funding has largely gone unspent since the early 2000s. Will that change with a new administration and newly approved HUD secretary?

March 30, 2021 - Shelterforce Magazine

Asphalt Road

Opinion: Washington State Should Stop Funding Freeways

The Urbanist's editorial board calls for an end to highway widening and an increased focus on walking, biking, and transit.

March 30, 2021 - The Urbanist

Central Park Aerial

New York's Rent Relief Program Falls Short for Struggling Tenants

Between two rounds of funding, the city of New York has only awarded $7 million of a total $60 million intended for tenant relief.

March 30, 2021 - Gothamist

Washington, D.C.

Anticipation, Costs Rise as Details of Biden's Infrastructure Plan Emerge

The Biden administration's highly anticipated infrastructure spending plan is expected to go public this week. After weeks of speculation about the size and focus of the plan, recent reports reveal a growing package and new revenue streams.

March 30, 2021 - James Brasuell

Back to School September 2020

Reopening Schools: CDC Reduces Social Distancing Requirement

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now supports three-foot distancing in elementary school classrooms provided there is universal masking. For middle and high schools, it depends on the level of coronavirus transmission in the community.

March 29, 2021 - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Little Tokyo Los Angeles

Los Angeles Passes New Rent Relief Package

The city will offer a new round of rental assistance to eligible families who owe back rent.

March 29, 2021 - KTLA

Coronavirus and Transportation

How to Maintain Open Streets After the Pandemic

With more people getting back in their cars, can pedestrian-oriented open streets survive?

March 29, 2021 - Politico

For Rent

As Luxury Rents Drop, Low-Income Tenants Pay More

With increasing pressure on the nation's supply of affordable housing, low- and middle-income renters are seeing their rents go up while higher-quality apartments drop prices to lure back remote workers.

March 29, 2021 - The Washington Post

St. Louis Metrolink

Five Principles for Good Infrastructure

American policymakers could improve the effectiveness of infrastructure projects by focusing on five key elements.

March 29, 2021 - Governing

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.