Infrastructure

Opinion: Build Housing, Not Expressways
As it rebuilds the Gardiner Expressway, Toronto could use the opportunity to create more real estate for affordable housing.

Sharpsburg Ecodistrict the World's Third EcoDistricts Certified Community
The Sharpsburg Ecodistrict in Pennsylvania has been recognized with EcoDistrict Certification, joining Millvale and Etna to become the third certified community in Southwestern Pennsylvania's Triboro Ecodistrict—and the world.

Rethinking Streets During the Pandemic
A new book from the "Rethinking Streets" series identifies 25 quick redesigns cities can use to reconfigure streets for the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.

California-Style Rolling Blackouts Come to Texas
As bad as the power outages are in Texas, they would be much worse if the independent energy grid operator hadn't initiated rolling blackouts. In an extensive interview with CBS Austin, Bill Magness, the head of ERCOT, explains what went wrong.

Congestion Pricing Study Taking Shape in Los Angeles
New York City is the furthest along with a congestion pricing scheme, but San Francisco and Los Angeles are catching up in California.

MTA Misses Deadline for State-Mandated Cost Comparison to World Cities
With some of the highest per-mile costs in the world, the state wants more accountability for New York City's transit spending.

Can D.C. Build its Bridge Park Without Displacement?
The park's non-profit developer has engaged in a years-long community outreach process and invested over $60 million in community initiatives.

What Is the Americans With Disabilities Act?
The effects of the landmark Americans With Disabilities Act are visible throughout the built environment—on sidewalks, on buses, and in almost every building and public facility in the country.

Monorail or Heavy Rail Planned for L.A.'s Busy Connection Between the Valley and the Westside
It' down to two options for a rail transit connection over the Sepulveda Pass, following the path of Interstate 405 between the San Fernando Valley and the Westside of Los Angeles.

Federal Transportation Manual Update a Chance for Improvement
After 11 years, the federal transportation manual is getting an update to reflect the rise of autonomous vehicles, shared mobility, and modernized pedestrian infrastructure.

Civil Rights Complaint for Providence's Kennedy Plaza Redesign
The state's plan to dismantle and reorganize its busiest bus plaza faces allegations of civil rights violations.

How Cities Are Using Wastewater to Test for COVID-19
Some scientists and city officials are moving ahead with a different way to track the virus’s spread: wastewater testing.

Companies Could Create Governments Under Nevada's 'Innovation Zones' Program
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak recently proposed on Innovation Zones program that will allow tech companies to form separate governments.

High Hopes for the Future of Biking in Houston
Despite Houston's reputation for sprawl, the city has made impressive efforts to build out its bike infrastructure.

California High-Speed Rail Project Seeking Change in Funding Plan
State lawmakers will have to approve a change in plans for how the California High-Speed Rail project will fund the ongoing work in the Central Valley.

For the Birds: Why Designing for Birds is Good for Everyone
A new book spotlights how bird-friendly design makes for healthier and more pleasant cities for all species.

Opinion: To Reduce Emissions, Listen to Those Who Don't Drive
An initiative to promote pedestrian-oriented infrastructure investments in Washington state highlights the lessons that policymakers can learn from people who rely on walking and public transit.

D.C. Metro Blue Line to Close for 3+ Plus Months, Starting Saturday
Platform improvements will close down another rail transit route in the D.C. region for three whole months.

Political Pressure Reinvigorates B Line Extension Plans in Colorado
The CEO of the Regional Transportation District speculated recently about whether a planned extension of the B Line to Boulder was necessary or desirable. The governor doesn't think the speculation was necessary or desirable.

Seattle Limits Natural Gas in New Construction
More cities are banning the use of natural gas in new buildings. Seattle is the latest example.
Pagination
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