Infrastructure

The Case for Desalination: Option of Last Resort for Some California Cities
In this radio report on the use of the expensive, controversial strategy of desalination to meet California's water needs in an epic drought, KQED's science reporter speaks with the mayor of Carmel, a V.P. of Poseidon Water, and an environmentalist.
Dallas Takes Largest Version of the Trinity Toll Road Off the Table
It seems like the political winds are moving against the Dallas Trinity Toll Road proposal—but the debate isn't over yet.
Caltrans Sets Ambitious Targets for Alternative Transportation
Following a string of developments in 2014 pushing the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) toward more multi-modal planning, a new Strategic Management Plan lays out ambitious goals for the increased use of alternative modes.
Protected Bike Lane Creates Controversy on Chicago's Kinzie Street
A brewing controversy pits a developer and politician against Chicago's Department of Transportation regarding how and where bike lanes work with the auto traffic created by building uses.
Sacramento Streetcar Funding Reaches Key Goal
Imagine taking a streetcar across Sacramento's iconic Tower Bridge for a three mile trip. Backers are en route to securing matching local funding for the project. However, local voters will have the final say in a June 2 Mello-Roos special election.

The New Bike Map of Los Angeles
A city known for its love of the automobile has been building out its bike network in recent years. The question remains: Is it enough?
Social Media Outcry Paves the Way for On-Street Parking in Oklahoma City
Social media outcry has altered the street configuration of Harvey and Hudson avenues in the rejuvenated neighborhood of Midtown in Oklahoma City.

How Cities Are Regulating the Sharing Economy
Compiled from interviews conducted with city officials, this National League of Cities report gives us a regulator's-eye-view of the sharing economy. Among the topics discussed are equity, taxation, and data transparency.
More Improvements Coming for Octavia Boulevard in San Francisco
The street that benefitted by one of the most high-profile and successful freeway removals in the country is due for another makeover.
MARTA Launches Planning Effort for Northern Extension of the Red Line
A plan in the earliest possible stages of outreach and environmental review would extend the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority's existing Red Line north of Atlanta farther into Fulton County.
'Hooray' for a Six Cents Gas Tax Bill in Missouri
This St. Louis Patch-Dispatch editorial analyzes the legislature as well as the bill to raise gas taxes two-cent a year for three years, taking aim at Republican House members who will be "automatic no votes." Illinois may also increase its gas tax.

Boston Parking Meters to Get Smart
Over the next two years, Boston will replace its old parking meters with new ones connected to the internet. With this groundwork in place, pay-by-phone parking is the next step.

Book Review: Before 'Park' Became a Verb
With so much to learn just by reading a Wall Street Journal book review of "Bike Battles: A History of Sharing the American Road" by James Longhurst, history professor at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, imagine what's to learn by reading the book.

New Seattle Streetcars Begin Tests
The First Hill line's streetcars are set to begin service in summer of 2015, and the city is already assembling funds for an extension.

Why Are New York Transit Projects So Expensive?
Going back to Robert Moses, New York City has a history of underestimating the price of major construction projects. Inflated infrastructure costs are prompting stakeholders to seek out root causes.

How Planning Can Reduce the Threat of Gender Violence
A piece from Anchorage, Alaska discusses problems that can arise when planners don't address gender-based safety. Walkable, populated, well-lit streets and transit are the best remedy.

Seattle Eco-District Fosters Green Development
In a bid to knit sustainability into large-scale community development, Seattle's Capitol Hill EcoDistrict is exploring several avenues toward greener land use.
Counties Seek State Aid as Drought Deepens in Oregon
California's drought is getting all the press, but much of Oregon is in the fourth year of drought, with this year now qualifying as "exceptional drought."
Bike Share on San Francisco Peninsula in Jeopardy
Palo Alto may be one of America's most bike-friendly small cities, but when it comes to bikeshare, it's been a flop. It's not alone—ridership has been low in Mountain View and Redwood City as well.

Federal Dollars Still Erasing Sandy's Footprint
Subway restoration and resilience efforts depend for a large part on federal relief. South Ferry Station, still new when the storm hit, will basically be rebuilt from scratch.
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