Infrastructure

How Urban Design Can Promote Social Equity
More inclusive urban design can help more people access social services and public amenities.

Bicycle Friendly States: Massachusetts Tops the List
For the first time since the League of American Bicyclists started ranking states for bicycle friendly practices and policies in 2008, Washington State does not appear at the top of the list.

Controversy Follows California's Massive Desalination Plant Proposal
Poseidon Water, a massive desalination project proposed for the Pacific coast in Huntington Beach, has been in the works for more than two decades. A critical vote is expected for the project next month.

How Renewable Projects Are Threatening a Crucial Carbon Sink
The sprawling Mojave Desert plays a key role in carbon sequestration, storing around 10 percent of California’s carbon. But the fragile ecosystem is threatened by large-scale renewable energy projects.

Opinion: U.S. Must Prioritize Safety for Non-Drivers
The rise in cyclist and pedestrian deaths in the United States points to preventable failures in road design and regulations.

How A.I. Can Promote Vision Zero
Forget self-driving cars—some low-cost artificial intelligence tools can improve traffic safety now.

Where Redlining and Oil and Gas Drilling Intersect
Research shows neighborhoods historically redlined by the federal government have twice as many oil and gas extraction projects as “desirable” neighborhoods.

Hooked on Russian Gas
The EU relies on Russia for 45% of its natural gas imports and 27% of its crude oil imports. Germany's dependency is a major reason why it won't ban these imports despite Russia's war in Ukraine. Two natural gas pipelines explain part of the problem.

How Planning Fails to Solve Congestion
Solutions for congestion are never as simple and easy as armchair planners and engineers would like you to believe—especially those who suggest that congestion can be solved by forever building more roadway capacity.

Glen Canyon Dam Could Stop Producing Hydropower
Lake Powell levels could dip below the dam’s capacity to generate electricity, cutting off one of the Southwest’s most important power sources.

NJ Transit Board Approves Tunnel and Resilience Projects
The agency plans to restore service along the Lackawanna Cutoff and develop a storage yard to protect rail equipment during extreme weather.

How To Equitably Distribute Green Infrastructure
As more urban surfaces are developed and covered with impermeable materials, the importance of green infrastructure like bioswales and permeable pavement is growing.

Different Approaches to Fast Growth in Idaho's Treasure Valley
Three cities on the periphery of the fast-growing Treasure Valley showcase different approaches to a sudden influx of newcomers.

The Pandemic Has Not Been Kind to Pedestrian Skyways in the Twin Cities
Already a source of eternal controversy for their effects on street life and local business, pedestrian skyways have proven even more problematic during the pandemic.

Cleveland Mayor Wants a 15-Minute City
The mayor of Cleveland expressed the goal to become the first “15-minute city” in America at his State of the City speech. Experts say it’s possible.

Prince George’s County To Receive $2.5 Billion in State Funds
The Maryland county celebrated its largest-ever state aid package, which will help the county repair infrastructure, build new development, and bring FBI headquarters to the area.

Biden Administration Targets Rural Infrastructure Investments
The federal government is directing billions from the infrastructure package to areas outside of major cities.

New York City Plans To Boost Resilience Against Floods
How the city is taking action on green infrastructure and stormwater projects to protect neighborhoods from the rising risk of catastrophic flooding.

Report: Northern Virginia Transportation Plans Will Induce More Driving
The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority’s plans to widen and expand the region’s highways will lead to a sharp increase in vehicle miles driven, a new study shows.

Las Vegas Arts District To Receive Complete Streets Makeover
The city is promising a safer environment for pedestrians in the Las Vegas Arts District to comply with their complete streets goals.
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