Texas
The Fair Housing Battleground Returns to Texas
All eyes are on Texas to see whether fair housing policies enacted by the Obama Administration will have any chance to stick.

First Draft of Austin's New CodeNext Zoning Code Released
It was a big day for planners and planning in Austin earlier this week, when the city released the 1,100-page first draft of the city's new zoning code—the first major revision of the city's zoning doe since the mid-1980s.

Houston's Astrodome Finally a State Antiquities Landmark
The arc of history has bent back to the Astrodome.
San Antonians Angry About Huts, Google Fiber's Fast Internet Plan Hits a Speedbump
Some in Texas are worried about the structures that house Google's Fiberoptic Cables, complaining that the huts are ugly and take up too much park space.

How to Rebuild Dallas’s Fair Park
An editorial in the Dallas Morning News argues that Fair Park could be a vibrant part of the city if it were restored, and that the restoration could be financed in part by revenue generated from the park itself.
First 'Clean Coal' Facility in the U.S. Now Operational
The country's first "clean coal" facility has also been described as "the world's largest post-combustion carbon capture system."
Fort Worth to Airport Rail Connection Collects $500 Million in Federal Funding
The Fort Worth Transportation Authority will get the federal funding assistance it needs to build the Tex Rail project.

Austin Still Needs Permission From Texas to Lower its Speed Limits
A decision by the city of Austin to support lower speed limits on some city streets will remain a symbolic gesture until the state allows local governments to establish their own speed limits.

Which States Grew and Which Didn't
Texas and Utah were the leaders in growth for the 2015-2016 fiscal year; Illinois lost more residents than any other state.

The Evidence for Houston as a World Class City
Houston is famous among urbanists for many reasons: its lack of traditional zoning, its perpetual growth, and its position in the oil industry are just a few examples. Here, Wendell Cox argues that the city is still under appreciated.

A Grid Balancing Act for Vibrant, Varied, and Sustainable Places
An analysis of three essential attributes of urban grids reveals a preferred layout for the desired effect of a vibrant, active community.

Casting Doubt on Yield-to-Transit Laws
Austin planners are considering a law designed to ensure bus service performance by requiring drivers to allow buses to merge after making a stop, but transit advocates point to a body of research that casts doubt on the efficacy of such laws.

Houston's Rapid Growth Will Make Future Floods Worse
Houston's development has meant the loss of many wetlands, a key factor in protecting the against floods. This, coupled with climate change, will mean more floods, causing more danger and damage to the growing city.

Houston Buses Gain Ridership While Bus Systems Around the Country Struggle
When Houston reworked their bus system they emphasized frequency and simplicity. The results have been a bump in ridership, though some complain the system sacrificed coverage and equity to make those gains.

Trump Picks Energy Secretary Who Wanted to Eliminate Department
In an infamous 2011 Republican presidential primary debate, then-Texas Gov. Rick Perry stated he would abolish three federal agencies: Commerce, Education, and "Oops!" — he couldn't recall. That department, energy, he has now been selected to lead.

Co-Working Spaces Find a Place in Houston's Suburban Reaches
A Houston Chronicle journalist travels a surmising distance from downtown to survey the city's co-working spaces.

The Country's Largest Urban Park—Coming Soon to Dallas
A Dallas News op-ed argues for a repackaging of the Dallas' ongoing open space and park investments to properly acknowledge the scale of the city's accomplishments.
Chariot Commuter Shuttle in San Francisco Expands 50 Percent After Ford Acquisition
Chariot shuttle service, recently acquired by Ford Motor Company, may soon be a more formidable competitor for San Francisco's public transit provider, Muni, due to an expansion to 150 vans. Expect new routes, five-minute headways, and $4 rides.
A New Twist for Downtown Dallas Big Box Proposal
A Dallas County judge threw a wrench in a controversial plan to build a 100,000-square-foot Sam's Club near Cityplace in Dallas.
Trump Selects Elaine J. Chao, former Labor Secretary, as Transportation Secretary
Elaine Chao served all eight years as President George W. Bush's former Secretary of Labor and also under his father's administration as Deputy Secretary of Transportation. She is married to Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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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