United States

Reopening New York, New Jersey and Connecticut: Is May 19 Too Soon?
Coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths are dropping in the U.S. Govs. Andrew Cuomo, Phil Murphy, and Ned Lamont jointly announced on May 3 that their states would lift most restrictions on May 19. Experts and residents have mixed reactions.

New Developments Lower Rents in Surrounding Neighborhoods, Study Says
A study that made the rounds as a working paper at the beginning of 2019 has now been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Two Demographic Firsts, Both Losses, for California
The nation's most populous state learned from the Census Bureau last month that it would lose a congressional district for the first time in its history. On Friday, it revealed that 2020 was the first year since 1850 to experience a population loss.

Most Americans Unaware of Flood Risks, Study Finds
The lack of disclosure laws in most states has led to an overvaluation of homes located in floodplains across the country.

The 'Crisis of Non-Replacement' Undermining Black Neighborhoods
A new study shows a troubling reversal of fortunes in many middle-class Black neighborhoods.

Can the U.S. Preserve 30 Percent of its Lands and Waters?
The Biden administration released its preliminary report on a plan to conserve 30 percent of the nation's lands and waters by 2030, one big, ambitious component of the administration's climate plans.

'Indirect Source Rule' Would Clean Up Warehouses in Southern California
Dr. Joe Lyou, CEO of the Coalition for Clean Air, walks through the legal necessity of South Coast AQMD's proposed Indirect Source Rule, which aims to accelerate the transition to zero-emission technologies and fleet electrification.

Americans Are Moving, but Staying Close to Home
Despite fears of a mass exodus, most cities are seeing only modest population losses, with the majority of movers staying in the same metro area.

A Traffic Forecasting Model for Pedestrians
A new methodology can help cities assess the impact of new developments on walkers.

Federal Judge Tosses CDC's Eviction Moratorium
"The CDC order must be set aside," said U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich in a ruling announced Wednesday, May 5.

Equity and 'Righting Past Wrongs' to Start the 2021 National Planning Conference
The American Planning Association's 2021 National Planning Conference started streaming this morning, with an obvious focus on equity and the historical role of the planning profession in perpetuating systemic racism.

Towns Offering Cash to Lure Remote Workers
Smaller cities are luring newly untethered workers with cash incentives, bikes, and other local perks.

Meet CNU's New Executive Director
The Congress for the New Urbanism has announced the hiring of Rick Cole as the its new executive director, filling a role left vacant by the departure of Lynn Richards earlier this year.

Separating Millennial Myths From Reality
The most-dissected generation (yet, at least) is coming of age, and it's time to reevaluate assumptions about their place in the world.

Pandemic Endgame: Redefining the Herd Immunity Goal
So much for vaccines enabling the U.S. to achieve the cherished goal of herd immunity for COVID-19. It is becoming increasingly clear to many public health experts that likely will not happen, according to a New York Times global health reporter.

Why Participatory Planning Fails (and How to Fix It)
“Having participated in several of the I-70 meetings, I got to see firsthand how community input really just meant show up, complain, and we’re going to do the opposite of what you’re asking,” says one Denver councilmember.

Lumber Prices Spike; Housing Prices Follow
The cost of lumber has more than doubled in the past year, according to industry sources, adding more than $24,000 to the cost of a new home.

Biden Administration Hits Automotive Emissions Reset Button
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has rolled back Trump administration reductions of auto emission standards enacted by the Trump administration, and is taking first steps toward a new emissions agreement with automakers.

Senate Committee Hearing Signals Possible Shift in Federal Transit Funding
Transit advocates were pleasantly surprised to hear senators address specific questions about the 80/20 split in transportation funding, transit operations, and rural transit needs.

Highway Sign Typefaces, Explained
The latest Vox explainer video tackles the eminently fascinating topic of highway sign fonts.
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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.
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Planetizen
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Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
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