United States

New Plan for Lake Okeechobee Targets Toxic Algae
The new Everglades strategy marks a “cultural shift” for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: rather than focusing primarily on flood control, the new plan seeks to balance the needs of the entire watershed, including limiting the spread of toxic algae.

Oregon Motel Converted into Housing for People Transitioning from Incarceration
Klamath County, Oregon, has converted an old motel and RV park into a sober-supportive housing complex for justice-involved persons — the first of its kind in the state.

Book Excerpt: Rochester, New York’s Forgotten Subway
Did you know Rochester, New York, once had a subway? This book excerpt tells the story, complete with a custom map, of the only city in the world to build a subway and then close it.

US Department of Energy Announces 10 New Climate Resilience Centers
The Biden administration has awarded $10 million for an additional 10 climate resilience centers as part of the Justice40 Initiative.

New Jersey to Cash in $2.4 Billion of Transportation Bonds
The $2.4 billion in New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority bonds will fund infrastructure upgrades, including potential improvements for NJ Transit, which has had a summer of service disruptions, fare and tax hikes, and budget woes.

When States Hinder Local Efforts to Cut Down on Cars
Reducing car dependency is a vital climate goal. Many U.S. cities want to shift trips to other modes, but they're often held back by state governments.

Apartment Construction to Break Record in 2024: Which US Cities Will See the Most?
RentCafe predicts new apartment construction will peak in 2024 at 518,108 units before dropping to a 10-year low over the next few years.

Feds Allocate $150 Million to Fix and Upgrade EV Charging Ports
Funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility grant program will help advance the Biden Administration’s goal to have 500,000 public EV chargers in operation by 2030.

Congress Introduces Bill to Limit Size of SUVs and Trucks
Lawmakers want the federal government to set standards for vehicle height and visibility to combat the sharp rise in pedestrian deaths over the past decade.

Judge: Airbnb Can Be Held Liable for Shooting Death at Illegal Short-Term Rental
Elhania v. Airbnb, Inc. will be the first case in the U.S. to hold Airbnb responsible for a shooting death that happened at a home rented through the platform, because the short-term rental violated local laws designed to protect from that type of harm.

Democrats Embrace YIMBY Ideas
Vice President Harris’s housing platform is shaping up to include some long-awaited support for pro-density policies and zoning reform.

Public Pools: A Threatened Amenity?
Municipal pools offer important benefits to urban residents, but some cities are struggling to keep them open.

Podcast: How the Housing Crisis Impacts People With Criminal Records
People with criminal convictions are 10 times as likely to become homeless as others. Small policy shifts could change that.

Federal Plan Outlines Deployment of ‘Vehicle-to-Everything’ Tech
The technology known as V2X could prevent crashes and save lives by allowing vehicles to communicate with each other and road infrastructure.

Northeast Corridor Megabus Routes to be Served by Peter Pan Bus Lines
The operator is taking over intercity routes in the Northeast after Megabus owner Coach USA’s June bankruptcy.

Putting the Myth of the Redlining Maps to Rest
Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) maps have long been blamed for racial inequities in today’s Black neighborhoods, but recent research shows that’s misleading.

US Offshore Wind Industry Gains Momentum
Federal support for offshore wind projects is helping the industry grow, with nine projects approved so far this year.

Western States Face New Round of Water Cuts
In Nevada, efforts to conserve water include a ban on ornamental grass and regulations on swimming pool sizes.

Building Healthier Communities: The Role of GIS in Park Planning
Integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into park planning enhances community health by promoting physical activity, supporting mental well-being, fostering social connectedness, and addressing public health crises and climate change.

Language Matters: “Climate Change” Generates More Concern Than “Climate Crisis”
A recent study found that the terms “climate change” and “global warming” are more familiar and generate greater public concern than less recognized terms like “climate crisis” and “climate justice.”
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