We've been measuring traffic congestion all wrong, a new report shows, and that's been making more highways look like the solution to long commutes. They're not.
The "Urban Mobility" report prepared by the Texas Transportation Institute has been the go-to reference on traffic congestion, and consistently makes the case for new roads.
CEOs for Cities takes another look at the numbers and says that TTI's methods are flawed and are part of the reason we've ended up with sprawling cities.
As Streetsblog puts it in their look at the report, "The misleading metrics in the UMR are a convenient bludgeon for the highway lobby."
CEOs for Cities President and CEO Carol Coletta says in the press release, "This analysis, once again, shows that many of the assumptions driving big investments of taxpayer dollars that shape our communities are outdated. Driven Apart adds to the growing body of evidence that shows compact development that puts many destinations close at hand has unexpected benefits - in this case, less time spent in traffic requiring less spending on highways. If we heed its findings, we'll save time and money."
Thanks to Noah Kazis
FULL STORY: Report: Want to Ease Commuter Pain? Highways and Sprawl Won’t Help

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont