A new report by the U.S. Department of Transportation's lead watchdog outlines the top challenges the department faces in the coming year. Expanding oversight and improving air, rail and road safety top the list.
"The U.S. Department of Transportation's lead watchdog says that developing safety plans, inspecting bridges and tunnels and managing the future of air traffic technology will be among the biggest challenges facing the department in 2014," reports Ryan Holeywell.
"Inspector General Calvin Scovel's newly released list [PDF] outlines seven big challenges facing the department next year":
- Improving Federal Aviation Administration oversight
- Figuring out NextGen
- Strengthening highway, transit and pipeline safety
- Improving oversight of surface transportation spending
- Implementing expanded Federal Railroad Administration responsibilities
- Saving taxpayers money
- Modernizing and securing IT infrastructure
FULL STORY: The Top Transportation Challenges in 2014
Why Bike Lanes Are Good: An Explainer for the US Transportation Secretary
Sean Duffy says there’s no evidence that bike lanes have benefits. Streetsblog — and federal agencies’ own data — beg to differ.
USDOT Could Pull Green Infrastructure Grants
A new department memo requires a review of projects with the goal of removing bike, pedestrian, and electric vehicle infrastructure.
USDOT Announces Proposed Rulemaking for Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communications
USDOT's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) yesterday publicized an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) and a supporting comprehensive research report on cutting edge V2V communications technology.
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.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.
Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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