The nation's largest automated red light enforcement program will get a trim. How much is mayoral election politics responsible for the change?
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel "announced he would remove 50 red light cameras at 25 of the 174 intersections in the city's program and soften the penalty for first-time offenders," reports David Kidwell.
Mayor Emanuel denied that the timing of the announcement was in response to a stiffening challenge from Jesus "Chuy" Garcia in an election runoff.
"Emanuel has staunchly defended the program amid a series of Tribune investigations that exposed his administration's failed oversight, unfair and inconsistent enforcement, and unsupported safety claims. The mayor has been gradually removing cameras since the Tribune's series started, but even after the removal of 50 under the latest move, Chicago will still have more than 300."
The Chicago Tribune's coverage of Mayor Emanuel's announcement includes an interactive map of the intersections where red lights will be removed.
FULL STORY: Chicago plans to eliminate 50 more red light cameras
Chicago Settles Red Light Camera Lawsuit for $37.5 Million
Opponents of red light cameras have achieved a major victory against the Rahm Administration in Chicago.
Editorial: Reform, Don't Ban, Red Light Camera Programs
The Chicago Sun-Times responds to two Illinois state legislators who have recently proposed bills that would ban red light cameras statewide.
Chicago Releases Vision Zero Traffic Safety Plan
Chicago is following in the footsteps of cities around the country (a few years behind the pack) in adopting a Vision Zero plan to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2026.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
How Freeway Projects Impact Climate Resilience
In addition to displacement and public health impacts, highway expansions can also make communities less resilient to flooding and other climate-related disasters.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.
