United States

Opinion: Federal Policies That Could Ease the Housing Deficit

The president of Habitat for Humanity has some suggestions for U.S. lawmakers.

February 11, 2024 - The Hill

Close-up of yellow lemon growing on tree poking through chain link fence.

The Promise of Urban Food Forests

Planting food-producing trees can offer both shade and a source of healthy foods in concrete-dominated neighborhoods.

February 9, 2024 - Grist

Two people holding sign that says "house keys not handcuffs" during an anti-homelessness event in Los Angeles, California

Homelessness on the Rise, but Pockets of Hope Exist

‘Housing First’ and other evidence-driven homelessness response programs are showing success in some cities and regions while the number of unhoused people rises across the nation.

February 8, 2024 - Brookings

Modular home under construction with crane dropping in components.

How To Boost Modular Home Construction

Modular housing can be built faster and at lower cost than traditional homes, but the industry is stymied by regulatory and other barriers.

February 7, 2024 - Center for American Progress

Several visitors walk around the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, which is surrounded by cherry blossom trees in bloom with pale pink flowers.

9 Public Land Destinations to Visit This Black History Month

These national monuments, parks, and sites honor and preserve Black history in America.

February 7, 2024 - Sierra

Older black woman writes on document with a pen.

‘Worrying Trend’: Number of Housing Cost-Burdened Seniors At All-Time High

Nearly 11.2 million older adults in the U.S. are spending more than 30 percent of their household income on housing.

February 7, 2024 - Novogradac

Workplaces in a modern panoramic office, New York city view from the windows. Open space. Black tables and brown leather chairs. A concept of financial consulting services. 3D rendering.

Record Number of Office-to-Apartment Conversions in 2024

More than 55,000 apartments across the U.S. are scheduled for conversion from old office space this year, according to a new report.

February 7, 2024 - Yield Pro

Small tents set up on sidewalk by unhoused people next to boarded-up one-story industrial building in San Francisco, California.

The Point-in-Time Homelessness Count, Explained

Each year, cities across the nation undertake a massive effort to physically count their unhoused residents.

February 6, 2024 - KQED

Cyclists in bike lane with red streetcar in background on urban street.

Study: Bike Infrastructure Makes Roads Safer for All

Higher cycling rates are associated with significantly lower traffic deaths.

February 6, 2024 - Momentum Magazine

Flooded park agains the downtown Houston skyline

FEMA Reforms Disaster Assistance Rules

The changes make it easier for households facing evacuation to access relocation funds.

February 6, 2024 - Word In Black

Group of children crossing a street with a crossing guard holding up red Stop sign.

USDOT Launches AI Initiative for Complete Streets

The agency will distribute $15 million for the development of AI applications that further safe transportation infrastructure.

February 6, 2024 - Nextgov

Close-up of hands holding straps on public bus.

Research Reveals Subsidized Transit Is More Efficient

Contrary to some arguments, public transit networks with higher government subsidies have higher ridership and more farebox revenue.

February 5, 2024 - Streetsblog USA

Link Light Rail train travels on ground level tracks paralell to a street with electrical wires overhead.

Should Transit Riders Sit on Transit Agency Boards?

A proposal under consideration by Washington State lawmakers would give public transit riders a seat at the table and a voice in decisions that directly affect them.

February 5, 2024 - The Urbanist

Overhead view of white Waymo self-driving car in San Francisco, California with shared bikes and scooters visible on adjacent sidewalk.

An Approach for Managing the Risks of Autonomous Cars

As ‘robotaxis’ and other autonomous vehicles make their way onto American streets, cities can take proactive steps to mitigate risks and balance the benefits and challenges of new technology.

February 4, 2024 - Governing

Close-up of pink cherry blossoms with red Lunar New Year banner.

Parks and Gardens as Spaces to Celebrate Lunar New Year

Parks and gardens serve as communal spaces that bring people together. As such, there are good reasons for them to host events and activities that celebrate Lunar New Year, an important festival deeply rooted in Asian cultures.

February 4, 2024 - National Recreation and Park Association Open Space Blog

Free ‘Bootcamps’ Help Small Cities Secure Federal Grants for Infrastructure

Participants in the Local Infrastructure Hub bootcamps have a 40 percent success rate on federal grant applications for transportation, climate, food mitigation, rail, and broadband projects.

February 4, 2024 - Route Fifty