In urban planning news this week were headlines on how a second Trump presidential term will impact EVs and transportation, Biden’s move to protect federal lands from drilling, and advice for progressive planning in conservative communities.
Here were the 10 most popular stories on Planetizen this week:
1. Biden Administration Moves to Protect Alaskan Refuge From Drilling
CNN reports that the current administration is taking quick action to cement some of Biden’s key environmental accomplishments before the new Trump administration takes the reins.
2. Progressive Planning in Ideologically Conservative Communities
Planetizen blogger Todd Litman explores how progressive planners can address community goals in conservative jurisdictions that are skeptical of new issues and perspectives.
3. Robotaxis Wreak Havoc on Urban Transit
Cities of the Future chronicles how robotaxis, championed by companies like Waymo and Cruise, are a marvel of modern technology and a flashpoint for debate over their place in urban transit.
4. The Future of Electric Vehicles Under Trump
Will Elon Musk’s influence temper Trump’s anti-EV stance? An article from Wired explores the possibilities.
5. Auto Insurance Rates Spike Due to Extreme Weather
According to an article in Grist, car insurance costs around the country are going up as insurers receive more claims from areas struck by storms and other climate disasters.
Planetizen blogger Micheal Lewyn posits that President Trump's election might not be a disaster for local transit, assuming Republican politicians listen to urban voters who swung right in the 2024 election.
7. Lexington, Kentucky Passes Urban Growth Plan
Lexington, Kentucky approved a new Urban Growth Master Plan that sets out requirements for mixed-use development, according to the Lexington Times.
8. Baltimore Traffic Suffering From Absence of Key Bridge
The loss of a key route to the Port of Baltimore is causing major delays and long detours on alternate routes, particularly for large trucks because of cargo restrictions through local traffic tunnel, reports the Baltimore Banner.
9. Where Are Rents Growing Fastest?
The Washington, D.C. region saw the nation’s fastest rent growth in the last year, according to Redfin data.
10. Amtrak Expanding Service in California’s Central Valley
A Modesto Bee article outlines Amtrak’s plans a major expansion to the passenger rail lines connecting the Central Valley and the Bay Area.
What other urban planning news we’re reading:
- A new addition of the Healthy and Climate-Resilient report by the Bupa, C40 Cities and the Norman Foster Foundation urges planners and city leaders to put health at the heart of urban development. (Forbes)
- This Q&A with Henry Grabar, author of Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World — one of Planetizen’s 2023 Top Books about how raising the cost of parking in Philadelphia could help build more affordable housing. (The Philadelphia Citizen)
- Potable water is a finite resource, and it’s facing multiple pressures that could make it harder to come by. (Fast Company)
- Deb Haaland, the U.S.’s first-ever indigenous cabinet secretary says she is righting historical wrongs. (NPR)
In case you missed it:
Post-election, many in President Elect Donald Trump’s circle have indicated alignment with the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025. Check out three articles and one video on how the conservative policy platform could impact public policy:
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As summer heats up, catch up on last month’s most compelling stories.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades
The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.
'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide
Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.
Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies
International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
