Federal policy changes send shock waves through agencies at all levels of government as we continue to monitor the effects of the new administration’s slash-and-burn approach to government.

Federal funding freezes and firings continue to roil agencies that address housing, public lands, and transportation. A program that supported a nationwide EV charging network was suspended, while mass layoffs at national parks have recreation officials concerned about park safety and access during the upcoming busy season, while park-adjacent communities could stand to lose billions in tourism revenue. Planetizen blogger Todd Litman offers some advice on how to continue doing good work as a planner when politics get in the way of effective policy. And the planning world lost a beloved figure in Donald Shoup, the dynamic “parking guru” that transformed the way people think about parking and public space.
The full list of February’s most-read stories:
1. Colorado Bill Would Legalize Housing ‘In God’s Backyard’
A proposed bill would let churches and religious institutions build housing on their properties as part of a growing zoning reform movement.
2. Federal EV Charging Program Suspended
The new administration wants to end an initiative to fund a nationwide EV charging network focused on major freeways.
3. Housing Measure Wins in Seattle Special Election
Voters approved a new tax that is expected to generate roughly $50 million annually for affordable housing projects.
4. Legendary Parking Guru Donald Shoup Dies at 86
Former UCLA professor and Planetizen Courses instructor Donald Shoup helped planners understand the value of parking and curb management, always remaining a passionate advocate for walkable, livable cities.
5. Good Planning Under Bad Leadership
How can planners execute good policy under questionable regimes?
6. Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
In its short lifespan, the infamous truck has become much more deadly than one of automotive history’s most famous failures.
7. New Intercity Bus Service Will Connect Texas Cities
A charter bus company will start offering trips between Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, with plans to expand to more routes.
8. National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
The firing of thousands of National Park Service workers will have rippling negative effects throughout the communities that depend on them for jobs and tourism revenue.
The Trump administration’s DOT says it will tie funding to cooperation with immigration enforcement and prohibits mask or vaccine mandates.
10. Washington State E-Bike Rebate Set to Launch in April
Washington joins a growing number of states helping to offset the purchase of electric bikes, offering eligible residents rebates of up to $1,200.

San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.

Has President Trump Met His Match?
Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution
Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.

What Makes Rent ‘Fair’
Should monthly charges be pegged to the cost of financing, developing, and operating housing, or to household income? Or are there other ways to design how rent is calculated?

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

Zero-Emission Bus Fleets Grow, But Federal Funding Is in Jeopardy
Transit agencies around the country have purchased over 7,000 zero-emission buses, but a federal program that funds the shift could be eliminated under the new administration.
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