Government / Politics

Post-Christie, NJ Transit Finding a New Way Forward
This opinion piece celebrates the new era of transit funding and planning currently underway in the state, but also calls for more: progress, action, and work.

Opinion: End the City Council Land Use Veto
"Member deference" is what they call it New York, but many local elected officials in the United States have veto power over land use and development plans.

It’s Time to Embrace Congestion Pricing
Charging based on demand and for access is commonplace—except on roads.

Awareness of Climate Change Threats Doesn't Motivate People to Act, Study Finds
Disaster preparedness efforts need to take into account that homeowners in vulnerable areas don’t take action even when the risks are clear.

A Mobility Collective for a Unified Transportation System
The collective of micromobility and shared mobility operators is tasked with developing an integrated system that would better serve the diverse needs of travelers.

A Radically Different Planning Process in Brownsville
In a year-long program that included bike rides, serenades, and Dragtivist performances, an art collective guided Brownsville, Texas residents in reimagining how they could influence equity and justice in their city.

Kayaking, Canvassing, and Cooking Classes: Cities Experiment With Climate Outreach
As cities across the U.S. commit to ambitious climate actions, they're seeking effective ways to engage with local communities.

How to Improve Buses, the Overlooked but Essential Part of Urban Mobility
A new book argues that buses are an integral part of successful mobility networks and that better bus systems improve cities in ways benefiting all residents.

Robert Moses Inspires 'Motherless Brooklyn'
A new movie starring Edward Norton, based on the novel of the same name by Lionel Essrog, gives a central role to a Robert Moses doppelgänger, as portrayed by Alec Baldwin.

Another Bay Area City Considers Urban Tolling
East Palo Alto has long suffered the toll that transbay traffic has imposed on this gateway to Silicon Valley from the East Bay in the form of air pollution and traffic congestion. Now the city is considering tolling the traffic.

U.S. Air Quality Declining, Taking Lives
Particulate matter air pollution has been on the rise since 2017, according to new research. Wildfires, economic activity, and lax regulation are potentially to blame.

San Diego Parking Reform Wins the Day With the California Coastal Commission
The California Coastal Commission could have overturned part of San Diego's ambitious parking reform policy approved earlier this year, and would have if commission staff had won their arguments.

More Than One North American Political Campaign Ignoring Housing and Transit
When it comes to ignoring matters of housing affordability and public transit during an election cycle of great significance, the United States is not the exception. Candidates in Canada's 2019 Federal Election have mastered the same trick.

Social Equity Cited in Veto of California Road Pricing Bill
Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a unique road pricing bill due to concerns that charging a fee would limit access to driving on two blocks of Lombard Street, a popular tourist attraction in San Francisco that is severely congested.

Governor's Transportation and Climate Actions Stir Controversy in California
California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order last month directing state agencies to consider climate goals in their spending and operations. Two weeks later, three highway widening projects were deleted, and locals are crying foul.

As New Orleans Property Values Climb, Property Taxes Relief Considered
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is searching for ways to mitigate the impacts of "skyrocketing property values" while also holding on to some of the new revenue created by the corresponding rising property taxes.

A Climate Change 'Paradigm Shift' in Florida
Even Republicans are talking about climate change in Florida since former Governor Rick Scott left office.

The Constitutional Clause Being Used to Threaten Climate Change Policies
An interstate commerce clause is being used to challenge climate change measures and regulations.

Detroit Program Would Offer Property Tax Relief to Low-Income Homeowners
The Pay As You Stay program would lower back taxes for qualifying homeowners and help them avoid foreclosure.

Leadership in Urban Planning, After Two Successful Stints as a Planning Director
Peter Park is the director of Peter J. Park, LLC and a former planning director of Denver and Milwaukee. In this interview, Park shares insights from a career of leadership in though and action in the field of urban planning.
Pagination
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions