Government / Politics

What Will it Take to Make Transit a Priority in Wichita?
A four-part series explores the shortcomings of transit politics and planning in Wichita, Kansas.

Rethinking Supply-Side Approaches to L.A.'s Affordable Housing Crisis
Denny Zane reminds policymakers that local, community-focused decision making truly trumps the 'top-down, one-size-fits-all' legislative approach to housing.

Denver Looks to Landmark Designation Changes
In the aftermath of a battle around preservation of a Denver diner, local officials are considering changes to the city’s historic landmark law.

Environmental Law, Resistance to Trump Administration Splits California Democrats
California has made a practice of resisting changes to environmental regulations pursued by the Trump administration, but the latest legislative effort to protect the state's waterways was a bridge too far for the governor.

'No Crossing' Signs in Portland Limit the Public Way, Say Critics
In Portland, Oregon, transportation advocates are questioning the justifications for crosswalk closures in the city.

Increasing Passenger Rail Service from Pittsburgh Would Be Costly, Studies Show
Transportation advocates are calling for expanded rail service to the east, but studies indicate the needed infrastructure improvements would be pricey.

Consumer Group Accuses States of 'Punishing' Electric Vehicle Drivers
The advocacy division of Consumer Reports published a study to highlight the practice of what could soon be a majority of state governments: charging electric vehicle owners an additional registration fee to compensate for forgone fuel tax revenue.

L.A.'s New Tool for More Efficient City Asset Management
Controller Ron Galperin on his latest announcement proposing the creation of the Los Angeles Municipal Development Corporation, a nonprofit entity that would be tasked with managing city assets in a more strategic way.

Your County May Not be Very Good at Accessing Community Development Funding
New research shows that some U.S. communities are much better than others at attracting grants and financing for community development—even after adjusting for relative need. The numbers are clear, but the reasons for the disparity may not be.

City to Bicyclists: Berkeley Not in Idaho
Berkeley, California might have a reputation of a very progressive city, but when it comes to cycling, it appears to have little tolerance for cyclists who roll through stop signs. Police are justifying the crackdown on the terms of a state grant.

Trump Administration Rolls Back Clean Water Protections
Environmentalists worry that the latest action by the Trump administration on the environment will set a dangerous precedent that is difficult to overturn with a more conservative Supreme Court.

Statewide Rent Control, Eviction Protections Adopted in California
It's been a historic year for rent control on the West Coast, as California joins Oregon as the first states to approve statewide rent control laws.

Florida House Trying to Prevent Voter-Approved Transportation Tax
The legal challenges to a one-cent sales tax approved by Hillsborough County voters in 2018 continue.

California Cities That Plan Housing Might Now Have to Build it
If Gov. Gavin Newsom signs the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 as expected, downzonings, density reductions, housing construction moratoriums, and housing caps will become illegal.

Court Ruling: Eminent Domain Valuation Must Consider Potential Rezoning
Details provided regarding the Virginia Supreme Court ruling in Helmick Family Farm, LLC v. Commissioner of Highways.

The First Highway Trust Fund Bailout
September 9 marked the 60th anniversary of a defining moment in U.S. transportation history.

When the Federal Government Ties Homeless Funding to Unemployment Rates
A strong economy can lead to a lack of affordable housing and a lack of affordable housing can lead to higher rates of homelessness. But a stronger economy can also disqualify regions from federal support for homelessness.

Urban Congestion Pricing Might Finally Come to California
If Gov. Gavin Newsom signs legislation by San Francisco Assemblyman Phil Ting, motorists who want to drive the 'world's most crooked street,' a huge tourist draw, will be forced to participate in a pilot 'reservation and pricing program.'

Multi-Car Owners May Pay Sustainability Fee to Fund Memphis Area Transit
Called a 'sustainability fee' by Mayor Lee Harris of Shelby County, the proposed fee would apply only to households that have three or more registered vehicles, about 17 percent of county residents. The first two vehicles would be exempt.

Better Urban Planning for Better Public Health (In the Real World)
A researcher at the University of Sydney in Australia offers three recommendations for planners to better negotiate the real world of politics and governance to help create healthier communities.
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