Government / Politics

Wichita Union Station

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.

September 18, 2019 - The Wichita Eagle

Binoculars Building

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.

September 18, 2019 - The Planning Report

Diner

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.

September 18, 2019 - The Denver Post

Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta

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.

September 17, 2019 - Sacramento Bee

Portland Street

'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.

September 17, 2019 - BikePortland

Amtrak ACS-64

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.

September 17, 2019 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Electric Cars

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.

September 16, 2019 - Consumer Reports

Los Angeles City Hall

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.

September 16, 2019 - The Planning Report

Farmers' Market

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.

September 15, 2019 - Shelterforce

Berkeley People on Bikes

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.

September 13, 2019 - San Francisco Chronicle

Morrison Spring, Walton County, Florida

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.

September 13, 2019 - The New York Times

California State Capital

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.

September 13, 2019 - Los Angeles Times

TECO Line Streetcar System

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.

September 11, 2019 - Tampa Bay Times

Oakland California Road

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.

September 11, 2019 - The Orange County Register

Helmick Family Farm, LLC v. Commissioner of Highways

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.

September 11, 2019 - Inversecondemnation.com

Highway Interchange

The First Highway Trust Fund Bailout

September 9 marked the 60th anniversary of a defining moment in U.S. transportation history.

September 11, 2019 - Eno Center for Transportation

Homeless

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.

September 10, 2019 - KUOW

Lombard Street San Francisco

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.'

September 9, 2019 - California Assembly Press Release

Memphis Yellow Line

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.

September 9, 2019 - Smart Cities Dive

Los Angeles Medical Center

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.

September 8, 2019 - The Conversation

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.