Government / Politics
Planning Department Study Documents Storefront Vacancy in NYC Neighborhoods
A new report from the New York Department of City Planning has found that storefront vacancy may not be a one-answer citywide problem. Vacancies were found to be concentrated in certain neighborhoods, and the reasons appear to be varied.
Columbia River Crossing Project Officially Back From the Dead
Oregon took a substantive step toward reviving efforts to replace the aging Interstate Bridge that links the state with Washington.
Seattle Residents Wary of Urban Greening Efforts
Parts of the city desperately need more trees, but some residents worry about the long-term effects of tree planting in neighborhoods.
Washington State to Decide on Transition From Gas Tax to Road Usage Charge
Having completed a pilot program last year, the Washington State Transportation Commission will hear a report in October and vote in December on phasing out its 49.4 cents per gallon gas tax, fourth highest in the nation but not indexed to inflation.
Renewable Natural Gas Makes Inroads in California, Oregon, and Missouri
What is expected to be the nation's largest dairy biogas operation opened in the Central Valley. To the north, Gov. Kate Brown signed the nation's first bill to establish goals to add renewable gas to pipelines, and pigs in Missouri also made news.
Opinion: It’s Time Zoning Laws Reflected the Real World
Current zoning restrictions hearken back to an America that long longer exists. It’s time to update codes and stop perpetuating housing segregation and inequality.
Controversial N.Y.C. Housing Program Under Fire
The Third Party Transfer program lets the city transfer ownership of delinquent properties, but it unfairly targets communities of color, say critics.
Denied: No Sitting on Rome's Spanish Steps
Rome's Spanish Steps are no longer a place for sitting.
Maurice Cox Departs Detroit to Lead Planning Chicago
The highly praised head of planning in Detroit will assume the same role in Chicago.
S.F. Bay Area's Caltrain Proposes Major Expansion
The agency wants to increase service and extend its infrastructure to move Caltrain from a commuter rail system to an integrated urban transit network.
The Elite Helicopter Commutes of N.Y.C.
Helicopters are an exclusive mode that lets those who can afford it avoid the time and inconveniences of on-the-ground travel. But, say critics, it just highlights the gap between the city's haves and have-nots.
California Takes Step Toward Replacing Gas with Electricity in Buildings
Two weeks after Berkeley became the nation's first city to outlaw natural gas lines in new buildings, the California Public Utilities Commission voted to update an old regulation to allow funding for 'fuel switching' from gas to electric appliances.
Scoop: Koch Brothers Connections to Phoenix Anti-Transit Initiative Revealed
New evidence reveals the deep involvement of Koch Industries funding in the Phoenix anti-light rail campaign.
The Sustainability Challenges of E-Scooters
Scooters have helped diversify the mobility landscape, but companies need to better address the recycling and reuse process and the environmental impacts of defunct devices.
Dems Debated in the Perfect Place to Talk About Cities, But Didn't Talk About Cities
An opportunity missed in Detroit.
Conflicting Interests and a Broken Planning System
A scathing critique of city planning, and the special interests that hold the system in thrall, in New York City.
Repowered Southern California Natural Gas Power Plant Will Have Lots of Green
Most of the aging 350-megawatt Grayson Power Plant, operated by Glendale Water & Power, will be retired by 2021. The city's utility district has struggled with how to repower it. A compromise reached last month ensures low emissions and reliability.
New Bureau of Land Management Head Wants to Sell Public Lands
The Trump administration's attack on the protection and conservation of public lands has a new champion.
Some States Are More Difficult for an Accurate Census Count Than Others
Fear and misconception make the Census count more difficult in some parts of the country—like the state of Georgia.
Climate Mayors Make Their Case to Climate Senators at their First Hearing
Five "climate mayors" addressed the Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis at their fist hearing on July 17, titled, “A Blueprint for Success: U.S. Climate Action at the Local Level.” Transportation was a major issue.
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
