Government / Politics
California Bill Takes Aim at Vacation Rentals
Proposed legislation in California would limit short-term beach rentals in San Diego.
Study Reveals Ineffectiveness of Work Requirements for Housing Assistance
Work requirement programs achieve very little in helping housing assistance recipients find work, according to a recent study.
ADUs Offer Affordable Housing in California, but Challenges Persist
While accessory dwelling units have the potential to ease California’s housing crisis, homeowners still find the construction process difficult to navigate.
California's Upzoning Bill, SB 50, Would Allow Apartment Construction in Wealthy Communities
The proposed legislation would open up cities like Palo Alto to higher-density housing.
Mapping the Political Ramifications of a Census Citizenship Question
The Supreme Court heard opening arguments Department of Commerce v. New York this week.
Striving for a Zero-Waste Future
A number of U.S. cities have set ambitious zero-waste goals, but reaching targets has been challenging. Turning waste into a viable commodity is one strategy to get materials out of the waste stream.
Judge Halts Sales of New Coal Mining Leases on Federal Lands
Once again, the president's efforts to undo his predecessor's environmental legacy were thwarted by a court ruling. In this case, the Interior Department's failure to conduct an environmental review of a Trump executive order ran afoul of NEPA.
A Boom in Nashville, but Fast Growth Could Bring Problems
Nashville has a great deal going for it, but rising housing costs and gentrification could take it down a darker path.
Motivations of Proposed Federal Housing Rules Questioned
Reports of a new federal program designed to cut the waiting list for public housing was greeted incredulously from housing advocates this week.
Residents Left Behind as L.A. Stadium Project Surges Ahead
Inglewood had fallen on hard times, but then plans for a massive sports and entertainment complex came along. While the city’s future is poised to change dramatically, the development is also displacing residents.
A Small but Significant Fuel Tax Hike for Arkansas
The 3 cent gas tax and 6 cent diesel tax increases are among the lowest of any states that have hiked fuel taxes since 2013, but combined with other revenue sources in the legislation, plus an upcoming sales tax ballot measure, it's historic.
Texas State Legislators Aim to Reduce Their Own Housing Sway
Current Texas law grants state representatives significant power over whether affordable developments receive federal tax credits. Controversially, several representatives have proposed the reduction of their own authority in that regard.
Civic Crowdfunding to Mitigate 'Bikelash'
Public outcry about the priority given protected bike lanes on streets can be mitigated when civic crowdfunding is part of the planning process, according to this article.
Reactions to Ontario's Subway Takeover Plan
Last week, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a plan to replace Toronto's subway expansion plans with a vision of his own. Reactions have been pouring in ever since.
Lincoln Yards Mega-Development Clears Final Legislative Hurdle
A Chicago City Council vote to approve tax increment financing for the massive Lincoln Yards redevelopment proposal scored a surprising reversal and a big win for outgoing Mayor Rahm Emanuel, with an assist from Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot.
Spotlight On Bay Area Planners
At this week's American Planning Association National Conference in San Francisco, a roundtable of eight planning directors from the Bay Area discussed their cities unique situations and common challenges.
Virginia Legislators Agree to Fuel Taxes, not Tolls, to Fund I-81 Improvements
Motorists who purchase gas along the I-81 corridor will pay an additional 2.1 percent gas tax, about seven cents a gallon. Trucks, which disproportionately use the corridor, will see increases to registration fees and road and diesel taxes.
Trails and Rails Battle in San Francisco Bay Shoreline Park
Can freight trains and a scenic shoreline park along San Francisco Bay coexist, or are they incompatible uses? The East Bay Regional Park District voted to remove old rail tracks that BNSF Railway wants to reactivate. A local court may decide.
Comments Closed for Significant Changes to 'Waters of the United States' Rule
The Trump administration has spent the first two years of its time in office trying to overturn key provisions of the "Waters of the United States" rule.
A Presidential Campaign Built on Rust Belt Revitalization
South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg is hoping to ride a track record of urban revitalization success to the Oval Office.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
