Government / Politics
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.
LAPD is Looking for 5,000 Volunteers to Help Police Neighborhoods
The Los Angeles Police Department is looking to recruit 5,000 volunteers to run stake outs and "undercover surveillance," along with other police activities.
Climate Gets a Mention in First Committee's Approval of Federal Transportation Bill
A $287 billion, five-year transportation reauthorization made its way out of its first Senate committee this week.
The High, Regressive Costs Imposed by Electric Vehicles
Two UC Berkeley economists evaluated whether to charge electric vehicles a mileage fee since they pay no fuel taxes. A study from the Mineta Institute evaluated the impact of new EV registration fees and increased fuel taxes in California.
YIMBY Housing Policies Gain Support Among Democratic Candidates for President
A growing chorus of candidates seeking to challenge Donald Trump in 2020 are voicing support for the idea of relaxing zoning and land use restrictions to encourage the development of more housing supply in expensive U.S. cities.
The Demonization of Developers
Developers can be our friends, according to this article, as they have been before.
Bernie Sanders Voices Clear Support for Rent Control
The United States should end homelessness, substantially increase funding for community land trusts, and support local rent control ordinances and inclusionary zoning requirements, according to an op-ed by the presidential candidate.
Four Automakers Make Private Deal with California on Emissions Standards
Next month, the Trump administration rolls out one of their most significant environmental rollbacks, freezing auto emission and fuel efficiency standards at 2020 levels. The deal unveiled by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday may upend Trump's plans.
U.S. Senate to Consider Five-Year Highway Bill Reauthorization
The first draft of the five-year reauthorization of the FAST Act would expand first-year spending by 17 percent.
$100 Billion Bay Area Transportation Tax Considered for November 2020 Ballot
Two years after voters in the nine-county Bay Area agreed to hike tolls on the region's seven state-owned bridges, regional business leaders are hoping they will approve a one-cent regional sales tax to fund $100 billion in transportation projects.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
