Government / Politics
How the Green New Deal Could Transform the Built Environment
If it emulated and adapted the scope of its predecessor, the Green New Deal could transform the country in fundamental ways, with builders, planners, and architects playing central roles.
Office of Sustainability Nixed in Louisville
Budget cuts resulted in the demise of the Office of Sustainability in the city of Louisville.
Driving Ban in Madrid Central Survives Despite Change of Leadership
In sharp contrast to France's yellow vest demonstrations against fuel tax hikes, Madrid residents took to the streets to keep them free of motor vehicles after new leaders were elected who vowed to rescind the driving ban enacted last November.
California Faces Costly Measures in Preparing for Future Wildfires
In California, recovery after wildfires means many upfront investments by communities and the state.
Housing Policy Preemption for Red States
While statewide efforts to loosen zoning restrictions have made news in (mostly) blue states like California and Oregon, (mostly) red states like Florida have been preventing local governments from passing their own housing policies.
Satirizing Mayors Who Campaign for President During a Flood
The Onion took some shots at presidential hopeful and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio after summer rain showers flooded streets and sent water cascading into the city's subway system.
Hastily Constructed, Thoroughly Opposed: MTA Restructuring Plan Still Approved
The MTA board approved a new restructuring plan despite not hearing any words of support from the public.
Scooter Companies Convene Advisory Groups to Promote Safety
Both Bird and Lime have organized boards of experts to conduct research and advise the companies as their micromobility ventures grow.
L.A. Program Brings Earthquake Preparedness to Neighborhoods
A new Los Angeles initiative looks to neighborhood councils to lead disaster planning efforts that involve more residents.
S.F. Bay Area City Says It Wants More Housing—But Votes Down Project
The project included everything San Bruno and residents asked for, and it would have helped the city make significant progress in addressing its growing housing crisis. Still, it was voted down.
Fewer People Parking at Denver Airport, While Ride Hailing and Rail Numbers Are on the Rise
More people are using the A-Line, Uber, and Lyft to travel to and from Denver International Airport (DIA). With parking numbers down, DIA has scrapped plans for two new parking garages.
The Free Public Transit Debate
The pros and cons of fare-free transit involve a range of issues, from operations logistics and outcomes to costs and fiscal priorities.
D.C.-Area Residents Want Bus Lanes and Free Transfers, Survey Shows
New survey findings identify transit priorities among residents in D.C. and surrounding areas, and indicate broad support for public investments.
In Crosswalks, Public Art Meets Transportation
Colorful, engaging crosswalks aren’t the norm, but they’re popping up around the country. And while they aren’t in line with federal guidelines, they have transformed streets and intersections.
Shuttering a Large Coal Plant: A Tale of Two States
Environmentalists in California are upset that Los Angeles will build a new 840-megawatt natural gas plant to replace a 1,800-megawatt coal plant. The coal plant has been crucial to the economic development of Millard County, Utah.
The Post-Wildfire Dilemma: Rebuild or Retreat?
Even after experiencing devastating wildfires, residents are often willing to take the risk to return and start over.
Et Tu, Portland?
Opinion: The Rose City joins the nationwide attack on neighborhood-scale public involvement—and throws its pioneering model of grassroots democracy under the bus.
The Car-Centric World and the Ongoing Expansion of Police Powers
While cars are still equated with freedom of mobility and personal liberty, they've also offered courts the chance to expand police powers in the public realm, time and time again.
Tampa's 'All for Transportation' Sales Tax Clears Post-Election Obstacles
The "All for Transportation" sales tax in Hillsborough County, Florida, survived a revolt and legal challenge from conservative county commissioners, despite earning 57 percent of the public vote.
Opinion: Here’s Hoping the New BART Inspector General Can Help Get the Agency Back on Track
BART is a financial and operational mess, and its new inspector general has a slew of major issues to tackle.
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
