Government / Politics
New Mexico Legislation Charts Path Away From Coal, But It Won't Be Easy
The Energy Transition Act passed the New Mexico state House on March 12 and heads to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, the state's new Democratic governor who supports clean energy, but losing a coal plant early causes far-reaching economic impacts.
The Battle for Public Space: Business Owners vs. Homeless Residents
The role of business improvement districts in criminalizing homelessness reflects a tension between private interests and public space, Rob Waters writes.
Concrete’s Contribution to the Rise and Decline of Civilization
As the world becomes more encased in concrete, the detrimental effects of its widespread use are increasing in scale and severity.
Amendments to Sen. Wiener's 'More HOMES Act' Address Jobs-Housing Balance
"Jobs-rich area," a new term that targets some suburban regions, is among amendments added March 11 to Senate Bill 50, the reincarnation of Wiener's controversial SB 827 housing bill that died last year.
Car Ban in Madrid Boosted Retail Sales, Study Shows
An analysis of retail data suggests that vehicle restrictions in the city center led to more sales and less emissions.
11.6 Percent Tax on Short-Term Rentals Creating Summer Tourism Concerns
A new tax on short-term rentals went into effect in New Jersey in October, so it hasn't had a chance to impact the summer tourism on the Jersey Shore yet.
Proposed Gas Tax Hike Exposes Minnesota's Road Subsidy
After Minnesota's new Democratic Gov. Tim Walz proposed a 20-cents gas tax hike over two years, even leaders in his own party were caught off-guard, but one-third of the tax increase will replace the diversion of general funds to roads.
Housing Threats Dialed Down in California
California's new governor is giving local governments more time to comply with state-mandated housing targets.
'Councilmanic Prerogative' Hindering Development in Philadelphia
The legislative quid pro quo is being used by members of the city council for the wrong reasons, leaving neighborhoods throughout the city in limbo.
Managed Lanes Coming to the San Francisco Peninsula
State and county officials gathered on Friday to celebrate the start of a $514 million project to convert carpool lanes to express lanes and connect auxiliary lanes to make for a lane addition. The 32-mile project on Highway 101 opens in 2022.
Study Examines the Benefits of Online Reviews to Planning Research
Online reviews aren't representative of overall neighborhood populations, but they can reveal data that otherwise might go unnoticed during research phases of planning processes.
Another Transit Funding Fix Proposed in New York: a Non-Resident Luxury Apartment Tax
One way, or another, wealthy New Yorkers are probably going to end up contributing to the financial end of the equation for solutions to New York's public transit woes.
Trump's Budget Would Cut Funding for HUD, Transportation, EPA, More
Presidential budgets usually arrive with zero chance of being adopted without changes, but still important to consider as a reflection of the Executive Branch's priorities.
U.S. Risks Becoming Backwater for Electric Vehicle Sales
Auto analyst John Voelcker discusses the electric vehicle market in the U.S. on NPR. Ominous clouds belie the excellent sales figures for last year, and policies pushed by Trump only ensure that motor vehicles will continue to gulp more gasoline.
Legislation Introduced to Enable the Bay Area to Tackle Housing Crisis as a Region
A new bill would grant the Housing Alliance for the Bay Area taxing authority to raise revenue in the nine-county region to find solutions to the housing crisis. Another bill would reduce the voter threshold below two-thirds for eligible taxes.
Auto Industry Reluctant to Support Trump Plan to Freeze Fuel Economy Standards
The auto industry appears to be balking at supporting the Trump administration's plan to freeze vehicle emission standards at 2020 levels even though they initially asked Trump to loosen the rigorous Obama-era fuel efficiency rule that goes to 2026.
Neighborhoods 2020: Details on Minneapolis' Next Big Planning Effort
Minneapolis wants to diversify its neighborhood organizations, racially and economically. The Neighborhoods 2020 plan would require those organizations to meet diversity standards.
Trial Run of Driverless Buses Set to Start in Singapore
Singapore has ambitious plans for an autonomous public transportation system. New full-sized buses and an upcoming trial run will put the country closer to its goals.
Did Uber Just Get Away With Manslaughter?
Remember Elaine Herzberg, the 49-year-old woman who became the first pedestrian fatality due to an autonomous vehicle when she was hit last March by an Uber with a safety driver in Tempe, Ariz.? Prosecutors found no criminal liability.
Spatial Mismatch's Far-Reaching Effects
When workers can't afford to live near jobs, the results are more than just housing cost burdens.
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
