Government / Politics
San Francisco’s Housing Woes: How the Past Informs the Present
A zoning history dating back to the 19th century still has significant impacts on the city’s housing in the present day.
Public Transit in the U.S. Could Be Better. So Why Isn’t It?
Transit ridership has surged in other countries but lags here in the United States. The possible reasons for this are varied as are proposed solutions for improving American transit systems.
Bike Infrastructure Enshrined in Swiss Constitution
Nearly three-quarters of the population agreed that the federal government should promote cycling.
In Detroit, Continuing the Legacy of Land Banks
While the Detroit Land Bank has had its ups and downs, it has made significant progress in a city with no shortage of vacant and delinquent properties.
California Gas Tax Supporters Get Good News from Latest Voter Survey
In a turnaround from prior voter surveys, a poll released Wednesday on November propositions found a slim majority of voters opposed to repealing the state's first legislative gas tax increase since 1989. Rent control opponents received good news too
Video Series Highlights the Employees of the New York Department of City Planning
The New York Department of City Planning (DCP) released the first in a series of videos introducing DCP staffers to the world.
Voters in Four States to Decide on Transportation Sales and Fuel Taxes
Californians will determine whether to repeal recent fuel tax and user fee increases; Missourians to vote on a 10-cent gas tax hike over 4 years; Coloradans whether to hike the sales tax, and the most interesting measure will be decided in Utah.
Looking Beyond the 5G Horizon to the 6G Future
The new 5G networks are almost here, but some think it is not too early to think ahead to 6G.
A Parking-Focused Alternative to Congestion Pricing
Congestion management using parking strategies would be more politically palatable while delivering significant outcomes.
Vehicle Miles Traveled Fee Becomes Debate Issue in Illinois Gubernatorial Race
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner might as well have accused his Democratic opponent of wanting to hike the gas tax. J.B. Pritzker denies he plans to introduce a VMT fee but admits that he's open to all ideas to raise revenue to maintain infrastructure.
San Jose to Vote on $450 Million Affordable Housing Bond
A $450 million bond referendum will come before San Jose voters this November. Mayor Sam Liccardo promises it is "a necessary but not sufficient tool" to provide stable housing at an epicenter of the housing crisis.
Short-Term Rentals Too Controversial to Touch in New Orleans
A proposed revision of the city of New Orleans' regulations of short-term rentals was too controversial for the City Planning Commission to approve at a hearing this week.
Nation's First Truck-Only Toll Program Off to Auspicious Start
After the Rhode Island General Assembly passed controversial legislation in February 2016 spearheaded by Gov. Gina Raimondo (D), the first two of what will be 13 truck-only toll gantries became operational on June 11. Results are looking good.
As Phoenix Light Rail Extension Debate Devolves, Questions About Funding
Transit advocates are saying the Koch Brothers are responsible for a sudden outbreak of controversy surrounding the South Central Light Rail Extension in Phoenix.
California Considers Creating Directory of Buildings Most Likely to Collapse in an Earthquake
Cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles already keep lists of vulnerable buildings, but a new piece of legislation would require all California cities do the same. The catch? The bill will not provide funding to support these lists.
Regional Housing Needs Allocation Reform Bill on Gov. Brown's Desk
The lone survivor of Sen. Scott Wiener's trio of "Housing-First Policy" bills awaits a decision by Gov. Jerry Brown. Senate Bill 828, intended to increase the amount of land zoned for housing in California cities, was weakened by amendments.
Retrofitting Cities with Accessory Dwelling Units Is a Win-Win
Expensive West Coast cities are looking to these alternative and add-on structures to ease their housing challenges.
Cruising for a Bruising: City Revenues Slowing, Expenditures Speeding
A report on the fiscal conditions of cities sounds alarms about potential challenges ahead.
220,000 EV Drivers in California to Lose Carpool Lane Perk in 2019
The good news: the Clean Air Vehicle program for electric vehicles will be extended for at least three years. The bad news: not all EVs that have a decal now will be able to be renewed. Congestion on HOV and HOT lanes is a major concern.
Weekly Scooter Media Brief: September 10-20
It seemed like maybe the pace of electric scooter news was slowing. Wrong.
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
