Government / Politics
Government Blames Deadly Bridge Collapse on Toll Company
At least 39 people died when the Ponte Morandi bridge collapsed in Genoa, Italy during a storm on Tuesday. The cable-stayed bridge is part of a viaduct on the A10 toll road that goes to France, operated and maintained by Autostrada per l'Italia.
The Federal Transit Administration Holding Transit Dollars, Putting Projects at Risk
The federal government approved $1.4 billion in funding for public transit projects as part of the omnibus spending bill signed by President Trump in March. The Federal Transit Administration still hasn't sent the money to local officials.
California REITS Have Much at Stake on Election Day
One of the most controversial measures on the November 6 ballot in California is Prop. 10: the repeal of the landmark Costa-Hawkins Act that places limits on rent control. Real estate investment trusts are donating big time to defeat it.
Five Key Energy Bills the California Legislature May Decide this Week
Energy stakeholders in California are watching five important bills to see which go forward with three weeks remaining in the legislative season. One would require the state to generate all electricity from renewable sources by 2045.
Senate Bans Procurements of Chinese Transit Vehicles
The temporary ban applies to bus and rail projects seeking funding from a number of FTA programs.
Federal Appeals Court Orders EPA to Ban Harmful Pesticide
The ruling puts another stain on former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt's legacy as it rebukes his denial of a petition to ban a pesticide that causes neurodevelopmental damage in children. Pruitt had rejected his own scientists' recommendation.
The AV START Act Raises Safety Concerns
The AV Start Act (S. 1885, Thune) is making its way through the U.S. Senate. Critics say the bill will rush autonomous vehicles to the market, and to the streets, without safety regulations.
San Francisco's Transbay Transit Center Open, When Will Trains Arrive?
To great fanfare, the Salesforce Transit Center opened on Saturday to thousands of visitors anxious to see the huge facility. Sunday was quieter, with the first AC Transit buses arriving on the third-floor bus deck. Train arrivals: TBD.
Mapping Tax Abatements to Mitigate Controversy
St. Louis politicians are embroiled in controversy over the city's use of tax abatements, which come at the expense of funding for the city's school district. A map is seen as part of the solution.
Paying for Climate Change Mitigation at the Pump in California
Two market-based programs add about a quarter to every gallon of fuel purchased in the Golden State, but don't expect to see the prices listed anywhere. Furthermore, costs to comply with the Low Carbon Fuel Standard are expected to increase.
Numtots, and Lessons in Coalition Building
The evolution of a planning-focused online group has lessons for the wider world.
The Boundaries of Houston Don't Match the Perception of Houston
A more-than-6oo-square-mile city can get hard to map in our minds, especially when it blends so seamlessly into surrounding cities.
Op-Ed: By-Right Zoning Allows Tall Buildings But Not Citizen Feedback
A local block association leader expresses frustration with the development approvals process in New York City.
Massachusetts Could Be Next to Tax Short-Term Rentals
Legislation on the verge of approval in Massachusetts would enact a linkage fee, in effect, that would generate revenue for funding affordable housing.
What Comes Next if California Repeals Its Gas Tax Increase?
Repeal proponents have already planned a sequel for Proposition 6, regardless of whether the measure passes, resulting in the loss of over $5 billion annually from new transportation user fees, including a 12-cents per gallon gas tax increase.
What Do You Do With Controversial Monuments and Statues?
Cities around the country are scrambling with ways to accommodate monuments to a past that many consider as oppressive.
Why Are Mayors Fighting Trump's Fuel Economy Rollback?
State attorneys general and green groups are gearing up to fight the emissions rule rollback. Mayors would have a greater climate impact by helping their constituents drive less, argues Alissa Walker.
Anchorage Officials Take on Code Scofflaws After Decade of Inaction
Anchorage officials have started to take a more assertive effort toward the clean up of nuisance buildings and properties that have become magnets for crime and other problems. This is the first clean-up of this scope since 2007.
A Plan to Transform the Hoover Dam into Energy Storage
A proposal by the nation's largest utility could be a model to deal with the most formidable problem presented by intermittent renewable electricity sources.
NYC Planning Director Marissa Lago Touts Regional Planning
Marisa Lago pens in an opinion piece supporting a regional approach to planning, timed for the release of a new "Geography of Jobs" report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
