Government / Politics
Compact Cities Are Environmentally and Economically More Sustainable
Sprawl leads to more emissions, but the economic costs are also high. Policies and strategies that ensure compact growth are essential.
Plan Changes for Chicago’s Lincoln Yards Project
The massive proposed development project on the Chicago River is facing a host of questions about density, open space, and infrastructure.
Ontario Orders a 'Carbon Trust Fund' to Replace its Cap-and-Trade Program
Premier Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservatives party have left their mark on Ontario's signature climate change policy.
France Drops Road Tolling Plans Amid Fuel Tax Protests
Controversial London-style congestion pricing won't be coming to French cities due to concerns sparked by the 'Yellow Vest' protests over an upcoming fuel tax hike, but President Macron stated the fuel tax increases will go forward in January.
Farm Bill Compromise Reached After SNAP Controversies Resolved
After a political stalemate, lawmakers now say they have a farm bill that will pass both the House and Senate.
Electric Vehicles Alone Will Not Reduce Emissions to Meet California's Climate Goal
According to a new report by the California Air Resources Board, even if electric vehicle sales were to increase tenfold, it would not reduce emissions from transportation enough to meet a 2030 climate goal. A major reduction in driving is needed.
Tardy Transit Funding Arrives in Los Angeles, Twin Cities
They had to wait the better part of a year, but two major transit projects finally have the funding Congress allocated in March.
House Democrats Prepared to Work with Trump Administration on Infrastructure
The incoming chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), points to gubernatorial races and a California ballot initiative to show there's no peril for legislators to hike the gas tax.
Ohio River Bridges Are More Than Just a Waste of Money, Says Critic
Aaron Renn says the bridge projects in and near Louisville, Kentucky, were too expensive and have not led to any positive transportation or economic results.
Getting Started on Inclusive Planning
A toolbox for local governments to address inequality.
Planning Academic Appointed to Federal Reserve Board Community Advisory Council
The Federal Reserve Board’s Community Advisory Council serves in an advisory role on matters affecting communities and consumers.
ADA Compliance Delayed in Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is part of Project Civic Access, a federal initiative to make public facilities accessible. Making the changes necessary for compliance has been challenging for the city.
Houston Planning Director Patrick Walsh Passes Away at 45
Sad news for the planning community. Houston Planning Director Patrick Walsh, who took leave from his position earlier this year after a cancer diagnosis, has passed away.
Single-Occupant Vehicles Banned on Williamsburg Bridge During L Train Closure
Solo commuters crossing from Brooklyn to Manhattan on the Williamsburg Bridge are in for a rude awakening on April 27 when the L Train closes. To accommodate more buses and bikes on the 115-year old bridge, cars will need at least 3 people.
Cities Rally Around New Plans for Southern California’s Interstate 710
After more than 60 years, a slew of new road projects will leave the debate about the Interstate 710 gap in the past.
Climate Report Written by Federal Government Warns of Dire Impact on Economy
The second volume of the Fourth National Climate Assessment, released on Black Friday to presumably draw less attention from the American public, was well-covered by the media. Unlike Volume 1, there was greater focus on economic impacts.
Neighborhood and School Integration Don't Always Go Hand in Hand, Study Finds
In cities across the U.S., the relationship between residential and school segregation isn’t always clear.
Acquisitions Disputes for California High-Speed Rail Project Drag On
Delays in acquiring properties are costing the project significant amounts of time and money.
What's Next After Carbon Pricing Initiative Fails Twice?
Carbon pricing proponents in the U.S. saw their second defeat in two years in the same state when Washington voters soundly defeated I-1631, a carbon fee that would fund emission reductions. Unlike I-732 in 2016, environmentalists were unified.
Big-Box Retailers Say Property Assessments Are Too High; Communities Suffer the Consequences
"Dark store theory" argues that nearby depreciated properties should figure into property valuations. The resulting property tax cuts mean local municipalities end up taking a huge hit.
Pagination
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.
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
Eagle County Government
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello