Government / Politics
Europe Slaps Data Collected by Cities
Cities collecting personally identifiable data, by the government or through any third party, are responsible to abide by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules, just like any other organization collecting data.
$1.3 Trillion Federal Spending Bill Approved—Good News for Transit and Community Development Programs
It was touch and go there for a little bit today, but in the end President Trump signed a $1.3 trillion omnibus spending bill that spares many transit and community development programs.
Lessons from a Six-Hour Hearing on Planning and Zoning
A recent debate in Washington, D.C. echoed common concerns about the planning process in cities around the country.
A Realistic Approach Needed With Programs like HUD's New EnVision Centers
Secretary Ben Carson's vision for the Department of Housing and Urban Development focuses on a new workforce development program called EnVision Centers.
Breaking: Congressional Compromise Reached to Fund Amtrak Gateway Program
Congressional leaders agreed to include $540 million, not the original $900+million that could be used for the Hudson River tunnel project, in the $1.3 trillion omnibus spending bill. President Trump is opposed to any Gateway funding.
Op-Ed: Philadelphia City Council Shouldn't Be Able to Block Bike Lanes
The Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial Board pushes against a proposed bill that increases City Council oversight of new bike lanes. Traffic calming, the Inquirer argues, requires a citywide approach.
The Sorry State of Environmental Enforcement in Texas
Industry is "routinely violating" clean water laws, but both state and federal regulators seem to be looking the other way.
Author Discusses 'The New Localism: How Cities Can Thrive in the Age of Populism'
An interview with Jeremy Nowak about how he thinks the new localism will shape 21st century urban places in an environment of municipal fiscal distress.
More National Attention Focused on Controversial California Housing Bill
Conor Dougherty, a Bay Area-based New York Times economics reporter, and Brad Plumer, a Times climate reporter, team-up to tackle the controversy surrounding SB 827 that has hit a raw nerve with groups that purport to support the bill's goals.
FEMA Strikes the Words 'Climate Change' From its Strategic Plan
Coming off a year of historically catastrophic extreme weather, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has decided to avoid using the "double C word."
EPA Loses Court Ruling After Failing to Identify Smog Nonattainment Regions
As a result of a federal court ruling on March 12, the Environmental Protection Administration will be compelled to do what it should have done by October 1: Identify regions of the country where the air quality violates smog standards.
Why Are the Feds Suddenly in Favor of Raising the Shasta Dam?
Despite state opposition and potential violations of California law, the Trump Administration has revived a project that was deemed impracticable only a few years ago.
Congress Asks that USGS Nominee 'Protect the Scientists'
After recent resignations, there's a new part of the job description: "maintain a sort of firewall between their scientific work and any political agendas."
April 1 Showdown Between U.S. EPA and California Looms
At stake are greenhouse gas emission standards for 2022-25 model year passenger vehicles. Relaxing these standards would likely doom efforts to reduce these emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 as required by 2016 state legislation.
California's First Use of 2017 'By-Right' Housing Law
A Berkeley parking lot is the site of the state's first implementation of a controversial landmark law that allows eligible developments with affordable housing to bypass the normal channels for approval if they conform to local zoning laws.
Is Mass Timber the Solution to California's Housing Crisis?
One writer argues that cost, versatility and visual appeal makes this new building material exactly what the state will need if planned regulatory changes go through.
Bill Introduced to Allow California Cities to Pursue Congestion Pricing
Four cities could charge tolls for drivers to enter congested parts of their cities if an assembly bill introduced by Richard Bloom last month becomes law.
This Is What Really, Really Cheap Water Is Actually Costing Utah
The state's widespread practice of supplying unlimited untreated water to homes may be part of the reason it has to spend billions on a new pipeline and dam.
San Diego Merchants Call for Halt to Dockless Bikeshare Operations
Public bikeshare arrived in San Diego in 2014. Last month, three companies unleashed thousands of dockless bikes, cluttering sidewalks in three business districts to the chagrin of merchants who want a time-out so the city can develop regulations.
From Architecture Critic to 'Chief Design Officer'
Christopher Hawthorne, the Los Angeles Time architecture critic whose broad role at the paper included much needed focus on streets and the public realm, has announced that he will be joining the staff at City Hall.
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.
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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
