Government / Politics
Nation's Most Important Rail Project Downrated by the FTA
Amtrak's Gateway Program to replace a century-old rail tunnel and bridge from New Jersey to Manhattan, both bottlenecks on the busy Northeast Corridor, did not score well on an evaluation by the Federal Transit Administration for grant funding.
Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund Reenacted
Unlike Trump's suggested quarter-per-gallon gas tax, this 9-cents-per-barrel tax is real. Like the gas tax, it goes to a trust fund, to respond to oil spills rather than build and maintains roads. While small, it brings in $500 million annually.
Sacramento Streetcar Faces Uncertain Future Due to Trump Budget
The president's Fiscal Year 2019 Budget cuts the critical Capital investment Grants program run by the Federal Transit Administration. Projects lacking a full-funding grant agreement, like the Sacramento Streetcar, may fall victim.
Trump's 25-Cent Infrastructure Tax?
During a closed-door meeting Wednesday with Democratic and Republican lawmakers, President Trump endorsed hiking the gas tax by 25-cents per gallon to help pay for the $200 billion investment and restore solvency to the Highway Trust Fund.
Abandoned Olympic Venues Cast Doubt on the Value of Hosting
Though cities hope for an economic boost, these photos show it's far from guaranteed.
Massive Surveillance Expansion Would Focus on Nightlife in New Orleans
The city of New Orleans wants to watch you party.
Praise for the Trump Infrastructure Plan
While there has been no lack of criticism (some might say condemnation) of the $200 billion investment that aims to generate an additional $1.3 trillion, some individuals and groups have stepped forward to praise the plan, or at least parts of it.
The Dismal State of Water Infrastructure in Rural Kentucky
In a region where the utility is on the "brink of financial collapse," residents face outages, boil-water advisories and bills that come with health warnings.
The Country's First Municipal Cryptocurrency Could Fund Affordable Housing
The city of Berkeley is exploring the sale of digital tokens—backed by municipal bonds—as a fundraising mechanism for affordable housing and other local priorities.
Critics Blast Trump's Infrastructure Plan
Opposition mobilized quickly after the Trump Administration released its long-awaited infrastructure plan. There's even a hashtag.
Missouri Governor: Don't Show Me a Gas Tax Hike!
It is an understatement that Increasing fuel taxes is challenging. If there is an opportune time to do it, it's when gas prices are relatively low, when the state decides to cut other taxes, and when there's bipartisan support.
Pop Culture Hasn't Been Kind to Planning Lately
A post for the Market Urbanism website says planning is entering Season Three with no guarantees it will catch on with audiences.
Infrastructure, Unlike the Trump Administration, Can't Ignore Climate Change
How can President Trump, who has made environmental regulation rollbacks and climate denial trademarks of his administration, be expected to select projects for his infrastructure plan that must weather climate change?
An Artist Campaigns Against Anti-Homeless 'Hostile Design'
Bournemouth native Stuart Semple is intent on "naming and shaming the bodies who fund and install these things."
Trump's Infrastructure Plan Is Finally Public
The federal government is basically asking for matching funds from states and localities to fund infrastructure projects.
Nashville Transit Tax Headed for May Ballot
An historic transit referendum will be on the ballot for Nashville residents in May after some final political maneuvering over the matter of the plan's cost.
Unexpected 'Airbnb Ban' in Detroit's Residential Neighborhoods Causes a Stir
Somehow the city of Detroit managed to start enforcing an Airbnb ban in single-family neighborhoods without anyone realize the council had approved the regulation.
Editorial Opposes Use of Eminent Domain to Give Property to For-Profit Developer
The borough of Emerson, New Jersey is testing the limits of eminent domain.
One Native American Family, Two Housing Crises
In Oakland, California and Torreon, New Mexico, Julian Brave NoiseCat reports that "[f]or Indigenous people, the crisis of the home is intergenerational."
When the U.S. Economy Is 'Too Strong' to Spend on Infrastructure
A low unemployment rate means major investments by the federal government could ultimately harm the economy.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
