Government / Politics
After the Drought, San Diego Faces Lead and Sewage
In 2017, the Southern California city no longer had to be concerned about water quantity, but was plagued by issues of water quality.
Dynamic Tolling Done Right—VDOT Shows the Way
Virginia's 66 Express Lanes feature uncapped tolls that change every six minutes with the level of congestion, with most revenue benefiting transit. Carpools travel free, but solo-drivers in electric vehicles pay like others.
Texan Offers Very Texan Plan for the Coast of Texas
In a new book, lawyer Jim Blackburn suggests that engaging private landowners is the only way to manage the coast of his home state.
The Landlord's Case for Stronger Rent Control
A small San Francisco landlord argues for repealing state restrictions on rent control.
Popular but Controversial Seattle Express Toll Lanes Face Possible Termination
The two-year-old I-405 express toll lanes are actually a trial. It's up to the legislature to decide whether they will be permanent. Two metrics were laid out: revenue and performance, but there's controversy there as well.
Colorado Tax Mandates Will Continue to Hurt Rural Areas
When home values rise, the state constitution requires cuts to residential tax rates that severely impact less-developed areas.
What's Next for Bike Advocates?
Wondering what's on the agenda for bike advocates these days? The San Francisco Bike Coalition that just released a Strategic Plan that will direct political actions in 2018 and beyond.
How Anti-Urban State Legislatures Hurt Cities
Creating a new version of the "haves" and the "have nots," Richard Florida distinguishes cities struggling against state-level anti-urban policies from cities that get more support from the state.
Movement Toward Mileage Fee Gains Momentum in U.K. with Truck Fee
British trucker calls for a level playing field with 'continental trucks' that may pay no diesel duty is one impetus for the vehicle miles traveled fee that would also consider emissions. The Transport Department stresses it would not apply to cars.
Only Bay Area Voters Support State's New 12-cent Gas Tax
According to a UC Berkeley poll released Dec. 22, 52% of likely voters statewide would support either of two initiatives that hope to be placed on the ballot next November to repeal the gas tax that took effect Nov. 1, while 43% would retain the tax.
More Fallout on Affordable Housing from Tax Bill
While the low income housing tax credit was retained, banks will be much less willing to purchase them due to their reduced corporate tax rate. That's just one way H.R. 1 will exacerbate divisions between the rich and poor in America's cities.
Has the Rental Market Peaked? If So, That's Good News for Low-Income Renters
A new Harvard study reports that the rental market began to decline this year, and may continue to drop as higher income renters become homeowners. However, the report was released a week before the GOP tax cuts bill was signed.
Financing of Hudson River Rail Tunnels in Peril
A funding agreement between New York, New Jersey, and the U.S. DOT for one of the most important rail projects in the nation is in danger of collapsing because of the way the two states are financing their share of the $12.9 billion cost.
The Most Popular Posts of 2017
All the planning news that's fit to print.
Drilling in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Allowed with Passage of GOP Tax Bill
When President Trump signs the tax-cutting bill, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) will have achieved a family dream of opening up the pristine refuge, created 37 years ago, to drilling.
Developers Allege Conspiracy to Thwart Waterfront Development in New Jersey
A lawsuit claims that the town of Edgewater and its most prolific developer worked together to defeat a proposal for yet another high-rise development with views of Manhattan
Moody’s: Climate Change Will Affect Your Credit Rating
The agency has created an economic incentive for cities, states and counties to deal with environmental threats.
Cook County Assessor Sued for Assessments 'Perpetuating Institutional Racism'
Joseph Berrios, Cook County assessor, is believed to have defrauded home-owners in majority minority neighborhoods. Now Berrios faces a lawsuit.
Home Ownership Subsidy Takes a $250,000 Hit in Final Version of Tax Bill
The current mortgage interest deduction is $1 million. The House version of the tax bill called for a $500,000 cap while the Senate left it untouched. They split the difference and capped it at $750,000. Congress is expected to pass H.R. 1 this week
Huge Toll Lane Setback in Texas
In a landmark, unanimous vote, the Texas Transportation Commission eliminated all 15 express lane projects from their 10-year capital plan despite pleas from Austin area officials to retain the $8 billion, I-35 project that includes four toll lanes.
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.
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
