Government / Politics

L.A.'s New Planning Framework Starts Now

After the defeat of Measure S, Los Angeles Planning Director Vince Bertoni explains how a slew of new planning reforms will help move the city forward.

April 2, 2017 - The Planning Report

Hybrid Bus

Fuel Efficiency Just Became Much More Important

Two widely cited University of Michigan transportation researchers urge consumers to drive more fuel efficient vehicles to reduce their own carbon emissions as President Trump works to relax vehicle fuel economy standards.

April 2, 2017 - The New York Times

Fresno State

FresYes: How Fresno Fueled and Funded a Comeback

Recently termed-out Mayor Ashley Swearengin sits down for an exclusive interview about how she planned for high speed rail investments, championed sustainable water management, and took steps to rebuild the local economy.

March 30, 2017 - The Planning Report

New York City

The Great Debate: Are Liberal Cities Good or Bad for the Country?

A contentious debate broke out this week, after a pundit proposed breaking up the consolidation of economic and political power of the country's liberal cities.

March 30, 2017 - The New York Times

I-70

Missouri Lawmakers Hate Tolls

Missouri State Representative Bryan Spencer (R-Wentzville) on tolls: Don't even think about it, Missouri Department of Transportation.

March 30, 2017 - St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Coal Extraction

Coal Miners Are Going Back to Work, Proclaims Trump Upon Signing Executive Order

Flanked by coal miners, President Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday that begins the roll back of his predecessor's signature environmental rule, the Clean Power Plan, and other environmental regulations to facilitate energy production.

March 29, 2017 - The Washington Post

Rally

Environmental Justice Champion Leaves EPA Ahead of Cuts

A founder and veteran of the EPA’s Environmental Justice Office has resigned over the White House's plans to shutter the program.

March 29, 2017 - The Washington Post

I-68

Maryland Governor Shares Transportation Wishlist With Trump Administration

The Republican governor's transportation priorities align with the administration’s agenda, according to the Washington Post.

March 29, 2017 - The Washington Post

Single-Family Housing Construction

A First Look at the Proposed 2020 Census

The 2020 Census is fast approaching, and this week the Census Bureau crossed a major item of its to-do list in preparation for the next census by presenting its list proposed questions to Congress.

March 29, 2017 - U.S. Census Bureau

Scott Pruitt

California Is 'Recruiting' U.S. EPA Employees

Under the Trump Administration, federal employees dedicated to causes like climate change mitigation face uncertain prospects. They could turn to accommodating state governments.

March 28, 2017 - High Country News

Methane

California Approves Nation's Toughest Methane Emissions Rule

While Congress is attempting to roll back a federal regulation on methane emissions, the California Air Resources Board approved a landmark rule that regulates methane emissions from onshore and offshore oil and gas production and storage facilities.

March 27, 2017 - San Francisco Chronicle

Staten Island Ferry

State Legislation to Pressure New York City for Property Tax Reform

New York City's property tax system is a growing source of political consternation, and now state legislators have entered the fray.

March 27, 2017 - SI Live

Carpool Lane Sticker

Vehicle Emission Standards Showdown Looming Between California and U.S. EPA

A legal battle is looming between the nation's two most powerful environmental regulators after the California Air Resources Board on Friday defied President Trump by approving vehicle fuel efficiency standards that Trump has promised to ease.

March 27, 2017 - The New York Times

W-S_125_pipe_yard

President Trump Approves Construction of Keystone XL Pipeline from Alberta to Nebraska

Following through on a January executive action, President Trump announced Friday that he was approving the oil pipeline that his predecessor had rejected over a year ago. Oil is already flowing from Steele City, Nebraska to Gulf Coast refineries.

March 27, 2017 - The New York Times - Energy & Environment

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

Finding Hope In Challenging Times

Despite depressing U.S. federal politics, there are many encouraging planning trends if you look internationally and locally.

March 26, 2017 - Todd Litman

Can Insurance Markets Jump-Start Resilience?

Risk-management experts are seeking creative ways to finance resilience investments that prevent damage from natural disasters. Insurance markets, with their direct stake in protecting homes and businesses, can be key partners in this effort.

March 24, 2017 - Doggerel

I-70 Tunnel

Transportation Sales Tax Advances in Colorado Legislature

A bill to ask voters in November to increase the state sales tax by 0.62 percent to fund transportation projects passed its first House committee March 22 on a partisan vote, with Democrats in support and Republican opposed.

March 24, 2017 - The Colorado Independent

Wind Turbines

Surprising Trump Effect: Many States Seek to Ramp-Up Renewable Energy Mandates

As President Trump rolls back climate and energy regulations, many states are attempting to require utilities to get more power from renewable sources. Also, fewer states are attempting to reduce or eliminate renewable energy requirements.

March 24, 2017 - E&E News [Subscription]

Texas State Capital

Texas Bill to Slow Property Tax Increases Advances

The Texas Senate has approved Senate Bill 2, which would require a vote to raise property taxes beyond 5 percent—lowered from the current threshold of 8 percent.

March 23, 2017 - Dallas News

President Donald Trump

APA Opposes Trump's Proposed Federal Budget

The American Planning Association has been outspoken in its opposition to the cuts proposed by the, still speculative, budget proposed by the Trump Administration.

March 23, 2017 - American Planning Association

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.