Government / Politics
Increased Tolls for Bay Area Bridges Headed for a Vote
It is now up to the Bay Area's transportation planning agency to determine when to ask voters to hike tolls on seven Bay Area bridges, by how much, and whether to phase the increase. A bill to allow voters to fund Caltrain was also signed.
Governor's Veto Gives Locals Control Over 5G Infrastructure in California
A bill designed to streamline the implementation of 5G Internet infrastructure onto public poles and lights has been vetoed by California Governor Jerry Brown.
Power Shifts to Cities in San Diego County's Embattled Regional Planning Agency
Larger cities in California's second most populous county will be given more power thanks to a bill that reforms the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). One result may be that more public transit measures appear on the ballot.
Bikelash Reaches a Whole New Level
A Minneapolis bike lane protest sets a new bar for opposition to bike lanes—Godwin's law was definitely in play.
The Problem With Externalities
By defining "externalities" as impacts of private conduct, economists and lawyers bias public discussion in favor of government regulation.
More Bad News From the U.S. Census: Economic Census Delayed Six Months
A budget shortfall for Census 2020 has already claimed one victim: the timely delivery of the five-year Economic Census.
A Dozen New Laws to Spur Sales of Zero Emission Vehicles in California
Gov. Jerry Brown signed 12 bills on Oct. 10 to facilitate the transition from oil-powered light and heavy duty vehicles to electric power in California, and thus meet his goal of putting 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025.
The Mason-Dixon Line Is Turning 250 Years Old
The traditional dividing line between north and south will celebrate a major birthday this weekend.
Congressional Democrats Propose $1.1 Billion for Smart Cities Programs
Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) have introduced bicameral, not bipartisan legislation to fund smart cities programs.
NAACP Lawsuit Targets the Trump Administration Over 2020 Census Preparation
The NAACP does not believe the Trump Administration intends to make an honest count of the country's minority populations when it comes time to perform the 2020 Census.
California Gas Tax Repeal Wins Significant Judicial Victory
The effort to repeal tax and fee increases resulting from the state's first successful gas tax legislation in 28* years received great news from a Sacramento superior court judge who tossed the attorney general's misleading title for their measure.
Up and Running: The Speedy Recovery of Houston's City Hall
Following Hurricane Harvey, Houston's City Hall became flooded with four feet of water, rendering the building's electrical and mechanical equipment useless. Restoring power back to City Hall quickly was crucial in aiding the recovery efforts.
Utah Policy Makers Want to Push a Toll Hike Higher
Utah's I-15 express lanes are suffering PM peak-hour congestion. The maximum charge is $1 per zone. The Transportation Commission will vote to double it, but the chair of a key legislative committee suggests charging "what the market will bear."
California's New 'By-Right' Housing Law: Will it Make a Difference?
A new law could enable affordable housing projects, if they meet the specified criteria, to bypass the public process that so often blocks their approval.
What's Behind the Removal of Public-Private Partnerships from Trump's Infrastructure Plan?
Partnering with the private sector carries risks. Witness the mess that followed the selection of a private firm to build an interstate in Indiana in 2014 that Vice President Mike Pence should have prevented in his prior position as governor.
How to Make NIMBYs Part of the Solution
A look at how to program social equity into the planning process, and balance NIMBY concerns with collective goals, by Howard Blackson, leader of AVRP SkyPort Studios Urban Design practice in San Diego.
California's 15 Housing Bills Won't Do Enough
At a new affordable housing project in a low-income neighborhood of San Francisco, Gov. Brown signed the package Friday that places a $4 billion housing bond on the ballot next year, adds a $75 real estate transaction fee, and streamlines permitting.
California Mulls Banning Sales of Cars with Internal Combustion Engines
Eying European and Asian countries that have set, or are considering timelines to ban sales of cars that emit greenhouse gases, the California governor asked his chief air regulator to see why California couldn't follow suit.
Major Changes Coming to British Columbia's Carbon Tax
The government of British Columbia, put in power this year with the help of the BC Green Party, is shoring up its climate change action resume.
High Speed Rail Transforming California's Housing, TOD Conversation
The California Legislature took steps to address the state's housing crisis this year, but housing activists might look to the Governor's High Speed Rail project to provide a link to affordable housing in the Central Valley.
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.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
