Government / Politics

New York

Airbnb Drops Lawsuit with the State of New York

The frontline of the ongoing battle between Airbnb and government regulators shifts from Albany to New York City.

November 26, 2016 - The Wall Street Journal

Mumbai, India

Mumbai Cuts Noise Pollution to Improve Health

Traffic police in Mumbai have launched a campaign to cut down on unnecessary honking by motorists in the city of Mumbai

November 26, 2016 - The Indian Express

BART Train

The San Francisco Bay Area Voted for a Sustainable, Inclusive Future

We can’t simply rely on the federal government to solve the San Francisco Bay Area’s challenges. Time and time again, we have turned to local do-it-yourself solutions. This year, voters rolled up their sleeves and took matters into their own hands.

November 26, 2016 - San Francisco Chronicle

Teamwork

Sanctuary Cities Preparing for Fight with Trump on Deportation

With Donald Trump set to take office January 20th, some cities are already planning to defy his deportation plans.

November 23, 2016 - CityLab

Toronto Little Italy 2

Budget Cuts to Hit Toronto's Planners Despite City's Continued Growth

Many in Toronto's planning department voiced concerns about proposed cuts to the budget, in part because of the growing number of applications they're receiving.

November 23, 2016 - The Toronto Star

Trump Sign

While Rural America Zigged, Suburban Sprawl Zagged

In 2016, Republicans did worse than usual in affluent sprawl suburbs, while gaining a little ground in working-class cities.

November 21, 2016 - Michael Lewyn

Seattle Streetcar

Seattle's HUGE Transit Victory on Election Day

In dollars, Seattle region's Proposition 1 was second only to Measure M, a $120 billion sales tax measure in Los Angeles County, although the comparison is lacking in at least three respects. Prop 1 did not pass in all three Puget Sound counties.

November 21, 2016 - The Seattle Times

Santa Monica Route 66

Santa Monica Voters Soundly Reject Slow Growth Ballot Measure

The so-called LUVE initiative, which would have required a public vote on any development exceeding 32 feet or two stories, was rejected by over 56 percent of voters. Opponents significantly outspent supporters who failed to get council support.

November 20, 2016 - Curbed Los Angeles

Shepard Fairey

Obama Order Creates the Council on Community Solutions

The Obama Administration recently offered a parting gesture toward better coordination between the federal government and local and regional municipalities.

November 19, 2016 - Next City

E-470 Toll

Colorado to Launch Road Usage Charge Pilot Next Month

Colorado residents are now being recruited to participate in a four-month program to evaluate how motorists react to being charged by the mile driven rather than gallon of fuel burned. Sagging fuel tax revenues are the impetus for the pilot program.

November 19, 2016 - The Denver Post

Seattle City Council

Seattle City Council Parts With Mayor on Affordable Housing Funds

Political drama connected to the funding of affordable will require changes to the mayor's proposed city budget.

November 18, 2016 - The Seattle Times

Dakota Access Protest

Following Study, Army Corps Needs More Study to Decide Dakota Access Route

As the protests over the Dakota Access Pipeline continue, so does the legal wrangling.

November 17, 2016 - KUOW

Rescue Bus

Metro Detroit's Millage Tax Comes Within Half a Percentage Point of Passing

A $4.6 billion transit plan proposed by the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan received 49.5 percent of the vote on November 8. The millage tax would have funded bus rapid transit and regional rail within a four-county region.

November 17, 2016 - Ann Arbor News

Baltimore MTA Bus

Baltimore Transit Advocates, Politicians Pushing for a Better Bus Plan

First came the demise of the $2.9 billion Red Line light rail project, then came the $138 million BaltimoreLink bus system project. Now a coalition of union and political interests are pushing for a "People's Alternative."

November 17, 2016 - The Baltimore Sun

The Future is Fiction

What will our cities look like in the year 2050?

November 17, 2016 - Doggerel

Del Mar Station TOD

A Potential Downside to $120 Billion in Transportation Investments in Los Angeles

The editorial board of the Los Angeles Times warns that along with new transit lines comes new housing for residents who want to enjoy the benefits of reduced auto-dependence. Plans need to ensure minimal housing displacement around the new stations.

November 16, 2016 - Los Angeles Times

Urban Solar Power

How Cities Will Lead the Energy Future

Last month, politicians, energy executives, and energy experts met in Istanbul for the 23rd World Energy Congress. The event gives global leaders a chance to coordinate energy policy, discuss new ideas, and seek solutions to climate change

November 16, 2016 - Doggerel

Not My President

Trump Election Coverage Round Up (Planning Edition)

A compendium of the most discussed examples of news and commentary regarding the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States—but only what's directly relevant to the fields of planning and urban design.

November 15, 2016 - Planetizen

Welcome

Truly Responsive and Inclusive Planning

Current planning practices can alienate some voters, which contributed to Donald Trump’s success in the recent US election. How have planners contributed to this problem, and how can we achieve more responsive and inclusive planning?

November 15, 2016 - Todd Litman

Indiana State Capital

Indianapolis Voters Overwhelmingly Pass Income Tax for Transit

Marion County may soon have the nation's most progressive tax dedicated to public transit, and only bus transit at that. In addition to the faith and business communities that backed the measure, Gov. (now V.P.-elect) Mike Pence deserves credit.

November 13, 2016 - Indianapolis Business Journal

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.