Government / Politics
U.S. Cities Brace to Lose Infrastructure Funding Over Immigration Policies
Politico explores some of the projects that could be scrapped as a result of being located in sanctuary cities.
Placemaking: Geek Niche or the Root of Pretty Much Everything?
Placemaking: what does the term really mean? And how it can most effectively serve the needs of the most people. Scott Doyon shares some ideas.
Why Aren't We Building Middle Income Housing?
For low-income residents in high-cost areas, there's no substitute for the public sector to provide below-market rate housing. But for middle-income households, the market should be able to produce housing without subsidy. So why doesn't this happen?
More than Twenty Bills Introduced in Texas Legislature to Stop High-Speed Rail
The California high-speed rail project is not alone in confronting legal and political obstacles. The main issue in Texas that has aroused opposition to the privately financed, 240-mile Dallas to Houston bullet train is the use of eminent domain.
Texas Road Subsidies Take Toll on General Fund
Diverting billions of dollars of sales tax revenue from the state's general fund to the Texas Department of Transportation is taking a toll on other programs that lawmakers must fund.
Seattle Considering a First-Ever Renters' Commission
In Seattle, about 54 percent of the households rent their homes, but they have few places to collectively voice their opinions on critical matters like rent control, move-in fees, and transit. Some city councilmembers hope to change that, however.
A Warning About the Threat to the Endangered Species Act
The Los Angeles Times Editorial Board issues a strong critique of ongoing Republican efforts to gut the Endangered Species Act.
Are EPA's Fuel Efficiency Standards the Next Environmental Rollback?
Next on President Trump's environmental chopping block may be a rollback of fuel efficiency standards. Two auto associations have asked EPA Administer Scott Pruitt to review a decision made last month to retain a 54.5 mpg target.
Georgia City Decides One Approval is Enough for Some Variances
Grayson, Atlanta exemplifies the kind of administrative considerations that can make or break development approval processes.
Understanding the Varieties of NIMBYism
"To get beyond NIMBYism, we first must understand it," writes Richard Florida.
Trump Targets Obama's Signature Environmental Rule, the Clean Power Plan
The first environmental regulation to be rescinded under President Trump was the Stream Protection Rule. It will not be the last. The president has his eyes on a rule that limits greenhouse gas emissions from existing power plants.
Bipartisan Support for New Market Tax Credits Emerges
Members of Congress are mobilizing to protect the popular New Market Tax Credit program, which has offered benefits in rural and urban environments.
Are Driverless Cars Good for Cities?
With experts predicting widespread autonomous vehicle (AV) adoption in the not-too-distant-future, many policymakers, designers, and ordinary citizens are left scratching their heads, uncertain of what to expect and how to prepare.
Cap-and-Trade Back on the Table in Oregon
A new report and hearings by the state's House and Senate environment committees has put a cap-and-trade policy to curb carbon emissions back in play in Salem.
A Legislative Challenge to Ballot-Box Planning in California
On March 7, Angelenos will vote on Measure S, which would enact a two-year moratorium on denser development. State legislation introduced on Feb. 16 would require a two-thirds vote for these types of slow growth ballot measures.
Trump's California Double Play: Potential Fatal Blow to Commuter and High-Speed Rail
In one of her first major decisions, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao deferred a decision on a critical $647 million federal grant to electrify the 51-mile San Francisco to San Jose Caltrain line, which would also be used by high-speed rail.
Climate Change Skeptic Confirmed to Head U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Senate confirmed Scott Pruitt on Friday afternoon as administrator of the EPA, the same agency he sued 14 times in his capacity as Oklahoma Attorney General. He could not be more different than his predecessor, Gina McCarthy.
Toronto Sidewalk Cafes Get Squeezed By Pedestrian 'Clearways'
Proposed rules to enforce wider paths on Toronto city sidewalks for pedestrians and the disabled is creating angst in local operators of sidewalk cafes.
Aspen Pushes to Ban New Chain Stores
The citizen-driven campaign has garnered support from City Council.
Los Angeles to Update Community Plans Every 6 Years
Los Angeles has approved new rules aimed at increasing accountability in the planning process—and at preempting a more severe approach promised by an upcoming ballot measure.
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
