Government / Politics
National Initiative to Address Structural Racism in Cities
Five U.S. cities will examine how their government operations impact people of color, and come up with solutions to advance racial equity.
After Brexit, London's Fintech Future Foggy at Best
Over half of Europe’s financial technology "unicorns" are in the London area. The decision to quit the EU is already threatening the ecosystem that allows London to trade within the EU, as well as its status as hub for fintech jobs and technology
New Jersey Assembly Approves Bipartisan Plan to Raise Gas Tax 23 Cents
New Jersey's 14.5-cent state gas tax, second lowest after Alaska's, may increase 23 cents thanks to a deal worked out between Assembly Democratic and Republican leaders and Gov. Chris Christie that reduces the sales tax. It now goes to the Senate.
Five State Gas Tax Changes Tomorrow
On July 1, two states will increase gas taxes, one will decrease its tax, and two will be adjusted downwards per state legislation, according to Carl Davis, research director at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP).
Volkswagen Settles in Cheating Scandal to the Tune of $16 Billion
It's been less than a year since Volkswagen got caught installing software on cars to cheat emissions testing. Today the company settled out of court—paying the bulk of a $16 billion settlement to vehicle owners.
Pennsylvania Legislators Propose New Commercial Development in State Parks
A pair of legislative proposals in the Pennsylvania State Legislature would open the door to private development in the state park system.
Another Anti-Development Measure to Face Voters in Southern California
This time, the scene of the anti-development ire is Santa Monica, where local advocates have qualified for the November ballot on initiative requiring a vote for any project building beyond the zoning code.
Housing Initiatives to Appear on Northern and Southern California Ballots in November
Last week the Los Angeles City Council and Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved housing initiatives. "Build Better LA" requires large developments to have affordable units. Silicon Valley voters will vote on a $950 million housing bond.
Legislation Advanced to Release State Funding for Caltrain Electrification
As a result of a critical lawsuit that California high-speed rail opponents lost last March, a bill to release $1.1 billion in 2008 bond funds has been advanced to fund high-speed rail 'bookend' projects, particularly Caltrain electrification.
Who Does Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s New Funding Plan Leave Out?
If the Metro Board passes the proposed $40 billion expenditure plan, millions of Los Angeles residents will still not have access to good public transit for decades.
California Road Charge Pilot Launches July 1; Gas Tax Increase Still Needed
Two notable transportation developments occur in California on July 1. First, a pilot road charge program begins—5,000 motorists will be charged by the mile driven. Second, the gas tax drops by 2.2 cents. An analysis by ITEP looks at both.
Court Ruling Overthrows Obama Administration's Fracking Regulations
Opponents of federal oversight rejoice: a ruling by U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl reiterates the limitations of the federal government to regulate fracking.
Voters to Decide Future of San Francisco Homeless Tent Encampments
Unable to pass the measure themselves, four San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved a ballot measure for November that would let voters decide on the removal of tent encampments in the city providing that housing is offered.
Orange County Fire Chief on Southern California's Year-Round Fire Season
California has suffered at least 700 wildfires since the beginning of 2016, and that number is only expected to rise this summer. Orange County Fire Chief Jeff Bowman explains what California must do to combat unprecedented risks.
What a Conference for YIMBYs Looks Like
The advocacy group Better Boulder held the YIMBY 2016 conference earlier this month.
Op-Ed: The Texas Miracle Won't Last
As economic migration continues to swell its population, Texas has been heralded by some as a new California. But Johnny Sanphillippo argues that the Lone Star State's boom just isn't sustainable.
Eminent Domain for Preservation? It's Possible for Palo Alto Mobile Home Park
The city of Palo Alto, the county of Santa Clara, and the Housing Authority of Santa Clara County have joined forces to acquire the 4.5 acre Buena Vista Mobile Home Park, thus saving 117 low-income families from eviction.
Oakland Gets a Department of Transportation
Oakland's new DOT will take a "complete streets" approach to transportation planning.
Cincinnati Streetcar Exempt from Open Records Law
The Cincinnati Business Courier reports on the local effect of a long-standing state law.
Boston-Uber Data Partnership Falling Short of Expectations
A data-sharing partnership announced in January 2015 has so far produced underwhelming results.
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
