Government / Politics
Judge: HUD acted illegally in changing homelessness grant rules
A Rhode Island judge struck down 'partisan' Trump restrictions on Continuum of Care Build grants.
Report: California's density bonus is a 'win-win' for developers and affordable housing
Almost half of new multifamily projects in 2024 relied on a density bonus.
Trump's proposed budget slashes EPA funding by 52%
The budget also reduces funding for FEMA, climate resilience projects, and water infrastructure programs.
Boston loses $8.15M in federal road safety funds after failing to meet deadline
Delays in finalizing plans for several road projects have forced the city to forfeit multiple federal grants.
March Must-Reads: Top 10 Articles From Last Month
Seattle may roll back a development fee as housing permits plummet, an ambitious Google-led project in the heart of San Jose goes sideways, and a list of sci-fi books to feed your futurist dreams.
California Gives 15 Cities ‘Final Warning’ to Submit Mandatory Housing Plans
Communities are required to produce housing elements that accommodate sufficient housing for all income levels.
Florida Law Aimed at Increasing Housing Includes Exemption for ‘Large Destination Resorts’
A new law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis puts limits on local control of zoning for housing, but could also allow major resorts to bypass zoning regulations and review processes.
War and Place: The Iran you Don't see in the News
The world is watching Iran right now through the narrow lens of conflict. When governments see the world through a target reticle, smoke fills the frame — and the places people actually live get ignored.
New Washington State Law Lets Cities Give Social Housing Developers City-owned Land
In its current form, HB 1687, which authorizes local governments to assist social housing agencies with land or other resources, only applies to Seattle.
Why is Canada’s Public Transit so Much Cheaper — and Better — Than the United States’?
The answer lies largely in political will.
New Jersey AG Says Governor Can’t Bar ICE From Transit
An executive order prohibits ICE from using state-owned property, but the AG says it doesn’t apply to public spaces like train stations.
400 Maine Affordable Homes Unable to Break Ground due to Buy America Rules
Projects that receive certain federal funds are required to source 95% of their materials from the United States.
LA County to Make ‘Historic’ $78M Investment in Parks
A record $78+ million in Measure A funding advances park access, health, and climate resilience in communities that need it most.
Florida Legislature Passes Bill to Encourage Infill Housing on Brownfields
If signed by the state’s governor, the bill would require cities to allow housing development on lots over 5 acres.
16 States Sue HUD Over New Limits to Fair Housing Act
The lawsuit charges the agency with reversing decades of fair housing regulations and weakening its own enforcement capacity.
Architecture Firm to Stop Designing ICE Prisons After Staff Outrage
Employees of one of the nation’s largest “justice facility” firms called on their company to end contracts for detention facilities.
Trump’s Totalitarian Vision for the Future of Gaza
The Trump Administration has put forth its plan for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. It is a totalitarian nightmare.
Another Reminder of the Futility of Carpool Lanes
What's the great 'fix' for the flawed Highway 101 carpool lanes in Marin and Sonoma counties in the Bay Area? Reduce the HOV time by two and a half hours during the peak commutes to enable solo drivers greater access to 52 miles of widened freeway.
US Senate Passes Housing Bill With Focus on Financing, Deregulation
The proposal would ease regulations, allow banks to invest more in affordable housing, and change a rule that has been holding back manufactured housing.
Portland’s Fines for Short-term Rental Violations Are 27 Times Higher Than Comparable Cities
A city report criticizes short-term rental regulations as ‘flawed,’ calling for less punitive enforcement.
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.
planning NEXT
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
