Government / Politics
Pandemic Relief Programs Reduced Poverty, Census Finds
Robust assistance programs kept millions of households out of poverty last year.
Pandemic Debate: Civil Liberties vs. Individual Liberties
The American Civil Liberties Union stepped into the nation's masking debate in K-12 schools on the side of parents of students with disabilities. They won the first round in the U.S. Southern District Court of Iowa. Mask mandates are permitted again.
California Legislature Stalls on High-Speed Rail, Delays Funding for Other Projects
State legislators' refusal to pass HSR funding will return hundreds of millions slated for active transportation and other projects to the state's general fund.
Light Upzoning in North Dallas Spurs Backlash
The City Council's decision to allow increased density for a development of single-family homes has received strong opposition from neighbors.
Searching for Clearer Climate Change Messaging
Although clear climate communication is more important than ever, many people find even basic terminology about climate change confusing, research shows.
Candyman's Real Horror: American Public Housing Policy
The new film, set in one of America's most notorious public housing projects, highlights the failure of affordable housing policy and its impact on Black communities.
How to Make the Texas Electric Grid More Resilient
This year's winter storm and the subsequent damages highlight the urgent need for more resilient energy systems that can outlast increasingly powerful weather events.
California Won't Extend Eviction Moratorium
State lawmakers did not extend the state's eviction ban, which ends on September 30, putting the future of hundreds of thousands of households in jeopardy.
Austin 'Right to Return' Policy Implemented for the First Time
A North Austin development will be the first approved under the city's new Right to Stay and Right to Return policies, aimed at preventing displacement in gentrifying neighborhoods.
One Quarter of Washington State Renters Fear Eviction
State data show more tenants expect eviction in the coming months even as the state struggles to disburse rental assistance funds.
Infrastructure Financing Advances in House as $3.5 Billion Spending Package Takes Shape
A whole bunch of money is on the table in Congress.
Austin Interstate Expansion Plan Draws Opposition
A proposal to widen I-35 has drawn criticism from community members who want to see the city shift away from car-centric development.
Chicago Police Stop Seven Times as Many Black Drivers as White Motorists
A state-produced study of traffic stops in the city reveals that traffic stops in the city have risen sharply, with Black motorists pulled over at much higher rates than their white counterparts.
NYC Planning Director Nominated for White House Role
If approved, New York City Planning Director Marisa Lago will be headed back to the White House to serve in the Department of Commerce.
San Diego Continues to Widen Roads Despite Pledge to Reduce Car Dependence
Transit advocates say that outdated road widening plans contradict the city's Climate Action Plan.
What Will It Take for the U.S. to Kick the Car Habit?
Government played a big role in creating the car-centric United States that exists today. Climate change requires that government take the lead in reducing automobile dominance.
What We Really Mean When We Say Gentrification
The focus on gentrifying communities has, in many cases, eclipsed the similar problems facing more stagnant neighborhoods.
Sports Stadiums as a Battleground for Affordable Housing
Thanks to new enforcement powers, California's Department of Housing and Community Development can now cite cities for failing to meet affordable housing requirements in stadium redevelopment projects.
Biden Orders Large Employers to Require Vaccination or COVID Testing
President Biden announced a multi-prong strategy to combat the Delta surge gripping the nation that rests largely on increasing the vaccination rate among the labor force. The most controversial measure is aimed at private employers of 100+ workers.
Healthy Corner Stores Fight 'Retail Redlining'
Small entrepreneurs are working to combat 'food deserts' by bringing fresh, healthy foods to communities lacking access to major grocery stores. But price continues to be a major factor in people's food choices.
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
