Government / Politics
Federal Memo 'Gently' Discourages Highway Construction
The Federal Highway Administration is urging states to prioritize climate-friendly projects and put federal funds toward repairs and active transportation infrastructure.
What States Can Learn From the Success of Maine's Downeaster Train
As Amtrak gears up to plan expansion projects supported by new federal funding, states can take some advocacy lessons from Maine's popular Downeaster train.
U.S. Supreme Court Upholds New York State Vaccine Mandate
Health care workers in New York will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 after the Supreme Court voted 6-3 to reject hearing an appeal brought by workers who had sought a religious exemption. Also, an update on the federal vaccine mandate.
California Bill Could Ban Freeway Expansions in Underserved Neighborhoods
A proposed bill in the California State Legislature would bar the state from funding road construction in communities at risk for displacement and health impacts.
Place-Based Initiatives Would Win Big With Build Back Better Act
The Build Back Better legislation could bring much-needed support to place-based economic development programs.
Oregon DOT Projects Little Decline in Driving Despite Climate Pledge
Financial projections from the state's Department of Transportation suggest the agency does not anticipate a marked reduction in driving in the next decade.
Anchorage Mayor Under Fire for Shutting Down Municipal Water System
Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson took it upon himself to shut down the use of fluoride used in the municipality's water treatment system based on claims that water treatment plant employees had been injured on the job.
The Impact of Amazon Warehouses on Communities
Often located in low-income communities of color, Amazon's warehouses contribute to public health impacts like poor air quality, noise pollution, and traffic congestion.
'A Tidal Wave of Omicron Coming'
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson sounded an alarm on the public health threat posed by the Omicron variant. On Monday, he announced that a British resident had become the first person in the world whose death is tied to the new variant.
How Federal Funds Can Benefit Freeway Removal Projects
The recently passed infrastructure bill dedicates $1 billion to freeway removal and capping, but the sum is only a 'first step' toward redressing the injustices perpetuated by urban highway projects.
Historic Preservation Appeal Could Delay Penn Station Redevelopment
New York State's Historic Preservation Office has moved to place the notorious Penn Station on the National Register of Historic Places, potentially upending redevelopment plans.
Conceding Density, SoHo/NoHo Rezoning Plan Clears Final Hurdles
A closely watched rezoning effort in New York City cleared a key City Council committee last week, while making some concessions from the original vision to get across the finish line.
Revisiting Vermont: A COVID Update
PBS NewsHour investigates the surging coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in Vermont which, along with Rhode Island, has 75% of its total population fully vaccinated, the nation's highest, as the U.S. appears to enter a winter surge.
Puget Sound Transportation Plan Fails To Meet Emissions Goals
A draft regional transportation plan for the Puget Sound region does not go far enough to significantly reduce emissions and meet climate goals.
Housing Policy Conflicts With Local Control in Maine
The state's proposal to increase housing density is raising concerns among city officials worried about losing local control over development in their cities.
New York City Mayor Goes Out With a (Covid Policy) Splash
Mayor Bill de Blasio's second term ends on New Year's Eve. On Dec. 6, he announced the nation's strictest COVID mandate: All workers in New York City must be at least partially vaccinated by Dec. 27. Did he consult with his successor, Eric Adams?
Seattle Weighs Protections for Mobile Home Parks
To protect a valuable source of affordable housing, Seattle's city council will consider creating a 'mobile home overlay district' that would preserve housing and regulate new development.
Lessons From Five Years of E-Scooters
As cities continue to adapt micromobility regulations to address new devices and technologies, what can we learn from Chicago's five years of e-scooter pilots?
Atlanta's Buckhead Plans to Secede Over Upzoning
One Atlanta neighborhood is campaigning to secede from the city as the battle over zoning reform heats up.
D.C. Passes Short-Term Rental Regulations
The District of Columbia has approved final regulations for short-term rentals like Airbnb that limit rentals to owner-operated units and cap vacation rentals at 90 days.
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 Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
