Government / Politics

How Much Will Buttigieg Change Federal Transportation Policy?
The USDOT secretary is making big promises, but an entrenched system makes it difficult to implement long-lasting, systemic change.

Insufficient Infrastructure Funding Cited as Top Concern by 91% of Cities
In a survey by the National League of Cities, local leaders overwhelmingly cited a lack of funding as a top factor affecting infrastructure decisions.

New Book Examines Public Housing as a Locus of Political Power
A new book, "Diverging Space for Deviants," connects public housing with political power.

Philly City Council to Consider Bill Protecting Neighbors from Construction Damage
The proposal would hold builders accountable for damage incurred to adjacent homes as historic rowhouse properties see increased redevelopment.

Will CDC's Revised Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People Prolong the Pandemic?
The CDC abruptly changed its masking guidance on May 13 to further distinguish behavior for those who are fully vaccinated from those who are not, prompting states, counties and businesses to end indoor mask mandates and social distancing.

Caltrans Chief Wants an 'Absolute Pause' on 710 Freeway Expansion
Communities along the corridor have fought expansion for decades, citing air quality and displacement concerns. Now, the agency says it's time to rethink the project.

FEMA Offers Full Reimbursement for Pandemic Shelter Costs—But Cities Are Still Jittery
Cities and counties have been slow to take advantage of the promise of full and retroactive FEMA reimbursement to expand emergency housing programs, frustrating housing advocates. What’s getting in the way?

Atlanta BeltLine Buying More Land for Affordable Housing
The agency has acquired 65 acres of properties reserved for affordable housing and job creation.

If You Build It, Cars Will Come: the Common-Sense Logic of 'Induced Demand'
Highway expansion has been shown, time and again, to increase traffic and congestion. Cities are finally getting the message.

Pandemic Paradox: World's Most Vaccinated Country Also the Most Infected
Is the lesson from the Seychelles, an African archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, that all COVID-19 vaccines are not the same? If so, that could spell trouble for other countries relying on the Sinopharm and Covishield vaccines.

Study: New Markets Tax Credit 'Does What it Promises, Most of the Time'
The program, which gives tax credits to investors, has resulted in added jobs, increased incomes, and low rates of displacement.

Local Control and the Housing Crisis
The unchecked power of individual city councilmembers has, in some cases, restricted housing development and fueled corruption.

Direct Payment, Rent Relief, Homelessness Funding in Expanded 'California Comeback Plan'
Nearly 6 million Californians will receive $600 in economic stimulus checks as the state makes a plan to spend its surprise, massive budget surplus. $2.6 million for rent relief and $2 billion to pay utility bills are also planned.

Reopening New York, New Jersey and Connecticut: Is May 19 Too Soon?
Coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths are dropping in the U.S. Govs. Andrew Cuomo, Phil Murphy, and Ned Lamont jointly announced on May 3 that their states would lift most restrictions on May 19. Experts and residents have mixed reactions.

Is the 'Tragedy of the Commons' a Myth?
Examples from around the world showing that the popular theory often doesn't hold up present powerful implications for commons management.

Researchers Propose the Concept of 'Anthropogenic Drought'
As climate change heightens the risk of intense drought periods, a new framework can help scientists better understand the interconnected causes and effects of drought.

Two Demographic Firsts, Both Losses, for California
The nation's most populous state learned from the Census Bureau last month that it would lose a congressional district for the first time in its history. On Friday, it revealed that 2020 was the first year since 1850 to experience a population loss.

Most Americans Unaware of Flood Risks, Study Finds
The lack of disclosure laws in most states has led to an overvaluation of homes located in floodplains across the country.

The 'Crisis of Non-Replacement' Undermining Black Neighborhoods
A new study shows a troubling reversal of fortunes in many middle-class Black neighborhoods.

Bill Requiring Zero-Emissions Car Sales by 2035 Passes New York Legislature
The bill also calls for increased investment in charging infrastructure and financial incentives for consumers.
Pagination
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.
Tyler Technologies
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions