Government / Politics

Mountain Coal States vs. West Coast Cities
A legal battle is being waged between the coal-exporting states of Utah, Wyoming, and Montana and coastal cities in California, Oregon, and Washington that pits the power of local land-use authority against the protection of interstate commerce.

Hoboken First U.S. City to Shut Down Restaurants and Bars and Issue Curfew
Restaurants and bars shut down on Sunday due to the coronavirus. On Monday, a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew becomes effective. According to a Harvard University public health expert, "Hoboken probably is the model we all need to move towards now."

'Economic Mapping' to Help Regional Planning
Identifying potential hubs and activity centers allows regions to foster economic growth and density.

The 'Garbage Language' of Planning
The language we use as planners can serve many purposes and often hinders good communication rather than fostering it.

Keeping Sidewalks Clear of Snow Should Not Be a Last Priority
When snow is not cleared from sidewalks, pedestrians face significant hazards and they are less inclined to walk.

At Last—A Really Good Use for Drive-Through Facilities
When it comes to containing the spread of the deadly coronavirus, China and Italy are demonstrating the use of lockdowns and quarantines. South Korea has gone a different route, using widespread testing administered in drive-through facilities.

Anchorage Confronts History of Housing Discrimination
Urban growth in Anchorage was tied to restrictive covenants forbidding the sale of property to minorities.

Coronavirus Declared a Pandemic. What Does That Mean?
The director-general of the World Health Organization announced on Wednesday that the COVID-19 viral disease that has killed more than 4,000 people, infected nearly 120,00 people and is present in 114 nations is a pandemic.
A Nation of 60 Million on Lockdown
Should the United States be watching Italy for lessons on how to contain and mitigate the coronavirus?

Massachusetts Conflict: Gas Tax or Carbon Charge on Fuel to Fund Transit?
The Democratic House just passed a gas tax increase that the Republican governor opposes because he wants his state to join the Transportation and Climate Initiative, a carbon pricing program applicable to fuel. Both measures will fund transit.

The Census Faces its Toughest Challenge Yet: Coronavirus
Census 2020 faced funding challenges, leadership changes, and unprecedented politics on its way to a big launch this week. Now the coronavirus is sending people into social isolation, making the process of an accurate count very difficult.

Scott Wiener Hasn't Quit the Statewide Density Cause Yet
California State Senator has released draft legislation to follow up on the previous SB 50, which in turn followed up on SB 827. The new bill, SB 902, promises a "light touch."

Minneapolis Riverfront Project Raises Issues of Equity
The Upper Harbor Terminal project is set to transform an area north of downtown, but residents are concerned about the long-term impacts and outcomes.

Competing Funding Strategies Promoted for Bay Area Transit Mega-Measure
Two Bay Area transportation sales tax measures affecting three Bay Area counties performed poorly on Super Tuesday, but it hasn't deterred the groups backing a nine-county mega-measure. Progressive groups are proposing non-sales tax alternatives.

In U.S., Income Growth Dispersing to More Places
The country’s economic pie is sliced up differently now as growth in metropolitan areas involves either income or population increases—but not both.

Dallas Feels Impacts of Red-Light Camera Ban
Last year’s state ban ended a 13-year red-light enforcement program in Dallas. City officials say that intersections throughout the city are less safe without the cameras.

Comparing the Housing Agendas of the Remaining Democratic Frontrunners for President
A deep dive into the statements on official housing policies of Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders in an era of intense housing anxieties.

Dispute Over Siting of Coronavirus Quarantine Facility in Washington State
The Seattle area is ground zero for the coronavirus in the U.S., where 10 of the 11 deaths as of March 5 have occurred. King County's decision to purchase a motel in Kent for use as a quarantine facility is being met with protests by city officials.

Public Supports East Coast Climate Pact—More Than Governors
Public comments were largely favorable regarding the 12-state program intended to reduce transportation emissions by using a cap-and-invest system, but governors are cautious due to an expected effect on gas prices.

Alaska Fuel Tax Hike Passes First Key Hurdle
A GOP bill to double the nation's lowest state gas tax was approved by the state Senate on Monday. If approved by the House and signed by Gov. Dunleavy, who is facing a possible recall election, the excise tax would jump to 16 cents-per-gallon.
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