Infrastructure

Uber Car

California Judge Renders Gig Worker Law Unenforceable

A judge ruled against California's Proposition 22, which let ride-hailing and delivery businesses classify workers as independent contractors and discouraged unionization efforts.

August 24, 2021 - Los Angeles Times

Aerial view of the Great Highway, San Francisco

Battle Over San Francisco's Pedestrianized 'Great Highway'

Although the project has been hugely successful with local residents, the mayor and some county supervisors wanted to revert the road to vehicle use.

August 24, 2021 - San Francisco Chronicle

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Statewide Zoning Reform Proposed in Minnesota

The proposed Comprehensive Housing Affordability Act would trade development fees for zoning relief.

August 24, 2021 - The Center Square

A commemorative plaque documents the history of the Erie Canal: Opened in 1819, abandoned fall of 1917, an extra aqueduct built in 1841 to expand the canal, and a canal park built in 1932.

When Infrastructure Investments Go Wrong

The United States has a near perfect track record of building the infrastructure it thinks it needs. But the country and its various state and local governments, don't always get the vision right.

August 24, 2021 - Governing

An oil line extends into Resurrection Bay in Seward, Alaska.

Judge Halts Controversial Alaska Drilling project

The 'Willow' project would pump 600 million gallons of oil and emit 500 metric tons of carbon dioxide in the next 30 years.

August 22, 2021 - Inside Climate News

Amtrak Cascaded

Revised Amtrak Mandate Could Allow for 'Paradigm-Shifting' Changes

Language in the new infrastructure bill calls for the agency to prioritize ridership and service levels over profitability.

August 22, 2021 - Governing

Vermont BRT

To Regain Transit Ridership, Policymakers Must Address Land Use and Housing

More buses and trains alone won't bring back riders; other incentives are needed to boost ridership and encourage new users.

August 20, 2021 - Governing

Road Construction

Proposed Colorado Rule Calls for Mitigating Climate Effects of Road Projects

State and local agencies would be tasked with evaluating and offsetting the carbon emissions caused by new transportation projects.

August 20, 2021 - Colorado Public Radio

Los Angeles Protected Bike Lane

Study: Bike Lanes Don't Cause Displacement

A longitudinal study shows that bike facilities don't precede neighborhood change or displacement of residents.

August 19, 2021 - Bike Portland

Dry Lake in Arizona

Federal Government Declares Water Shortage as Lake Mead Reaches Critical Low

The first-of-its-kind declaration triggers major water cutbacks for Arizona farmers and reduced allocations for Nevada and Mexico.

August 19, 2021 - The Arizona Republic

Washington, D.C. Bus Lane

NRDC Releases 'Bus Priority Toolkit'

The kit, designed in collaboration with five U.S. cities, aims to provide lessons and tools for building a compelling case for bus priority and identifying measurable benefits.

August 19, 2021 - NRDC

AirTrain Newark Airport

How Cuomo's Resignation Affects Transit Projects

With the governor stepping down, the state's transit agencies have an opportunity to reevaluate controversial projects and shift their priorities.

August 19, 2021 - Curbed

The city of Baltimore's Inner Harbor blanketed in fog, as seen from the water.

Resiliency Hubs Help Baltimore Plan for Climate Emergency

The Green New Deal for Cities, a bill introduced in April by reps. Cori Bush (D-MO) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), includes among the list of projects eligible for funding those that "build capacity for communities to endure extreme weather."

August 18, 2021 - Next City

Aerial Texas Hill Country at sunset, with an aerial view of a highway interchange and Interstate 35 in Austin, Texas.

TxDOT Moving Forward With Plan to Widen I-35 in Austin

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) wants to spend $4.6 billion to expand Interstate 35 in Austin despite alternative plans proposed by local groups.

August 18, 2021 - KUT

A maglev train undergoing testing by Central Japan Railway at the Yamanashi Maglev Test Track.

D.C. Has Concerns About Parking and the Cost of Maglev Proposal

Washington, D.C. officials are urging modifications to key components of a proposal to build a maglev system between D.C. and Baltimore, citing disruptions to neighborhoods and cost concerns.

August 18, 2021 - The Washington Post

Singapore Electric Bus

What’s the Fairest Way to Deploy Electric Buses? Ask This Open-Source Map

While the deployment of electric buses can help mitigate the air quality impacts of public transportation, transit authorities often face budgeting constraints that center cost reduction rather than equity—until now.

August 17, 2021 - Next City

Capitol Hill

Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Heads to the House: Details and Reactions From the Planning World

Planetizen gathered explainer posts and advocacy responses that continue to shine a light on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, approved by the U.S. Senate earlier this month.

August 17, 2021 - James Brasuell

Natural Resources Conservation Service's Wetlands Reserve Program

How to Fight Climate Change and Increase Resiliency, Naturally

Five actions governments could take quickly to reduce emissions and restore ecosystems.

August 16, 2021 - NRDC

Strete view of 34th Avenue in Queens, New York

How Can NYC Keep its 'Open Streets' Post-Pandemic?

A debate over one Queens 'open street' project illustrates the challenges of maintaining open streets.

August 16, 2021 - New York Times

Amtrak Train

New Infrastructure Bill Guts Transit, EVs, and Safety Programs

The proposed bill keeps road funding almost intact while cutting funding for electrification, rail, and community development.

August 15, 2021 - Streetsblog USA

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.