Infrastructure

Miner Street Al Fresco

Rethinking Streets During the Pandemic

A new book from the "Rethinking Streets" series identifies 25 quick redesigns cities can use to reconfigure streets for the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.

February 18, 2021 - Rethinking Streets During COVID-19

Polar Vortex

California-Style Rolling Blackouts Come to Texas

As bad as the power outages are in Texas, they would be much worse if the independent energy grid operator hadn't initiated rolling blackouts. In an extensive interview with CBS Austin, Bill Magness, the head of ERCOT, explains what went wrong.

February 18, 2021 - CBS Austin

Expo Line

Congestion Pricing Study Taking Shape in Los Angeles

New York City is the furthest along with a congestion pricing scheme, but San Francisco and Los Angeles are catching up in California.

February 18, 2021 - The Source

New York MTA subway station

MTA Misses Deadline for State-Mandated Cost Comparison to World Cities

With some of the highest per-mile costs in the world, the state wants more accountability for New York City's transit spending.

February 18, 2021 - New York Daily News

Anacostia River

Can D.C. Build its Bridge Park Without Displacement?

The park's non-profit developer has engaged in a years-long community outreach process and invested over $60 million in community initiatives.

February 18, 2021 - NextCity

Wheelchair ramp

What Is the Americans With Disabilities Act?

The effects of the landmark Americans With Disabilities Act are visible throughout the built environment—on sidewalks, on buses, and in almost every building and public facility in the country.

February 17, 2021 - plnz-admin

Westside Los Angeles

Monorail or Heavy Rail Planned for L.A.'s Busy Connection Between the Valley and the Westside

It' down to two options for a rail transit connection over the Sepulveda Pass, following the path of Interstate 405 between the San Fernando Valley and the Westside of Los Angeles.

February 17, 2021 - Urbanize LA

Zebra crossing

Federal Transportation Manual Update a Chance for Improvement

After 11 years, the federal transportation manual is getting an update to reflect the rise of autonomous vehicles, shared mobility, and modernized pedestrian infrastructure.

February 17, 2021 - Streetsblog USA

Providence

Civil Rights Complaint for Providence's Kennedy Plaza Redesign

The state's plan to dismantle and reorganize its busiest bus plaza faces allegations of civil rights violations.

February 17, 2021 - Streetsblog Mass

Water Pollution Control Plant

How Cities Are Using Wastewater to Test for COVID-19

Some scientists and city officials are moving ahead with a different way to track the virus’s spread: wastewater testing.

February 16, 2021 - Devin Partida

Smart City

Companies Could Create Governments Under Nevada's 'Innovation Zones' Program

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak recently proposed on Innovation Zones program that will allow tech companies to form separate governments.

February 16, 2021 - Las Vegas Review-Journal

Shepherd Drive & South Shepherd Drive Bridges over Buffalo Bayou, Houston, Texas

High Hopes for the Future of Biking in Houston

Despite Houston's reputation for sprawl, the city has made impressive efforts to build out its bike infrastructure.

February 14, 2021 - Rice Kinder Institute for Urban Research

High-Speed Rail

California High-Speed Rail Project Seeking Change in Funding Plan

State lawmakers will have to approve a change in plans for how the California High-Speed Rail project will fund the ongoing work in the Central Valley.

February 12, 2021 - The Mercury News

City Bird

For the Birds: Why Designing for Birds is Good for Everyone

A new book spotlights how bird-friendly design makes for healthier and more pleasant cities for all species.

February 12, 2021 - Fast Company

Pedestrians

Opinion: To Reduce Emissions, Listen to Those Who Don't Drive

An initiative to promote pedestrian-oriented infrastructure investments in Washington state highlights the lessons that policymakers can learn from people who rely on walking and public transit.

February 12, 2021 - The Seattle Times

Arlington Cemetery Station

D.C. Metro Blue Line to Close for 3+ Plus Months, Starting Saturday

Platform improvements will close down another rail transit route in the D.C. region for three whole months.

February 12, 2021 - Arl Now

Denver Regional Transit

Political Pressure Reinvigorates B Line Extension Plans in Colorado

The CEO of the Regional Transportation District speculated recently about whether a planned extension of the B Line to Boulder was necessary or desirable. The governor doesn't think the speculation was necessary or desirable.

February 11, 2021 - CPR News

Seattle Construction

Seattle Limits Natural Gas in New Construction

More cities are banning the use of natural gas in new buildings. Seattle is the latest example.

February 11, 2021 - The Seattle Times

Dallas Freeway Removal

Reimagining the Urban Freeway

With the new administration placing racial justice and equity at the forefront of transportation policy, will America finally reckon with the legacy of its freeways?

February 11, 2021 - Common Edge

Amtrak 2035

Amtrak's Proposed 'Corridor' Expansion, Explained

Even while dealing with the economic fallout of the pandemic, Amtrak is forging forward with plans to expand intercity rail passenger service around the country.

February 11, 2021 - Albany Times Union

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.