Infrastructure

Behind the Community-Building Mission of the Orton Family Foundation
The work of the Orton Family Foundation provides a leading example of community-driven revitalization at work in small towns all over the country, according to this feature in the Christian Science Monitor.

New Colorado Governor's First Executive Order: Get More EVs on the Road
Colorado will join California and nine other states in requiring that a percentage of new light-duty vehicle sales are zero-emissions, thanks to the first executive order signed by Democratic Gov. Jared Polis on Jan. 17.

Dangerous By Design: Streets Are Only Getting Less Safe for Pedestrians
The latest edition of the annual report by Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition reports more and more death and tragedy on American streets and roads.

The Carmageddon Myth
Seattle recently closed the Alaskan Way Viaduct, but the predicted traffic chaos hasn’t ensued.

Desalination Plants Produce More Brine Than Fresh Water
The plants provide much-needed fresh water, but the environmental costs are immense.

Battery-Electric Buses Might Not Be Quite Ready for Prime Time
Companies are marketing battery-electric buses as the transit vehicles of the future, but there is still much room for improvement.

Public Engagement and Bike Share Planning
New York and Chicago asked residents to suggest sites for new docking stations. Most were not put at those locations, but that doesn’t mean collecting public input is not a useful and important part of the planning process, say researchers.

'Green Zones' an Immediate Success in Minneapolis
After years of planning and development, two Green Zones in Minneapolis are attracting desired investments and paving the way for more success.

Lincoln Park and the Complicated History of Gentrification in Chicago
The following excerpt, written by Daniel Kay Hertz in the introduction to The Battle of Lincoln Park, challenges assumptions about the forces of gentrification in Chicago, with lessons for communities around the country.

Video: Urban Planning Trends to Watch in 2019
Feeling a little "tl;dr" about the "Urban Planning Trends to Watch in 2019" article published by Planetizen earlier this month?

Comparing the Progress of Cities in Providing Alternatives to the Car Commute
A new online tool allows cities to measure progress in providing access to alternative forms of transportation.

Inland Waterways Looking for a Comeback
Inland waterways have capacity to spare to help deal with an expected surge in freight movement around the country. Some TLC will be required to maximize that potential, however.

Seattle Rebrands its Planned Bus Rapid Transit System: Stride
Branding and bus rapid transit go hand in hand.

Plan to Speed Up Relief Line Construction Pitched in Toronto
Toronto Mayor John Tory is intervening in transit plans with a call to speed up spending and the construction timeline for the relief line, designed to relieve crowding on the city's subway system in the urban core.

Needed: A New Approach to the Colorado River
In an interview with Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, former Arizona Governor and former Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbit recommends new approaches to the challenges facing the Colorado River watershed.

Another Lawsuit Complicates Purple Line Plans in Maryland
The 16-mile Purple Line light rail project, which connects Maryland suburbs in Montgomery and Prince George's counties to the D.C. Metro Gold, Red, and Orange lines, is facing a new lawsuit.

New York Needs a Bike Mayor, Say Advocates
More people are cycling in the city, and a Bike Mayor would help promote biking and encourage better, safer infrastructure.

Safe Routes to School Have New Funding Opportunities in Oregon
The Oregon Department of Transportation announced the first round of funding for the Safe Routes to School Competitive Grant Program.
Street Cleaning Program Much Better at Writing Tickets
An investigation into Philadelphia's street cleaning program reveals a parking ticket program that doesn't benefit the city as much as it benefits the Philadelphia Parking Authority.

Coastal Virginia Testing a New Approach to Flood Planning
A new flood plan for Norfolk, Virginia aims to establish a new model for coastal resilience.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions