Infrastructure

Report: How Do Local Water Utilities Measure Up?
With the federal funding situation uncertain, water utilities are left in widely varying financial positions. Comparing local utilities across six metrics paints a grim picture.
A $350 Million Bond to Repair San Francisco's Seawall
As seas rise, San Francisco is looking to shore up its costal protection against earthquakes and extreme weather events.

Transit Ducks in a Row for 2017
2017 will be a big year for transit openings around North America. What will come in the years to follow has a lot to do with the Trump Administration.
First 'Clean Coal' Facility in the U.S. Now Operational
The country's first "clean coal" facility has also been described as "the world's largest post-combustion carbon capture system."

The County Transportation Authority That Saved the Caltrain Electrification Project
Up against an unexpected federal requirement to produce substantially more funds for a crucial rail project, San Mateo County's transportation authority showed the importance of "self-help" counties that control local transportation sales tax funds.

Blue Lines on Streets to Honor Police Run Afoul of Federal Regulators
The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) has prohibited local municipalities from painting a blue line down the middle of streets near police stations. State and local governments are pushing back, saying the prohibition "defies common sense."

First on Chicago's Wish List from the Trump Administration: $1 Billion for Union Station
The Emanuel Administration has yet to secure needed funding for a big project to update Chicago's Union Station. Now it's up to the Trump Administration to supply a needed loan.

The Details of Sacramento's Proposed Downtown Streetcar Line
The cities of West Sacramento and Sacramento have high hopes for a streetcar line planned for some of the most beautiful and urban neighborhoods in the region. The Trump Administration could still change the course of the project, however.

Lead Testing Mandated in Illinois Schools
After a scandal exposed widespread lead contamination in Chicago schools, new legislation requires regular lead testing.

The Green Line: a Boon to Washington, D.C.
How has the Green Line benefitted the economy of Washington, D.C.? A new report counts the ways.

Review of November 2016 Transportation Ballot Measures
About 50 transportation measures appeared on local ballots on November 8, 2016. To date, Planetizen reviewed outcomes in nine regions in six states. Here we compare the measures in terms of revenue, taxes, projects, and reasons for failure.

iPhone City in Zhengzhou
Foxconn and millions who work at Apple's many suppliers make their homes in Zhengzhou, a place many in China call iPhone City.

The Impossible Dream: A One-Seat Ride to JFK
The goal of someday getting on a train in Manhattan and getting off the same train at JKFK International Airport might seem impossible, but it's not. It would be expensive and difficult, however.

The Upside of the Looming Resource Crisis
The concept of the circular economy is starting to take hold on governments and business throughout the world. Peter Moskowitz discusses the various ways the concept is being translated into practical, real-world solutions.

Indian Point Nuclear Plant to Shut Down by 2021
Continuing a string of high-profile infrastructure announcements, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a deal to shut down the Indian Point Nuclear Plant, located less than 30 miles from Midtown Manhattan.

Buffalo Billion II Promises Light Rail Extension and More
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is making a tour of his State of the State address, delivering six separate speeches in different parts of the state. His stop in Buffalo made news for its promised capital investments.

A New Long-Range Transportation Plan for Madison, WI
Proposed long-range transportation plan for Madison emphasizes biking, walking, bus rapid transit.
Chicago Gets a $1.1 Billion Federal Grant for North Side Transit Improvements
The city of Chicago was working hard to win the federal funding while the Obama Administration is still in power.
Subway Quiz: What Long-Awaited Line Opened Four Days Before the Second Ave Subway?
The 4.6-mile subway operates like some AirTrains in the U.S. that automatically whisk travelers between airport terminals without drivers and with platform screen doors at stations for enhanced safety. Where is the new line located?
More Details of Bus Rapid Transit's Expanding Reach in San Francisco
The Geary bus corridor was the #1 pick for a subway according to a Muni survey, but commuters will have to settle for bus rapid transit. A milestone was reached when the San Francisco County Transportation Authority approved the design and EIR.
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions