Infrastructure

Water Main

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.

January 19, 2017 - Brookings Institution

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.

January 17, 2017 - San Francisco Chronicle

Seattle Light Rail

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.

January 16, 2017 - the transport politic

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."

January 16, 2017 - The Washington Post

Caltrain

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.

January 16, 2017 - The Daily Journal

Blue Line

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."

January 15, 2017 - The Record

Union Station Chicago

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.

January 14, 2017 - Crain's Chicago Business

Sacramento

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.

January 13, 2017 - The Sacramento Bee

Schools

Lead Testing Mandated in Illinois Schools

After a scandal exposed widespread lead contamination in Chicago schools, new legislation requires regular lead testing.

January 13, 2017 - Politico

Green Line

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.

January 13, 2017 - Greater Greater Washington

Green Line, Los Angeles

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.

January 12, 2017 - Planetizen

Henan

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.

January 12, 2017 - The New York Times

AirTrain

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.

January 11, 2017 - RPA Lab

Electronic Waste

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.

January 11, 2017 - Doggerel

Nuclear New York

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.

January 11, 2017 - The New York Times

Buffalo

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.

January 11, 2017 - Buffalo Rising

Madison Bike

A New Long-Range Transportation Plan for Madison, WI

Proposed long-range transportation plan for Madison emphasizes biking, walking, bus rapid transit.

January 10, 2017 - The Capital Times

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.

January 9, 2017 - The Chicago Tribune

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?

January 9, 2017 - South China Morning Post

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.

January 9, 2017 - SF Gate

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.

Senior Manager Operations, Urban Planning

New York City School Construction Authority

Building Inspector

Village of Glen Ellyn

Manager of Model Development

Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO

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.