Infrastructure
Wanted: High-Speed Rail Operator for California
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has taken the first official step to find a train operator for the initial operating segment of the 800-mile project: connecting the Central Valley to the Silicon Valley, with estimated completion by 2024.
Austin Still Needs Permission From Texas to Lower its Speed Limits
A decision by the city of Austin to support lower speed limits on some city streets will remain a symbolic gesture until the state allows local governments to establish their own speed limits.
The Best New Bike Lanes of 2016
The annual list of the best new bike lanes from around the country is brought to us by PeopleForBikes.
City Streets Signed Over to a Developer in Downtown Atlanta
In a move that will enable the $350 million redevelopment of Underground Atlanta, the city has agreed to hand over ownership and control of public streets to the developer.
The Anaheim Streetcar Project Is Officially Off the Table
A new City Council has ushered in a new agenda for the city of Anaheim. Not on that agenda is a controversial proposal for a streetcar connecting Disneyland, the city's convention center, and the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center.
Sound Transit, Feds Agree to Low Interest Rates on $2 Billion in Transportation Funding
If getting low interest rates from the federal government on money borrowed to finance transportation projects sounds like a national infrastructure bank, you're on the right track.
Friday Funny: An Imaginary Snowplow Takes a Lot of Days Off
Fans of @BobGunderson and @BicycleLobby will want to check out the Chicago winter version of the sardonic fake Twitter account, @606snowplow.
$3.5 Million Awarded to Further the Demise of the Robert Moses Parkway
The state of New York this week took another step toward removing two miles of the Niagara Scenic Parkway (formerly known as the Robert Moses Parkway).
Benefits Harder to Recognize as Costs to Widen the I-405 Rise
Was the I-405 widening project worth it for Los Angeles? Depends on whom you ask.
Lead Poisoning Found in Thousands of U.S. Communities
A Reuters study of public health data found 3,000 examples in the United States where lead poisoning rates exceed those in Flint, Michigan.
Philanthropy Key for Separate Bikes and Peds on Chicago's Lakefront Trail
A $12 million gift from a local billionaire will enable a project to give separate access for bike and pedestrians on the popular Lakefront Trail.
Virginia Planning for High-Speed Rail Between Richmond and D.C.
The pieces of the still-speculative Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor—connecting Atlanta to Washington, D.C.—are starting to take shape. The latest leg to come into focus would connect Richmond to D.C.
The Evidence for Houston as a World Class City
Houston is famous among urbanists for many reasons: its lack of traditional zoning, its perpetual growth, and its position in the oil industry are just a few examples. Here, Wendell Cox argues that the city is still under appreciated.
How Equitable Infrastructure Investments Benefit Everyone
A call for the country to focus its infrastructure investments to the most vulnerable and neglected populations—and watch the benefits compound.
Arguing in Favor of Fargo's Embattled Flood Management Project
The Red River Diversion project, also known as the Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Management project, has full federal approval but was recently denied a critical permit by the state. This op-ed questions the wisdom of the state's action.
A Guide for Everyday People to Activate a City's Waterfront
One community advocate's step-by-step guide to activating hidden public waterfront space.
A Grid Balancing Act for Vibrant, Varied, and Sustainable Places
An analysis of three essential attributes of urban grids reveals a preferred layout for the desired effect of a vibrant, active community.
D.C. Streetcar Working in Harmony with Overlapping Bus Lines
The D.C. Streetcar wraps up 2016 with positive news for its ridership numbers, as well as a positive effect on the nearby transit system.
The Most Popular Planetizen Posts of 2016
No Electoral College needed: these were the most popular Planetizen posts from the year 2016.
Embracing Rivers as a Vehicle for Urban Revitalization
A new study includes urban rivers as a potential powerful amenity for economic development and revitalization. The city of Chicago has already taken note.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
