Infrastructure

The Big Representation Gap in Austin's Regional Planning
The names and faces occupying decision-making positions in the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization do not reflect the names and faces of the people they are meant to represent.

A Proposed List of the 'First Principles of Urbanism'
The chief policy officer of Google's Sidewalk Labs proposes six first principles of urbanism to frame the potential impact of technology on urban environments.

Chicago's Shared Street Off to a Bumpy Start
The shared street concept is being tested in Chicago, with goals of spurring economic development, allowing new and flexible use of public spaces, and increasing pedestrian safety.

A Changing of the Parking Guard in Dallas
The city of Dallas is rolling out a new "parking-meter app" this week, but larger changes could be looming in the future.

Smart Street Modifications Lead to a Revitalized Downtown
Lancaster, California's investment in it's primary downtown thoroughfare has sparked a renaissance in its once ailing downtown.

High-Speed Rail: What's Good for Texas Is Good for California
It's becoming clear that Texas will beat California to having the first all high-speed train on the continent. Ethan Elkind suggests three ways that success for Texas Central's Dallas-to-Houston line will benefit the struggling California project.
Another Transit Lesson for New York (and Other Cities) from Toronto
Just as Toronto's subway cars provide an example of the benefits that await New Yorkers when their new 'open gangway' cars arrive in 2020, Toronto's extensive streetcar network also provides an example for New York — of what not to do.
State Audit Echoes Concerns About Pennsylvania Turnpike Finances
There's a tug of war underway in Pennsylvania over $450 million a year in funding for public transit generated by the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Dakota Access Protest Dealt Legal Setback
The federal judge ruled against a challenge that would have halted construction on the $3.8 billion pipeline project connecting North Dakota to Illinois.

San Francisco Working on a New 'Subway Vision'
Planners in San Francisco have completed a public outreach process called Subway Vision. The goal is to create a framework for subway expansion in the city.

Wouldn't It be Nice if Legislators Were Rewarded for Voting to Increase the Gas Tax?
Surprisingly, legislators are rewarded for supporting new gas taxes: they get reelected, according to a new analysis by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association. What's more, they overwhelmingly hail from red states.

How Community Engagement Can Restore Trust in Government
Trust between the public and government agencies is low, and democracies are paralyzed without it. How can community engagement help restore trust? This post outlines the challenge and a process for solving it.

Three Proposals to End Late Night Rail Service on D.C. Metro
Three proposals, that is, save one. David Alpert wants to know why the public isn't considering another option for delivering necessary repairs to the D.C. Metro system.

Questioning the de Blasio Administration's Commitment to Vision Zero
Results showing progress in the fight to end traffic fatalities have disappeared, just like some of the safety projects installed under the banner of Vision Zero.

Study: Time to Prepare for the Worst for Lake Powell's Water
The reservoir on the Colorado located above the Grand Canyon is dropping fast. A new study proposes a contingency plan to reduce the risk of catastrophe.
How U.S Road Safety Compares to Other Countries
That is, not very well.

Developments Surrounding Houston's Distressed Dams
The Houston Chronicle continues a series of feature articles about the persistent flooding of the region. The latest installment examines the tenuous position of the Addicks and Barker dams.

Meet Canada's 'Great Trail'—20,770 Kilometers of Car-Free Trail
It doesn't matter what country you're from, if you like to ride your bike in beautiful places away from cars, you'll be envious of Canada's Great Trail.

Minnesota's Southwest Light Rail Back From the Dead
Regional and county agencies figured out a way to move forward with the Southwest light rail plan without the help of the politically divided state. That could mean the state has time to climb on board by next year's legislative session.

Planetizen Week in Review: September 3, 2016
Books! Maps! Data! Renderings! What more could you want from one week?
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.
Municipality of Princeton
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)