Infrastructure
Planetizen’s Top Posts of 2023
The most-read articles on Planetizen in 2023.
State Leaders Warn of Risks to Southern California Rail Corridor
Coastal erosion and rising sea levels threaten one of the nation’s most scenic—and strategically important—rail corridors.
National EV Charging Effort Kicks Off
The first charging station funded by the federal infrastructure law just began operating in Ohio.
A Different Approach to Managing Climate Displacement
As climate-driven flooding and storms put increasing pressure on coastal communities, some say the piecemeal nature of federal recovery and mitigation efforts aren’t cutting it.
Gila River Canal Project Pairs Water Conservation With Solar Energy
Local leaders view the first solar panel-covered water canal in the Western Hemisphere as a ‘major win’ for Indigenous water sovereignty.
Virginia Coalition Calls for Increased Data Center Industry Oversight
Environmental groups voice concern that the states large, and growing, number of data centers is putting unsustainable pressure on natural resources and utility infrastructure.
10 Best, Worst States for Climate-Friendly, Equitable Transportation
California and Kentucky bookend a recent ranking of how well states are using federal infrastructure money to address climate change and racial inequities in their transportation networks.
Opinion: California Must Walk the Walk on Transportation Emissions
While state leaders tout their climate goals at COP28, residents back home continue to fight highway expansion projects that induce traffic and increase emissions.
Federal Grants for Passenger Rail Top $8 Billion
The Federal Railroad Administration announced the grants to dozens of projects for expanding or building new rail corridors.
Three-Quarters of U.S. Pedestrian Deaths Happen at Night
Unlike in comparable countries, U.S. pedestrians are most likely to die in traffic crashes during nighttime hours.
Residents Question Fresno Freeway Project
Fresno residents say Caltrans failed to account for the public health risks posed by a major freeway expansion project.
Report: California’s Orphan Wells Still Pose Health Risks
Tens of thousands of idle oil wells litter the state. Taxpayers are often on the hook for cleanup.
How Design Can Help Mitigate Extreme Heat
To prepare for hotter summers, designers and architects can build resilience into the urban environment.
Brightline West Awarded $3 Billion in Federal Funding
The high-speed rail line will cut travel time between Southern California and Las Vegas roughly in half.
Turning Out the Lights on Light Pollution
Limiting light pollution can have beneficial effects for humans, animals, and the local economy.
EPA Calls for Eliminating Lead Water Pipes in 10 Years
The mandate doesn’t include additional funding, prompting backlash from utility companies.
Baltimore Considers Public Restroom Project
The city is starting to develop a plan for adding more public restrooms downtown, where available bathrooms are scarce and historic buildings are being damaged by public urination.
Seattle’s Bike Infrastructure Hamstrings Growth
Design standards that call for minimal road space allocated to bikes are limiting the growth of cycling in the city.
San Antonio Leaders Look to Revive Dormant Bike Plan
The city’s 12-year-old plan to improve its bike network has made little headway. Now, city leaders hope to revitalize the effort.
Upcycling a Landfill into a Regional Park
Los Angeles County is working with a consultant team led by Studio-MLA to transform 142 acres of the Puente Hills Landfill into parkland, creating the first new regional park in the county in over 35 years.
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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
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
