Infrastructure
Critical Water Bill Passes Senate, Awaits President's Signature
After passing the House earlier on a 412-4 vote, the Senate voted 91-7 on May 22 to pass a $12.3 billion water infrastructure bill known as Water Resources Reform and Development Act. It had been seven years since the act was last reauthorized.
Continuing the Fire Safety vs. Urban Design Debate
A dense network of streets creates the conditions for faster response times. Better pedestrian and automobile safety and excellent response times is a win-win. So why are fire officials undermining this network with calls for wider streets?
How Value Capture Raised $2 Billion for Infrastructure in São Paulo
Leão Serva reports on the case of São Paulo, where a value capture funding mechanism has raised a huge amount of public revenue to pay for infrastructure projects and public housing.
In Search of the Right Fit for Bus Stops on Virginia's Columbia Pike
A controversy over the "million-dollar bus stop" in Arlington prompted one writer to examine the size and scale of bus stops. It's a cost consideration that can determine the choice, in some cases, between bus rapid transit and streetcars.
New TxDOT Head Will Focus on Traffic Safety, Alternative Modes
The Texas Transportation Commission's choice to run the Texas Department of Transportation is a former Marine Corps lieutenant general with a progressive take on the state's transportation challenges.
Vote for America's 'Least Crossable Streets'
We were told to look both ways before crossing the street—not walk two miles, uphill both ways, in the snow before crossing the street.
Does the Fire Code Have to Trump Urban Design?
Planners and urbanists are familiar with the many instances when fire and life safety codes conflict with quality urban design. The city of San Francisco is currently embroiled in policy conflict over the width of its streets.
Mileage Fees Make Inroads in California and Michigan
Vehicle-miles-traveled fees made inroads with a potential "no-fee" pilot program in California and a new academic study in Michigan concluding that the state should adopt them. VMT fees may even get some attention in the MAP-21 Reauthorization.
$1 Billion Port of Miami Tunnel Opens for Business
Florida Governor Rick Scott dedicated a new tunnel under the Port of Miami today. Thirty years in the making, the tunnel is one of the most expensive and elaborate transportation projects in South Florida history.
Transportation Reauthorization Bill Breezes Past First Committee
Receiving a resounding vote of confidence from the Environment and Public Works Committee, the $265 billion, six-year MAP-21 reauthorization bill advanced on its path to keep federal transportation payments going to states through the summer.
Missouri Legislators Vote to Cut Income Tax, Raise Sales Tax for Transportation
After voting to override Governor Jay Nixon's veto of an income tax cut, legislators agreed to allow voters to determine whether to increase the state sales tax by .75% in November for ten years to increase funding for transportation programs.
Defending Atlanta from Anti-Sprawl Malcontents
Robert Bruegmann, professor emeritus of art history, architecture, and urban planning at the University of Illinois at Chicago, defends the recent attacks against Atlanta, especially regarding its sprawling footprint.
Calling for National Investments in Transportation Infrastructure
President Obama visited the Tappan Zee Bridge earlier this week to argue for a renewed commitment to transportation infrastructure.
What's Wrong with the Senate's MAP-21 Reauthorization Bill?
Plenty, according to Tanya Snyder, Streetsblog USA editor, who finds Obama's Grow America plan far superior. Outside of not including a gas tax to fill the Trust Fund gap, she finds the proposal "underfunded and highway centric." She is not alone.
Minneapolis Sets Zero Waste Goals
The Minneapolis City Council is considering steps that would increase the amount of its waste stream that gets recycled.
Denver Opens New Union Station Bus Terminal to Great Expectations
Denver's Union Station Bus Terminal opened over the weekend, the latest step in its ongoing transformation into a hub of intermodal activity as well as a bridge between the contemporary and the historic.
Preventing Illegal U-Turns through the Pennsylvania Avenue Bike Lanes
The effort to protect bikers from cars making illegal maneuvers continues in Washington D.C. on Pennsylvania Avenue. Because the street holds regular inauguration parades, planners can make a limited number of permanent changes.
Waterways Infrastructure Bill: Prelude to Highway Bill Agreement?
Last Thursday, House and Senate leaders announced agreement on an $8.2 billion waterways infrastructure bill, and if they have their way, it won't be their last major agreement. On Monday, a successor highway bill (to MAP-21) will be released.
West Palm Beach, Florida Explores Downtown Walkability
West Palm Beach, Florida is undertaking a walkability study of its downtown; wide streets and a confusing mix of jurisdictions provide substantial challenges to the effort.
Interfacing Urban Intelligence
Shannon Mattern argues that as we enter the era of so-called “smart” cities, we need to consider the point of engagement where citizens interface with the city’s operating system.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
