Infrastructure

Nigeria

Urban Development in African Cities

Rising populations and political challenges complicate the future development of Africa's major metropolitan centers.

November 30, 2021 - The Washington Post

San Francisco Muni

Climate Change Law: A Primer for Cities

A report from the Sabin Center provides a legal framework for municipal-level action on climate change policy.

November 30, 2021 - Sabin Center for Climate Change Law

San Francisco, California

Once San Francisco's 'Grandest Boulevard,' Van Ness Almost Done With Another Makeover

The Van Ness Improvement project took almost two decades to cross the finish line, but it's almost there.

November 29, 2021 - San Francisco Chronicle

Enhanced intersection in San Francisco

Assessing the Success of San Francisco's Safer Intersections Project

A campaign to improve pedestrian safety at dangerous intersections in San Francisco using traffic calming and driver education led to significant reductions in speed and unsafe left turns, according to a report from SFMTA.

November 28, 2021 - San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency

SoHo Broadway

Opinion: It's Time To Put People Ahead of Cars in SoHo

A proposal from SoHo Broadway Initiative aims to prioritize pedestrian and bike infrastructure and discourage car traffic to make the neighborhood safer and more comfortable for the people who live and work there.

November 26, 2021 - City Limits

Desalination

California Ballot Measure Could Streamline Permitting for Water Projects

A coalition of farmers and desalination supporters is collecting signatures for a California ballot measure that would fast-track construction processes for water storage projects.

November 26, 2021 - Mercury News

The New York Public Library's stone lions Patience and Fortitude have donned face masks to remind New Yorkers to wear face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Top Urban Planning Books of 2021

Planetizen's annual list of the top urban planning books of the year is here—maintaining a tradition that dates back to 2002.

November 26, 2021 - James Brasuell

Rancho Seco Nuclear Generating Station

Bill Gates' Nuclear Power Company Takes Giant Step in Cowboy State

A Wyoming coal power plant will be transformed by a company backed by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates to run on nuclear power. With the signing of the bipartisan infrastructure act, $1.5 billion will help produce zero-emission power by 2028

November 24, 2021 - CNBC

Subway Turnstiles

Voters Approved 100 Percent of Pro-Transit Ballot Measures This Year

In 2021, public transit-related ballot measures passed with strong support across the country.

November 24, 2021 - Streetsblog USA

A black and white photo of U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

The Bill is Signed; What’s Next?

The work begins, particularly for the folks at the U.S. Department of Transportation.  Whether you are a transportation official, a consultant, or a weekend transportation policy wonk, here are a few things to consider.

November 23, 2021 - Robert Fischer

MARTA Bus

MARTA Asking Riders For Feedback On Route Redesign

Atlanta's transit agency is asking for public feedback before a major system redesign.

November 23, 2021 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System

Report: San Diego Transportation Plan Won't Meet Climate Goals

A regional plan announced by the San Diego Association of Governments will fall short of the city's goals to increase alternate mode trips to 50 percent, report finds.

November 22, 2021 - KPBS

Colorado River

New Drought Plan Would Mean Voluntary Cutbacks of Colorado River Water

California, Arizona, and Nevada are hammering out a plan to address the worsening drought along the Colorado River.

November 22, 2021 - Los Angeles Times

Baltimore Rowhouses

'Supporting Shrinkage': Lessons for U.S. Cities

An excerpt from "Supporting Shrinkage: Better Planning and Decision-Making for Legacy Cities," written by Michael P. Johnson, Justin B. Hollander, Eliza W. Kinsey, and George R. Chichirau and published by SUNY Press.

November 22, 2021 - Michael P. Johnson

Sunstar electric bikes displayed during the japanese festival in Geneva on the 7th october 2012

The E-Bike Boom Continues

The popularity of electric bikes doesn't seem to be waning as the devices outpace electric car sales by almost two to one.

November 21, 2021 - The New York Times

An image of President Joe Biden at a meeting in the White House while wearing a mask in February 2021.

More Details of the $1.2 Trillion Federal Infrastructure Bill

There's plenty of room for analysis and discussion in a $1.2 trillion bill, so Planetizen's coverage of the historic bill continues.

November 21, 2021 - James Brasuell

Interstate 65 Louisville

Evidence for Tolls as a 'Surefire' Traffic Congestion Fix

Traffic on a Louisville freeway fell by half after a toll was implemented. Could this be the best way to reduce traffic congestion?

November 19, 2021 - City Observatory

SMART Bus

Is Fare-Free Transit Worth Reduced Transit Service?

Transit advocates worry that the movement to eliminate fares will come at a high cost to transit-dependent riders who rely on frequent, reliable service to reach jobs and services.

November 19, 2021 - The Washington Post

San Francisco Bay Area

Opinion: To Meet Climate Goals, Bay Area Needs More Transit-Oriented Development

The region's transit-oriented development (TOD) plan requires a significant update to achieve the density and housing goals laid out in the MTC's 30-year vision.

November 18, 2021 - SPUR

Rescue Bus

Driver Shortages and Service Reductions: The Crisis in Public Transit Continues

While transit systems around the country had reason to celebrate the new funding made available in the federal infrastructure bill, long-term concerns about operational capacity have not been resolved.

November 18, 2021 - Detroit Free Press

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.

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.