Fewer parking spaces, more sober rides home. Sounds like a recipe for a good night out.

Washington, D.C. recently launched a pilot program meant to cut down on congestion on Connecticut Avenue, just south of Dupont Circle, at closing time for the nightlife that coalesces there.
"In a new year-long pilot program, they’re taking 60 parking spaces out of commission on Connecticut Avenue between Thursday night and Sunday morning, reserving them instead for pickup and dropoff zones," reports Benjamin Schneider. The configuration responds to the practice of ride-hailing companies and taxis double and triple parking while waiting for passengers.
According to Schneider, this seemingly small pilot project could be a "serious trendsetter" as cities look for new ways to deal with the conflicts that arise when crowds gather, and then need to get home all at the same time.
Schneider includes a lot more details of the project, including an account of the planning and outreach process that preceded its implementation.
FULL STORY: D.C. Gives Uber and Lyft a Better Spot in Nightlife

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
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)