The great battle between local control and state preemption shifts focus again in California. This time micromobility, electric scooters and the like, are on the front line of the conflict.

David Zipper, fellow at the German Marshall Fund, writes of an effort in the California State Legislature to preempt local laws regarding micromobility devices, like electric scooters, e-bikes, and dockless bike share.
"Should it become law in its current form, Assembly bill 1112 (AB 1112) could curtail cities’ ability to: ensure micromobility access in underprivileged communities, establish caps on the total number of vehicles, or collect trip information to improve transportation policy," explains Zipper.
Zipper's preference for local control is obvious, but so is the concern for equitable outcomes. "As approved by the Legislature’s Assembly committee on April 30, AB 1112 includes language that would prevent local micromobility regulations 'requiring operation below cost.' That could block cities from pursuing equity goals, such as Oakland’s requirement that half of all shared e-scooters be placed in 'communities of concern' as identified by the Bay Area Metropolitan Transportation Commission."
Any surprise about the state of California preempting local authority laws can be tempered by the recent failure of SB 50, a statewide housing law that would have implemented new land use regulations in cities all over the state.
FULL STORY: Will California Preempt City Control of Micromobility Companies?

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service