Residential zoning has long been considered a local issue, but some presidential candidates have started weighing in on zoning and housing. Journalists, pundits, and researchers have plenty of complexity to examine as the debate changes venue.

Housing shortages in many communities are a topic of discussion on the campaign trail. "Candidates in the 2020 presidential campaign are questioning local zoning in neighborhoods, where single-family homes have been protected by law as well as tradition," Warren Olney reports for KCRW. Some candidates, like Elizabeth Warren, have created a pro-housing development platform.
Olney is introducing the topic of discussion on the local radio show, "To The Point," which featured a star-studded roster of participants, including Emily Badger of The New York Times, Jenny Schuetz of the Brookings Institution, and Joel Kotkin of the Center for Opportunity Urbanism.
“Home ownership involves other issues, like residential segregation and suburban sprawl as a contributor to climate change,” Olney explains. While some politicians in the past have avoided those thorny subjects, they may become a key part of this election cycle.
FULL STORY: The housing shortage, the presidential campaign and the NIMBYs

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)