Disability rights advocates and people who rely on public transit put pressure on Mayor Jenny Durkan to develop a plan for pedestrian access to coronavirus testing centers in Seattle.

Drive-through coronavirus testing is generally a safe way to limit contact between medical professionals and those who seek to be tested. The Seattle Times counts that the majority of the over two dozen Seattle area testing sites offer only a drive-through option, leading community members to question: How can people access testing without a car?
"Advocates for people who ride transit and people with disabilities asked Mayor Jenny Durkan and the Seattle City Council Wednesday to require drive-thru services, including health care and businesses like fast-food restaurants, to allow people to approach on foot or using a wheelchair," reports Heidi Groover. Mayor Durkan's office said in a statement that they would be supportive of a measure to allow pedestrian access to testing facilities and other drive-through services, but has yet to make a plan for legislation.
People without access to cars raise reasonable concerns about traveling in general due to the increased risk of exposure on public transit as well as ride-hailing services. King County officials encouraged people to avoid public transportation and announced that King County Metro is working with public health officials to develop a service to facilitate people with COVID-19 in getting to their medical appointments.
Prior to the onset of the pandemic, Portland adopted guidelines allowing for bicyclists and pedestrians to access drive-throughs when other pedestrian areas were closed. There is ongoing support in Seattle for the immediate adoption of a similar policy.
FULL STORY: How to get tested for coronavirus in Seattle if you don’t have a car

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie