The tool aims to help stakeholders "cut through regulatory complexity" and ensure equitable access to the light rail line's economic benefits.

A new tool from the University of Maryland’s National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education (NCSG) "provides easy access to a curated database of plans and regulations" in the Purple Line corridor, the area surrounding Maryland's upcoming Purple Line light rail. Cyrus Chimento, who worked on the project, writes in Greater Greater Washington that while the Purple Line project "presents massive benefits to locals such as increasing transportation access, decreasing pollution, and creating jobs," not all residents will share the benefits. "To combat this potential outcome, the Purple Line Corridor Coalition (PLCC) formed a community development agreement among businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and community groups to make sure the Purple Line benefits are shared equitably among all residents and workers in the area." The coalition's goals include supporting and growing local businesses, improving access to housing choices, and building a thriving labor market.
The Plans and Regulations Information Tool aims to simplify the navigation of the area's complex regulatory environment. "The real power of the tool is to (very quickly) answer the general question underpinning those mentioned above: 'What plans or regulations apply to this place?' And since the Purple Line corridor spans multiple jurisdictions, we bring all the data together in one place." The tool is designed to assist developers and other interested stakeholders in understanding local regulations, and its designers hope "it can be a piece of the larger effort to make sure the benefits of the Purple Line investment accrue equitably."
FULL STORY: This tool helps create equitable development in communities surrounding the Purple Line

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?

Pedestrian Deaths Drop, Remain Twice as High as in 2009
Fatalities declined by 4 percent in 2024, but the U.S. is still nowhere close to ‘Vision Zero.’

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.
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
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie