A new federal program will direct resources to reducing traffic deaths, improving roadway safety, and encouraging a shift to sustainable transportation modes.

With traffic fatalities rising in the U.S. despite lower vehicle miles traveled during the pandemic, the federal Department of Transportation has released a national strategy to address traffic safety. As Madeleine Ngo reports, the department plans to work with states and local jurisdictions to direct resources to improving roadways and reducing drunk driving, as well as impose new regulations to improve traffic safety. The plan, known as the National Roadway Safety Strategy, keys in on five areas: "safer people, safer roads, safer vehicles, safer speeds and post-crash care."
Although questions remain about how much influence federal policy will have on local roadways that are largely controlled by local agencies, the program represents a fundamental shift in priorities. According to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, "The big first here is committing the department to the idea that only zero roadway deaths are acceptable, and then aligning all of our resources around that."
In an interview with David Zipper, Sec. Buttigieg said the federal government would employ "a mix of carrots and sticks" to hold states accountable for eliminating pedestrian and traffic deaths. Buttigieg emphasized the need for a "comprehensive strategy" that includes not just making cars and roads safer but also encouraging and supporting a mode shift away from private vehicles, which would also reduce congestion and carbon emissions, benefiting all residents.
FULL STORY: Transportation Dept. Outlines Plan to Address Rising Traffic Deaths

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