After the death of a well-known Indianapolis cyclist and growing pedestrian death rates, the city expanded on its 2012 Complete Streets ordinance to highlight equity and renew efforts to make streets safer.

An article by Kayla Dwyer in the Indianapolis Star highlights the Indianapolis City Council’s renewed efforts to implement a Complete Streets policy. Originally passed in 2012, the city’s Complete Streets ordinance “drifted to the background.” Now, with pedestrian death rates rising and the death of a prominent local cyclist, the city council has issued updates to the policy. “The revised ordinance, adopted by the council Monday night, gets far more specific, and includes an expanded emphasis on transparency and equity.”
The legislation calls for applying Complete Streets principles to all types of projects and adds new performance metrics and reporting requirements. “[City-County Councilor John Barth] said the intention behind this revised policy is to compel the department to report publicly any instances of Complete Streets elements not being implemented after the design process is complete. The revision also requires DPW to identify barriers to Complete Streets implementation and potential solutions.” The ordinance also establishes a formal process for evaluating dangerous intersections and assessing potential safety improvements.
Department of Public Works director Dan Parker says DPW supports the updates, but cautions that the department needs more sustainable funding sources to achieve its goals.
FULL STORY: Complete Streets' 2.0: Eyeing safety, Indianapolis revises 10-year-old road design policy

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