A proposal to shift responsibility away from the Department of Transportation has met staunch resistance from industry groups and advocates of the program.

Writing in Streetsblog NYC, Kevin Duggan reports on the uncertain future of New York City’s outdoor dining program, which has been administered by the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT) since its inception in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, the program became ten times bigger than a prior sidewalk dining program managed by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) and, according to some, propped up the industry during the pandemic.
The 0.3-percent reduction in private car storage for Open Restaurants saved some 100,000 jobs during the coronavirus crisis, city officials estimate, and it is still driving Gotham’s slow comeback by helping restaurants make up for pandemic losses, according to the executive director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, which represents tens of thousands of restaurants.
A bill proposed in February would shift management of the program to the DCWP and bar restaurants from erecting outdoor dining structures in the winter months, “a non-starter, restaurateurs previously told Streetsblog because of the cost to build, dismantle and store sheds every year simply because of a winter ban.” Duggan notes that Streetsblog and restaurant industry groups have unsuccessfully tried to get answers from the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Marjorie Velázquez (D–Bronx).
Opponents of the proposal say it would “essentially kill” the outdoor dining program, and that “The $1.4-billion DOT is far better equipped to handle the mammoth initiative than the $70-million DCWP.” Restaurant owners say DOT has been a more collaborative partner, with one owner saying, “I think that [DOT] have their priorities right,” unlike DCWP, who are perceived as “punishers” rather than partners.
FULL STORY: Mayor Adams: Keep DOT in Charge of Open Restaurants

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