After a legal ruling favored resident groups who charged the OTA with illegal practices and a lack of transparency, the authority ordered all work on a major turnpike expansion stopped.

In a victory for the state’s freeway fighters, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) has halted work on a major turnpike expansion known as ACCESS Oklahoma, reports Asia Mieleszko in Strong Towns.
The authority was sued by residents who charged OTA with a lack of transparency in January. Plaintiffs claimed they were given inadequate notice about OTA's plans, even finding out about the potential displacement of their homes or businesses from newspaper reports.
A judge agreed, ruling that the OTA ‘wilfully violated’ the state’s Open Meetings Act. “On March 15, 2023, Oklahoma’s attorney general stepped in and seemingly sided with the plaintiffs, requesting an audit of the OTA.”
While OTA plans to continue the work in the future, “At the very least, the devastation of hundreds of homes, businesses, and natural areas necessary for the project’s scope is being put on hold,” Mieleszko writes.
FULL STORY: Breaking News: Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Stops Work on $15 Billion Turnpike Expansion

Amtrak Ramping Up Infrastructure Projects
Thanks to federal funding from the 2021 infrastructure act, the agency plans to triple its investment in infrastructure improvements and new routes in the next two years.

The Unceremonious Death of a Freeway Expansion Project
The end of an Oregon freeway project didn't get much fanfare, but the victory is worth celebrating.

Ending Downtown San Francisco’s ‘Doom Loop’
A new public space project offers an ambitious vision—so why is the city implementing it at such a small scale?

Kaua’i County Uses Long-Range Models to Mandate Resiliency Standards
The county requires builders to assess potential flood risks using models that account for sea level rise projected as far out as 2100.

California Governor Vetoes Autonomous Truck Ban
Gov. Newsom called the new law unnecessary, citing existing efforts by state regulators to develop new rules around autonomous trucking.

Low-Barrier Motel Shelter Is a Success—But Not an Easy One
Many guests at Motels4Now are on their second or third stays—but staff say that's doesn't equal failure, and the numbers bear that out.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Washington University
Mpact: Mobility, Community, Possibility
Lassen County Planning and Building Services
City of San Carlos
National Capital Planning Commission
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.