A new memo rescinds Biden-era regulations that prioritized renewable energy, accessibility, and equity for historically disadvantaged communities.
As part of the new administration’s ongoing effort to “rescind woke policies,” the Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced it is removing environmental and social considerations for federally funded infrastructure projects.
Julie Strupp explains the action in Smart Cities Dive, noting that “The move rescinds two Federal Highway Administration memos, issued in 2021 and 2023, both titled ‘Policy on Using Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Resources to Build a Better America.’”
The Biden-era memos called for, among other things, promoting the safety of vulnerable road users, making transportation facilities compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and accommodating “new and emerging technologies like electric vehicle charging stations, renewable energy generation and broadband deployment in transportation rights-of-way,” and reconnecting communities historically damaged by freeways.
FULL STORY: DOT removes equity, environmental factors from IIJA funding decisions
Judge Halts New Conditions for HUD, Transportation Grants
The Trump administration attempted to impose new restrictions on federal grants aimed at eliminating DEI programs and aligning with the administration’s immigration policy.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
Forest Service Rescinds Tree Planting Grants
The $75 million program fell victim to the federal government’s purge of ‘DEI’-related projects.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps
New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.
This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors
A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.
Commentary: Our Silence Will Not Protect Us
Keeping our heads down and our language inoffensive is not the right response to the times we’re in. Solidarity and courage is.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)