The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Sign warning of toxic algae bloom at Lake Erie beach in Ohio.

NOAA Great Lakes Lab Loses Key Funding

Cuts at a lab that monitors water quality in the Great Lakes region could harm efforts to prevent dangerous algal blooms.

May 13 - ProPublica

Silver and red Washington D.C. bus.

DC Metro Is Betting on Buses

The agency plans to significantly expand bus service, which can be added faster and at a lower cost than rail projects.

May 13 - The Washington Post

Close-up of carved United States Court House sign with eagle seal above a doorway.

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.

May 13 - The Hill

Electric vehicle charging station with white cars plugged in

States File Lawsuit Over EV Charging Funds

A coalition of states sued the Trump administration over its suspension of funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program.

May 13 - The New York Times

Person stepping over hole in sidewalk.

Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan

The proposal would address sidewalk needs in Portland’s District 1 and District 4.

May 12 - Oregon Public Broadcasting


6-story building at Honolulu Community College.

Expanding Access to Design Education at Honolulu Community College

Honolulu Community College’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies program highlights the role of community colleges in preparing nontraditional students for careers in architectural and construction technologies.

May 12 - University of Hawai'i News

"Radiation Zone, Keep Out" sign on wood post with red Arizona desert mesa in background

Integrating Human Rights Into Energy and Extractive Sector Transitions

Why just transition efforts must move beyond economic considerations by embedding human rights principles into business practices to ensure equitable, transparent, and accountable outcomes for affected communities and workers.

May 12 - Cambridge University Press


Concrete building wth Department of Housing and Urban Development sign

Blocked, Restored, Blocked Again — Housing Funds in Legal Limbo

Since Trump took office, the administration has blocked multiple affordable housing funding streams. Here's a look at which funds have been frozen, which have been reinstated, and which are in the courts.

May 12 - Shelterforce Magazine

Close-up of dirty pipe at oil drilling operation.

Mapping Groundwater Risks from Orphan Wells Across U.S. Aquifers

A new USGS study reveals that more than half of the nation’s documented orphan wells lie within aquifers supplying the vast majority of U.S. groundwater, posing widespread risks of contamination from aging, unplugged infrastructure.

May 12 - EcoWatch

Two children sitting on rock sillhouetted against sky.

Reflections on Representation and Legacy in Parks and Public Service

In a personal reflection for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, planner Clement Lau explores how cultural identity, public service, and a commitment to equity have shaped his career in parks, community planning, and sustainability.

May 12 - National Recreation and Park Association Open Space Blog

Person riding electric scooter on New York City sidewalk.

FEATURE

Last Mile: Micromobility in the Outer Reaches of NYC’s Outer Boroughs

In 2021 New York City rolled out an e-scooter program in some of the city’s most underserved transportation zones, focused on equity and access. Urban planner Thandi Nyambose gives an insider’s view of the program from the ground.

May 12 - Thandi Nyambose

Mobile home park at dusk.

Poor Conditions in Mobile Home Parks Put Residents at Risk

Failing infrastructure, poor water and air quality, and predatory owners endanger the health of manufactured home residents, many of whom are elderly and low-income.

May 11 - Next City

Complete Streets

How Complete Streets Stands to Lose in the FY26 ‘Skinny Budget’

The President’s proposed budget could cut key resources for active transportation, public transit, and road safety programs.

May 11 - Transportation for America

Historic Dairy Queen restaurant building with neon signs at night.

Dairy Queen and Rural Third Places

Dozens of Dairy Queen restaurants across Texas are closing, taking a critical community space with them.

May 11 - The Daily Yonder

Wide speed hump on Pittsburgh bridge with yellow Speed Hump sign on sidewalk.

Pittsburgh Excels at Low-Cost, Quick-Build Traffic Calming

The city’s traffic calming initiative has led to a 6 percent average reduction in speeds on corridors with recent interventions.

May 11 - Strong Towns

Close-up of pug dog sitting on woman's lap on city bus.

Seattle Transit Asked to Clarify Pet Policy

A major dog park near a new light rail stop is prompting calls to update and clarify rules for bringing pets on Seattle-area transit systems.

May 9 - The Urbanist

Modular home being lifted with crane.

Oregon Bill Would End Bans on Manufactured Housing

The bill would prevent new developments from prohibiting mobile homes and modular housing.

May 9 - Oregon Capital Chronicle

Two people on Nashville BCycle bike share wearing helmets loking out over railing at downtown skyline.

Nashville Doesn’t Renew Bike Share Contract, Citing Lost Federal Funding

The city’s bike share system, operated by BCycle, could stop operating if the city doesn’t find a new source of funding.

May 9 - WKRN

Large group of people and children on bikes in street.

Unleashing the Power of Cycling With Smart Messaging

Lloyd Alter describes how creative design and copywriting can flip the script and promote active transport.

May 9 - Carbon Upfront!

Orange Planetizen Courses 25 for 25 anniversary banner.

FEATURE

25 Years of Impact: Planetizen’s Top Courses Shaping Planners Today

As the planning industry continues to evolve, Planetizen remains committed to helping planners through those changes.

May 8 - Planetizen Team

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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.