The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Los Angeles Tenant Harassment Law Yields No Prosecutions
A year after the law was passed, the city has failed to prosecute any of the more than 2,000 complaints filed by tenants.
Colorado River Water Crisis Deepens
The states that rely on the Colorado’s water must make drastic cuts in water usage to maintain use of the West’s most important—and most threatened—water source.
Two New Clean Energy Programs Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Unveiled
The U.S. Department of Energy announced two new programs last month that are funded by the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: $7 billion to create regional ‘hydrogen hubs’ and $4.9 billion to ‘manage and store carbon pollution.’
Nationals Park Survives Permitting Scare, Remains Open for Final Games of the Baseball Season
The Washington Nationals, winners of the 2019 World Series, almost needed to find a new home for the final games of the 2022 baseball season after Events D.C. failed to meet the terms of the certificate of occupancy for Nationals Park.
Zoning Controversy Ahead of November Election in Prince George's County, Maryland
The Prince George's County Council is facing a dramatic overhaul in the November election, so current councilmembers are trying to solidify their zoning legacy, while making it harder for future councilmembers to do the same.
PLANOPEDIA
What Is a Variance?
Variances allow for development projects to deviate from the zoning code on a case-by-case basis—if the project developer can prove a unique economic or physical hardship.
Omaha to Lose its Only Protected Bike Lane
With an 18-month pilot program coming to an end, local officials plan to dismantle the city’s only protected bike lane.
Austin School District Properties Could Host Affordable Housing
The District is weighing early proposals to include housing units for teachers and staff in the redevelopment of a group of six ‘underutilized’ district properties.
Zoning Board of Appeals Overhaul One Step Toward Approval Process Reform in Boston
Mayor Wu recently overhauled the makeup of Boston’s Zoning Board of Appeals, but bigger changes will be necessary to depoliticize the city’s development approvals process.
Will Snohomish County Light Rail Bypass the Airport?
Some county leaders rejected two proposed routes that would skirt Boeing and Paine Field, citing the area’s high potential for travelers and jobs.
Senate Bill Would Support Rural Tenants
With housing costs skyrocketing, a proposed bill would extend assistance and help preserve affordable rental housing in rural areas.
2.7-Million-Square-Foot Astoria Project Approved
The development will include over 2,800 housing units and 2 acres of public open space.
Ian's Test
One of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the mainland United States in decades will be a major test for a governor with presidential aspirations as well as his constituents in the nation's third most populous state.
Feds Approve Nationwide EV Charging Funds
A key approval from the Federal Highway Administration unlocks funding for electric vehicle charging stations and infrastructure in all states and territories.
Report: California Renter Protections Falling Short
New research reveals that the state’s rent cap law is stymied by a lack of transparency and toothless enforcement.
Sacramento Voters to Decide on Using Lawsuits to Reclaim Sidewalks
Measure O may be one of the first ballot measures of its kind to empower residents to take legal action against a city for illegal encampments on city property. The Sacramento City Council voted 7-2 on August 9 to place the ordinance before voters.
How the Drive for Profit Flattens the American Landscape
Mass-market production and the commodification of housing has led to a ‘flattening’ of design into a limited set of bland, homogeneous options.
BLOG POST
Disneyland Is Too Crowded. Is More Capacity Needed?
Disneyland has a plan to create more supply to meet contemporary demand, a strategy reminiscent of contemporary debates surrounding housing and transportation.
Bus Rapid Transit Planning Underway in Cincinnati
A nine-month bus rapid transit planning process, one of the key components of the Cincinnati region’s “Reinventing Metro” long-range transit plan, launched recently.
Meet Virginia’s Newest Variable Toll Lanes
Recently opened express lanes on a nine-mile stretch of Interstate 66 will now charge variable tolls based on traffic congestion.
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
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.
