The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

More States Hoping to Monetize Highways
The commercialization of highway rights of way is largely prohibited by federal regulations, but states are looking for new ways to generate revenue from billboards and rest stops.

Self-Driving Cars Will Take More Transportation Funding Than They Give
There's a potential consequence from autonomous vehicles that has mostly gone unnoticed: municipal financial ruin.

The State of New York City's Parks
A new report by the Center for an Urban Future signals the need for attention to the Big Apple's parks before they are beyond repair.

Report: Multi-Family Construction Outpacing Demand in Some Parts of the Country
A report on multi-family construction around the country explains why the rent is rising so slowly in the Dallas area despite large employment gains.

Microtransit Still Looking for a Success
"The Story of Microtransit Is Consistent, Dismal Failure," reads the headline of this Streetsblog USA article.

Philadelphia to License Dockless Bike and Scooter Share Companies
Philadelphia offers another regulatory model to respond to the proliferation of dockless bike, ebike, and electric scooter share companies.
From Combined Sewer Systems to Green Infrastructure
A partnership between the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Omaha Stormwater Program are tackling the challenges of combined stormwater systems in the Omaha area.

Amtrak Could End Service on Big Stretch of the Southwest Chief
Congress and presidents have threatened Amtrak service on the Southwest Chief, connecting Los Angles to Chicago, in the past. This time the threat is coming from inside Amtrak.

California's Law to Streamline Housing Already Having a Big Effect
A mega-project adding 2,402 units of housing, including 1,201 affordable units, is on a fast track to approval in Cupertino, California, thanks to a 2017 state law.

Mourning the Loss of the Dairy Queen in Rural Texas
As populations shrink, small towns are losing an important place to get together,,

California Gas Tax Repeal Initiative Qualifies for November Ballot
The initiative is much more than whether to repeal taxes and fees enacted by the passage of the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 which brings in over $5 billion a year. The measure is a means to increase GOP turnout to retain House seats.

Miami Sends Cease and Desist to Electric Scooter Companies
Two major scooter companies operating in Miami have ceased operations in the city, at least for now.
Regrets of an Accidental Placemaker
My pitches for space usually centered around the developer’s needs and not the needs of the neighborhood or its residents. I didn’t pay much attention to what impact those events would have on the surrounding neighborhoods.

After Scrutiny Regarding Affordable Housing Policy, Emanuel Proposes New Chicago Department of Housing
Chicago's current housing policies aren't protecting or producing affordable housing in gentrifying areas, so Mayor Rahm Emanuel is proposing a restructuring of the government. Advocates are skeptical of the idea.

Opinion: Government-Controlled Energy Won't Get Cities to 100 Percent Renewable
A Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) is a key tool for the Climate Action Plan of many California cities. According to one former mayor, they don't work.

San Francisco Bay Area's Rail Transit Projects Among the Most Expensive in the World
The problem of expensive transit investments isn't unique to New York City.

LA Times: City Council Should Take Responsibility for Lack of Transit Oriented Development
The Los Angeles Times editorial board has strong words for the Los Angeles City Council about planning for transit oriented development.
Policing is an Information Business
The NYPD vaunts crime mapping technologies from CompStat maps to a vast networked surveillance infrastructure. Who benefits?

Seattle Ready to Give Free Transit Passes to All High School Students
About 16,000 Seattle students would get free transit passes when school starts again in the fall under a plan approved by the Seattle City Council yesterday.

To Make the Most of Transit Oriented Development, Include Affordable Housing
Low-income residents are more likely to use transit, and transit needs riders. The relationship seems ripe for mutual benefit.
Pagination
Tyler Technologies
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
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.