The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

$1.6 Billion Freeway Expansion Project Approved in Dallas
The Texas Transportation Commission has approved a $1.6 billion expansion project for Interstate 365, also known as LBJ East. The project is considered North Texas' most pressing transportation need.

New Chapter in the San Francisco Scooter Wars: Removal
The city attorney vows to bring order to the streets (and sidewalks) of San Francisco by requiring electric scooter share companies to apply for permits. First step: all e-scooters must be removed by June 4, or risk a $100 fine per day per scooter.

Rising Gas Prices: A Reminder That Supply Alone Won't Bring Energy Security
Memorial Day gas prices are the highest since 2014, The rising price of gas has already negated the tax savings from last year's tax cuts bill for low-income Americans. Retaining fuel economy standards would increase energy security.

Feds to Award $25.8 Million in Grants for Transit Oriented Development
Applications for the Pilot Program for TOD Planning are due July 23, 2018.

Analysis: Homeless Villages Don't Spur Crime
Homeless villages aren't hotbeds of crime, according to recent analysis. Rather, they can be part of a "crime prevention ecosystem."

FEATURE
Lago Approaches New York City as a 'City of Neighborhoods'
The latest installment of the "Planners Across America" series features New York City Planning Director and Planning Commission Chair Marisa Lago.
Smart Growth—How it Came to Be and Where It's Going
An excellent primer (refresher for many) on Smart Growth and the history of planning generally, by former San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Assoc. Exec. Director Jim Chappell

Making Protected Bike Lanes the Design Standard
An institutional mandate isn't enough to make a design vision a reality. Portland is working on bringing its standards and guidelines in line with its ambition for protected bike lanes.

The Best Locations for L.A.’s Mountain Lion Freeway Bridges
A coalition of researchers have identified one area near the 101 and other near I-15 that would help keep the big cats alive and healthy.

Offshore Wind Energy Blowing Up in the United States
The U.S. offshore wind industry has gained momentum in the past year and a half.

Pedestrians Not Allowed Within Three Feet of Cars in Dayton
The new law is billed as a pedestrian safety measure, which is just one of the problems with the law according to critics.

Streetcar Essential to Neighborhood Revitalization Plans in Milwaukee
The city of Milwaukee has renderings to illustrate its ambitions for transit oriented development surrounding the streetcar extension into Bronzeville and Walker's Point.

Freeway Cap Book Manuscript Online for Review and Comment
The first comprehensive manual for planning, funding, and building a freeway cap is put online for review and comment.

Post-SB 827, California Addresses Infill and Local Planning
California State Sen. Ben Allen has authored SB 961 to finance optional neighborhood infill TOD districts, with support from fellow legislators. Redondo Beach Mayor Bill Brand is considering an initiative to protect local zoning.

Report: Bus Transit 80% Electric by 2040
Analysts expect electric buses to be cheaper to operate than diesel buses by 2019.

Public Lands Score Two Political Victories in Idaho Governor's Race
It's been a tough couple of years for advocates of public lands. Could the cause of conserving and protecting public lands be gaining public support in a staunchly conservative state?

Memorial Day Buzzkill: Popular Stretch of Rockaway Beach Closed Indefinitely
New York City hasn't been able to keep the beach from eroding.

Nothing Conventional About It: BART Begins New Diesel Train Service
By building a diesel-powered train line for the 9.2-mile extension to Antioch in East Contra Costa County, BART saved almost $500 million and began service earlier than had it extended the existing line, though a transfer is required between trains.
BART Board of Directors Votes Down Livermore Extension
A controversial vote sets a "fix it first" agenda for regional transit planning—the implications of this decision could potentially reach far beyond the scope of this single project.

Small Business, Co-Op Apartments Mixed Up in New York Bill
The debate about the Small Business Jobs Survival Act continues in New York City.
Pagination
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
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.