The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

The Point-in-Time Homelessness Count, Explained
Each year, cities across the nation undertake a massive effort to physically count their unhoused residents.

Storms Sever California Rail Line—Again
The coast-hugging rail corridor linking Los Angeles and San Diego faces an uncertain future as mudslides once again force part of the line to close.

Study: Bike Infrastructure Makes Roads Safer for All
Higher cycling rates are associated with significantly lower traffic deaths.

FEMA Reforms Disaster Assistance Rules
The changes make it easier for households facing evacuation to access relocation funds.

A Survey of Texas Zoning Reform
Zoning changes at the local and state levels are making it easier and faster to build housing.

Philadelphia Transit Officials Honor Civil Rights Activists
A ceremony held Monday celebrated people who contributed to the desegregation of public transit.

USDOT Launches AI Initiative for Complete Streets
The agency will distribute $15 million for the development of AI applications that further safe transportation infrastructure.

Proposed Legislation Targets Arizona Housing Crisis
A series of state bills address barriers to housing production including parking minimums and ADUs.

FEATURE
Vernacular Architecture in the Era of Climate Change
We no longer have time for design that ignores the climate crisis. Building and community design must respond to this new context to successfully meet people’s needs.

Austin Bike Share Announces Major Expansion
Cap Metro plans to electrify its entire fleet.

Research Reveals Subsidized Transit Is More Efficient
Contrary to some arguments, public transit networks with higher government subsidies have higher ridership and more farebox revenue.

Milwaukee Plans Dozens of Traffic Calming, Bike Projects
The city will install new bike lanes and additional traffic calming measures throughout 2024.

Minnesota Advocates Propose Tools to Limit Road Salt Use
Winter-oriented road design can limit the amount of polluting chloride used on the state’s roads to mitigate winter conditions.

Texas Reservoirs Reach Dangerous Lows
In some parts of the state, water officials have cut off releases that maintain estuaries and other key coastal habitats.

Should Transit Riders Sit on Transit Agency Boards?
A proposal under consideration by Washington State lawmakers would give public transit riders a seat at the table and a voice in decisions that directly affect them.

An Approach for Managing the Risks of Autonomous Cars
As ‘robotaxis’ and other autonomous vehicles make their way onto American streets, cities can take proactive steps to mitigate risks and balance the benefits and challenges of new technology.

Opinion: Austin Zoning Reform Won’t Have Major Impact
Despite heated controversy, some experts believe the zoning changes made last year won’t make a significant dent in the local housing crisis.

Parks and Gardens as Spaces to Celebrate Lunar New Year
Parks and gardens serve as communal spaces that bring people together. As such, there are good reasons for them to host events and activities that celebrate Lunar New Year, an important festival deeply rooted in Asian cultures.

Free ‘Bootcamps’ Help Small Cities Secure Federal Grants for Infrastructure
Participants in the Local Infrastructure Hub bootcamps have a 40 percent success rate on federal grant applications for transportation, climate, food mitigation, rail, and broadband projects.

Commentary: Federal Tax Credits Could Boost Affordable Housing Production
A pair of bills coming before Congress would impact the ability of states to finance affordable housing construction and preservation.
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Tyler Technologies
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
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.